UPDATE: A startling new report reveals that attacks on women human rights defenders (WHRDs) are escalating at an alarming rate. Released by CIVICUS on December 15, 2023, the 2025 People Power Under Attack report shows that civic freedoms are under siege globally, with 83 countries now denying basic rights to their citizens.
The report highlights a significant decline in freedom, with only 7 percent of the world’s population living in countries where civic freedoms are broadly respected, down from 13 percent in 2020. This downward trend is particularly dangerous for WHRDs, who are facing unprecedented levels of violence and repression.
Officials emphasize that WHRDs—women and girls advocating for human rights, gender justice, and environmental issues—are increasingly targeted due to both their activism and their gender. As authoritarianism and fundamentalism rise globally, these defenders are subjected to online harassment, imprisonment, and even death threats.
“Women human rights defenders are at a higher risk not just for what they do, but because of who they are,” the report states. It documents harrowing cases, including that of Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist from Iran, who has been imprisoned multiple times for her advocacy. Other notable WHRDs like Pakhshan Azizi and Sharifeh Mohammadi are currently facing death sentences in Iran, underscoring the dire situation.
The report indicates a disturbing trend: coordinated attacks against WHRDs are being fueled by anti-rights networks, often led by populist politicians and extremist groups. These entities spread disinformation, framing gender justice advocates as threats to societal values, which has led to a decrease in support for essential health and rights initiatives.
The urgent need for protective measures for WHRDs cannot be overstated. The report calls for immediate, coordinated action from national and international bodies to dismantle the patriarchal structures that enable such violence. It stresses the importance of intersectional protection mechanisms that address the unique challenges faced by WHRDs.
CIVICUS’s Stand As My Witness Campaign further illustrates the brutal reality for many WHRDs, documenting violent arrests and inhumane treatment. The campaign highlights the stories of women activists who have faced severe repercussions for their work, including arbitrary arrests and unjust accusations.
One poignant account describes a mother accused of firearm possession while helping farmers understand their rights. Another details the harsh arrest of an elderly woman empowering Indigenous communities, illustrating the systemic nature of this violence.
The global community must act now. The Sustainable Development Goals recognize gender equality as vital for sustainable development, yet the safety of those advocating for this goal remains largely unaddressed.
As pressure mounts on WHRDs, it’s crucial for multilateral institutions to hold member states accountable for their commitments to protect human rights. The report’s findings are a clarion call for increased investment in gender justice and the protection of those who fight for it.
In the face of rising repression, the world must ensure that women and girls, who play a critical role in advancing peace and justice, are not merely acknowledged but actively supported and protected. As the situation deteriorates, the time for action is NOW.