Acha-Kutscher's powerful artwork brings to life the stories of the women human rights defenders and groups from around the world who are working to end violence against women, protect the planet, advance sexual and reproductive rights, and more.
The Women Human Rights DefendHer campaign highlights the critical work of these activists, as well as the threats that women human rights defenders face because of their work and gender. DefendHer demonstrates the bold steps toward justice being made by the grassroots women's and human rights groups that Global Fund for Women, JASS, and MADRE support and partner with.
"Women human rights defenders work tirelessly to advance human rights for all of us, often in the face of extreme danger and threats of violence," says Musimbi Kanyoro, President and CEO of Global Fund for Women. "Through DefendHer, we want to elevate the voices of bold women activists whose stories have not been told using the power of art to raise awareness."
"Each time these defenders come under attack is an assault on the bold and brave rights-based vision that they embody," says Yifat Susskind, Executive Director of MADRE. "These activists have faced down stigma, harassment, and violence, and they've stood up for women and communities in danger—and so we stand with them."
"Women human rights defenders play a critical but often invisible role in advancing justice and upending inequality," says Lisa VeneKlasen, Executive Director of JASS (Just Associates). "With growing political extremism and restrictions on civil society groups, they face systematic attacks intended to silence them. Through DefendHer, we're bringing their critical role and risks to light in hopes that we all stand up in supporting their safety and voice."
DefendHer calls on its audience to take action to support the activists featured in the campaign: donate to the Women Human Rights DefendHer campaign to support their work, send a #DearDefendHer message of solidarity, and sign onto petitions that support and strengthen individual defenders' work.
ABOUT GLOBAL FUND FOR WOMEN
Global Fund for Women is one of the world's leading foundations for gender equality, standing up for the human rights of women and girls. Since 1987, Global Fund for Women has invested in nearly 5,000 grassroots groups in 175 countries, helping to win rights for millions of women and girls.
ABOUT JASS (Just Associates)
As a global women-led human rights network of activists, popular educators, and scholars in 26 countries, JASS (Just Associates) equips women leaders with the confidence, information, and skills to be better organized, louder, and safer as they tackle some of the most critical issues of our time. Founded in 2002, JASS' feminist movement-building combines innovative learning, organizing, and action.
ABOUT MADRE
MADRE is an international women's human rights organization. Founded in 1983, the organization partners with grassroots women's groups worldwide facing war and disaster. It meets urgent needs in communities and builds lasting solutions to the crises women face. By combining these approaches, MADRE advances women's human rights and creates lasting social change.
Contact:
Anna Tenuta
[email protected] / 212.419.4467
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160906/404566
SOURCE Global Fund for Women
Related Links
https://www.globalfundforwomen.org
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