Defenders' stories

'International advocacy is a tool to advance our human rights work, but it is also a tool that will support us in consolidating our protection as women human rights defenders.'

Bonnie Florencia Shariff, woman human rights defender from Madagascar, speaks about the importance of inclusive societies in a world that is becoming increasingly globalised. 

'What is needed from the international community in general, and from within the UN, is a concrete, coherent and unified voice in favour of the protection of human rights defenders, the safeguard of the fundamental liberties, the civic space and human dignity,' said Rosana Lezama Sanchez, a law student in Venezuela working with three national human rights organisations.

I hope for a future built on compassion, unity and hope." Nicoline Nwenushi wazeh Tumasang, a courageous and inspiring human rights defender from Cameroon shares her story of hope, resilience and fight for gender equality.

'I remember to be hopeful, not because it feels good or because I am waiting for something to happen on its own, but because I believe in my own power and the magic we create when queer people, Black people, women come together to channel our rage, righteous and raw, into sustained action.' We were privileged to hear human rights defender Alicia Wallace's powerful message and would like to share her story with you below.

'My goal in life is creating an environment in which every woman or girl can exercise her human rights and live to her full potential.' Baiye Frida Ebai, a passionate human rights advocate with over 14 years of experience promoting and protecting women and children's rights in vulnerable communities in Cameroon, shared her inspiring story with us.

Maryam Al-Khawaja, a prominent Bahraini-Danish human rights defender, continues her relentless advocacy for democracy and human rights. As Vice-Chair of the Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights, and a board member at ISHR and CIVICUS, Maryam champions the interconnectedness of global human rights causes.

Patricia Schulz is a Swiss lawyer specialised in international human rights law and gender equality. She is a Senior research associate at UNRISD, the United Nations Research Institute on Social Development, and a former member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

Olga Karach, Chief of International Centre for Civil Initiatives 'OUR HOUSE' in Belarus, is celebrated for her enduring advocacy for human rights, receiving multiple international awards including the Human Rights Award of the City of Weimar and the Alexander Langer Prize.

Marisa Hutchinson, board member of EQUALS, tirelessly advocates for the visibility and rights of LBQ women in Barbados, striving towards legislative equality and societal acceptance within the community.

Linda RM Baumann, a pivotal advocate for LBT women's rights and strategic coordinator for Namibia’s Diverse Women Association (NDWA), passionately works to ensure protection and recognition for marginalised communities.

Rizal Rozhan, an Advocacy and Capacity-Builder Officer at EMPOWER in Malaysia, plays a crucial role in promoting women's political equality and coordinating national efforts to monitor and implement UPR Recommendations in Malaysia.