Unique Dangers Faced by Women Activists

Many human rights advocates in repressive countries are targeted and harassed by those in power for exposing rights abuses. Female advocates, however, are especially vulnerable to such threats because women who speak out against injustice often challenge attitudes about the role of women and girls in their societies.

Beginning this month, Human Rights First is focusing a spotlight on women human rights defenders – as a way to give them an additional measure of protection. HRF's web site outlines the unique challenges women defenders face from sexual harassment and violence to forced psychiatric treatment.

Take, for instance, the case of Lydia Cacho Ribeiro. Ribeiro faces up to four years in prison for implicating prominent businessmen in a child pornography ring in Mexico. Transcripts of taped conversations suggest that the prosecution was initiated solely to harass and silence Ribeiro for her work promoting the rights of women and children.

Human Rights First will continue to bring to attention cases of women activists who are attacked because of their gender.

Interested? Please visit: http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/defenders/hrd_women/hrd_women.asp