African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD Initiative)

After an intentional pause to reflect, recharge, and practice care, we return with renewed purpose to continue our calling: Safeguarding Women Human Rights Defenders across Africa and beyond. Human rights work never pauses, but those who defend them must — to sustain our strength, nurture our resilience, and deepen our impact. In 2025, care will be more than a guiding principle; it will be the heartbeat of our movements. Through intentional care — for our minds, bodies, and spirits — we strengthen the bonds that sustain us and forge movements capable of enduring the trials of injustice. This calling is not just about justice and equality; it is about sustaining the defenders of these values. Together, we step forward with care as our compass, ensuring our activism nurtures change and well-being alike. Let care lead the way. #SafeguardWHRDs #CareIsResistance #WHRDs #HumanRightsDefenders #AFRICA

Thank you so much for celebrating the international women's day with us. Thank you for safeguarding women human rights defenders in Africa and beyond. #Whrd #InternationalWomensDay #IWD

#??????2025: ?????????????????? ?????????? ?????????? ???????????? ??????????????????—?? ???????????? ???? ????????????????????, ?? ???????????? ???? ?????????????????? On this International Women’s Day 2025, we stand in full solidarity with Women Human Rights Defenders (#WHRDs) across Africa and beyond who continue to resist oppression, challenge systemic injustice, and fight for gender equality—often at great personal risk. We also honour Norah Kobusingye, the African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD Initiative) 2024 Africa WHRD of the Year, for her fearless stand against corruption and systemic oppression. Today, we are in #Uganda for the #AfricaWHRDAward ceremony, celebrating her heart work with her community and reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding WHRDs across the continent. #CelebrateWHRDs #SafeguardWHRDs Front Line Defenders Open Briefing Urgent Action Fund-Africa Freedom Hive Uganda AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network) William and Flora Hewlett Foundation Rachael mwikali Renee Nwoes Salome Nduta Emma Kalea Fatou Baldeh MBE Andrea Woods Tiseke Kasambala Fridah Githuku (F.M) Mary Lawlor Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda Constance Mukarati Mary Pais Da Silva Ford Foundation Open Society Foundations Not1More UN Women Read our full statement:

Solidarity Noun ?/?s?l??d?r?ti/ ?/?sɑ?l??d?r?ti/ Support by one person or group of people for another because they share feelings, opinions, aims.. Take a look at images from our Solidarity Dinner during the Africa WHRD Convention?2024. #SafeguardWHRDs #AWHRDC2024 #InSolidarity #BeyondResilience Sheila Nhancale Tebello Moreboli Lidiya D.Mekonen

I welcome this initiative by the Centre for Applied Human Rights, University of York to produce guidelines for universities involved in the protection of human rights defenders & for those seeking to do more. Universities have a crucial contribution to make in the shared endeavour of protecting HRDs. https://lnkd.in/eqceiJDZ

Check out our highlight video from Day 2 of the Africa WHRD Convention #AWHRDC2024 held in Accra, Ghana, from November 28th to 30th, 2024. The day was filled with powerful moments, including a tribute to Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) on International WHRDs Day, An inspiring performance by Banshee, supported by Accountability Lab Zimbabwe and a message of solidarity from Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly & Association. Key sessions explored vital topics including leveraging the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Mary Lawlor’s mandate to amplify WHRD voices, dismantling barriers to funding for women defender-led organizations, and strategies for supporting WHRDs in exile. The day also featured powerful discussions on justice, resilience, and solidarity, with highlights such as Iryna Zaporozhets’ work in Ukraine and Daniele Duarte’s advocacy in Brazil. Watch the video to see the energy and commitment that made this event an unforgettable celebration of strength and unity. Ford Foundation Open Society Foundations West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation Amnesty International THULANI MASEKO FOUNDATION DefendDefenders Front Line Defenders Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association ZELA Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD) AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network) American Bar Association

Honored to Attend the African Women Human Rights Convention in Accra, Ghana! #ThankYou2024 #BestOfMyYear I am beyond thrilled and grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this year's African Women Human Rights Convention in Accra, Ghana. It has been an inspiring and empowering experience to connect with incredible women leaders, activists, and advocates who are at the forefront of championing human rights and equality across the African continent. This convention has not only deepened my understanding of the challenges we face but has also fueled my passion for driving positive change in our communities. The discussions, collaborations, and knowledge shared here have been nothing short of transformative, and I am leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to contribute to the advancement of women’s rights and social justice. A huge thank you African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD Initiative) for making this event a powerful platform for change. Together, we are unstoppable! ???? #AfricanWomen #HumanRights #Empowerment #WomenLeadership #SocialJustice #AWHR2024 #AccraGhana #Inspiration #Solidarity

Super proud of this initiative, viva Africa women human rights defenders!.

Last month, I went on an academic visit to #Angola, #SouthAfrica and #Ghana. I want to thank all of the human rights defenders who shared their experiences with me and who entrusted me to bring their voices to a wider audience. Read about my trip here ?? https://lnkd.in/gQxt9PgA

One of the highlights of this year was meeting Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur for human rights defenders. Thank you for the incredible work you are doing in advocating for the protection of human rights defenders worldwide. You are truly a woman we look up to, and your dedication continues to inspire us all! African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD Initiative)