This week saw the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence as well as International Human Rights Day on Thursday, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To mark the occasion we’ve been inspired and proud to highlight just a few leading women’s voices combating gender-based violence and standing up for human rights. Visit our Facebook or Instagram profiles to learn more about each woman featured during the #16Days campaign.
Equality and standing against violence and human rights violations deserve more than one day—or 16 days. Just as the work didn’t start with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but that doesn’t lessen its worldwide impact, so too have we been honored to highlight the work and advocacy of women fighting to end violence and gender-based mistreatment. But the work isn’t done. The fight isn’t over. We will continue to stand with women, and people of all genders, against discrimination attacks on human rights—and for independence, empowerment, dignity, and safety for all. Read on to check out just a few articles we’ve enjoyed this week on the intersection of women’s advocacy and the fight for universal human rights.
‘Women’s Rights Are Human Rights’: How Equality Became a U.S. Foreign Policy Priority, from Ms. Magazine—“‘Women’s rights are human rights’ still reverberates around the world as it did in Beijing 25 years ago. Yet gender equality has not been reached in any country, though it is both a moral imperative and smart policy. The changes implemented in U.S. development, diplomacy and defense after Beijing created important architecture and policy initiatives, but progress must be accelerated. Achieving the goals set out in the Beijing Platform for Action requires political will and a renewed commitment to placing gender equality at the center of American foreign policy.”
The Lesser-Told Stories of the Women Who Are Behind International Human Rights Day, from Australian Broadcasting Corporation—“What many might not know is that several women from different parts of the world helped shape the universal declaration to ensure it promised freedom for all people, regardless of gender.”
Human Rights Must Be ‘Front and Centre’ of COVID-19 Response: Secretary-General, from UN News—“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups including frontline workers, people with disabilities, older people, women and girls, and minorities. It has thrived because poverty, inequality, discrimination, the destruction of our natural environment and other human rights failures, have created enormous fragilities in our societies.”
Education Is a Fundamental Human Right and the Priority of the 21st Century, from IPS News—“According to a recent report by the Norwegian Refugee Council and the Global Protection Cluster, experts estimate that an additional 15 million women and girls would be exposed to gender-based violence for every three months of Covid-19 lockdown globally. Education Cannot Wait (ECW) was established in 2016 to increase financial resources and accelerate delivery of quality education to those left furthest behind in conflict, forced displacement, climate-induced disaster and endemics.”
Saudi Arabia Begins Trial of Women’s Rights Activist Loujain Al-Hathloul, from The Guardian—“Saudi Arabia has put a women’s rights activist, Loujain al-Hathloul, on trial in a special court set up to handle terrorism cases, more than two years after she was detained over her peaceful activism. She is accused, along with several other campaigners, of activities that ‘undermine the kingdom’s security, stability and national unity,’ according to the state news agency. The trial began on International Human Rights Day, an irony noted by her family and campaigners.”
