URGENT UPDATE: A new report reveals a devastating escalation in the global crackdown on women human rights defenders (WHRDs). The 2025 People Power Under Attack report from CIVICUS highlights that civic freedoms are being increasingly violated across 83 countries, significantly up from 67 in 2020. This alarming trend demands immediate global attention and support for those on the frontlines.
As of today, the report confirms that only 7 percent of the world’s population lives in countries where civic freedoms are broadly respected. The situation for WHRDs, who advocate for human rights, gender justice, and various social issues, has deteriorated sharply. They face heightened risks of detention, abuse, and discrimination, both for their activism and their gender identity.
The report documents a surge in online intimidation and threats directed at female journalists and activists, illustrating the dire conditions under which they operate. Increasing authoritarianism and fundamentalism are fueling this environment, marking a shift towards normalized repression against those who champion rights and freedoms.
“The intensifying repression of civic space demands coordinated and sustained action to defend and support the work of activists, human rights defenders, and journalists,” said Reylynne Dela Paz, Advocacy Lead at CIVICUS.
Women defenders like Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and others such as Pakhshan Azizi, Sharifeh Mohammadi, and Verisheh Moradi face death sentences in Iran, highlighting the grave risks these women encounter daily. Their stories are just a glimpse into a broader, systemic issue fueled by repressive regimes worldwide.
Furthermore, the report sheds light on the impact of anti-rights networks that manipulate public narratives against gender justice, branding advocates as threats to societal norms. This has resulted in reduced support for vital initiatives surrounding health rights, environmental justice, and women’s participation in governance.
The Stand As My Witness Campaign by CIVICUS calls for the release of unjustly detained human rights defenders, bringing attention to the brutal treatment of women activists. Stories of violent arrests and inhumane conditions reveal a chilling reality for those dedicated to justice and equality.
Women and girls play a crucial role in the pursuit of peace and justice, yet they increasingly suffer under oppressive systems. The need for protective measures that address the unique challenges faced by WHRDs is paramount. International, regional, and national institutions must prioritize intersectional protection mechanisms and gender-transformative responses.
As calls for gender equality intensify, the current global landscape underscores the urgent need for policies that not only recognize but also safeguard the rights of WHRDs. Multilateral institutions must hold member states accountable for their commitments to human rights and gender justice.
The time to act is now. Increased investment in the protection of WHRDs, alongside efforts to counter disinformation campaigns, is essential for fostering an environment where human rights can thrive. The world must stand in solidarity with those who risk everything for the sake of justice and equality.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue and how you can support the fight for women’s rights globally.
