Women HRDs

Regional Situation

Women human rights defenders (WHRDs) are confronted with the same challenges as any defender, but are made particularly vulnerable due to the myriad of gender-specific risks they also face. Throughout the East and Horn of Africa, sexual violence has been used to attack WHRDs and, at times, their families become a target for threats and harassment. Often challenging existing cultural norms and stereotypes through their work, WHRDs also face heightened isolation or rejection by their communities.