Human rights defender's story: Maiga Djingarey from Mali

Maiga Djingarey from Mali is at the forefront of championing women’s rights as the coordinator of the Association Femmes et Droits Humains (Association of Women and Human Rights). Her organisation is dedicated to defending, promoting, and educating on women’s rights, with a specific focus on reproductive health, political participation, and local governance, particularly targeting grassroots women.

Djingarey’s motivation to defend human rights was sparked at an early age. Raised solely by her father, she was influenced by his progressive views on gender equality, such as his decision to allow her to choose whether to have her ears pierced when she was older, highlighting the lack of inherent differences between boys and girls. This foundational experience led Djingarey to question gender norms and seek to empower women through education. After completing her diploma, she began her career with an NGO focused on women’s literacy, where she encountered numerous violations against women that strengthened her resolve to fight for equality.

One of the core challenges Djingarey faces as a woman human rights defender is the resistance from those who uphold the status quo, which often results in discrimination and threats not only against activists like herself but also against the women, children, and families they aim to help. The work of advancing human rights, especially for women and girls, involves challenging deeply entrenched societal norms and practices.

Djingarey’s primary goal is to ensure the implementation of a specific decree in Mali that was established in law to protect and empower women, particularly women human rights defenders. This decree promises to provide vital protection mechanisms that are crucial for the safety and effectiveness of women activists on the ground.

Djingarey Maiga’s dedication to her work and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of women and girls in Mali exemplify the impact that knowledgeable and passionate defenders can have on their communities. Through her leadership, she continues to inspire and educate, paving the way for a more equal and just Mali.