African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD Initiative)

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮 𝗪𝗛𝗥𝗗? 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗪𝗛𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! Join us in Accra, Ghana from the 28th to the 30th of November 2024 for the 2024 Africa Women Human Rights Defenders Convention! This hybrid event, both in-person and virtual, unites WHRDs from across Africa and beyond. It is a powerful space to share experiences, celebrate achievements, and strategize for a brighter future. Applications for 𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗙-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗 and 𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗔𝗟 participation are NOW OPEN! 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲, 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀. The application deadline is 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟯𝟬𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰. Do not miss out! This year's theme, "𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲 - 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝗥𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀," reflects the incredible strength and transformative power of WHRDs across Africa and beyond. The convention will be a platform to celebrate your collective voice and advance a future where your work shapes the very systems that impact our societies. This is your chance to be part of a movement for transformative change! Apply today! For more information and to apply, visit https://lnkd.in/dKtZ7Z-i or 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗤𝗥 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱. #SafeguardingWHRDs #AWHRDC2024 #Resurgence #BeyondResilience Ford Foundation William and Flora Hewlett Foundation National Endowment for Democracy Mama Cash Wallace Global Fund Global Fund for Women Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism Urgent Action Fund-Africa Funders for LGBTQ Issues UN Women African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) The Fund for Women and Girls Black Feminist Fund Mary Lawlor FRIDA | The Young Feminist Fund Equality Fund Equality Now Fòs Feminista Feminists In Kenya (FIK) Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network Women for Women's Human Rights (WWHR) AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network) Amnesty International Human Rights Foundation American Bar Association Women Human Rights Defenders Hub - The Kenya Hub FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network National Alliance of Women Human Rights Defenders (NAWHRD) Justice Funds Disability Rights Fund Restless Development Open Society Foundations Society of Gender Professionals Alletha Muzorewa CAMFED - Campaign for Female Education Patrick Chandiga Justine Emma Kalea Centre de Documentation et de Formation sur les Droits de l'Homme (CDFDH) Coalition for Peace and Gender Champions Gina Romero

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐖𝐇𝐑𝐃 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 (𝐖𝐇𝐑𝐃) 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝! Recognizing courageous African WHRDs dedicated to human rights. Do you know an inspiring WHRD whose commitment deserves recognition? The African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD Initiative) is leading this award, honoring a WHRD whose resilience & contributions promote justice & equality across Africa. A WHRD is any woman or girl engaged in promoting & protecting human rights. They address issues like economic, social, political rights, environmental activism, & freedoms of expression & assembly. WHRDs are vital to defending human rights, emphasizing that every woman’s right to advocate is crucial for Africa's future. This award celebrates WHRDs from diverse backgrounds, focusing on grassroots to transnational movements. It highlights the inclusive nature of HumanRights advocacy. Why Nominate?  Nominating a WHRD helps: - Honor the dedication of women defenders facing personal risk. - Raise awareness of WHRDs' role in fostering positive change. - Inspire others to engage in the human rights movement. Who Can Be Nominated?  Eligible WHRDs in Africa should demonstrate: - Commitment to Human Rights: Proven dedication to promoting human rights. - Courage and Resilience: Strength in advocating for rights despite adversity. - Inclusive Impact: Contributions that benefit their community or the broader human rights landscape. Nomination Process: 1. Submit the Nomination Form: Include the nominee’s accomplishments and supporting testimonials. 2. Meet the Deadline: Submit by November 14, 2024, via https://lnkd.in/dWHUsrCk 3. Evaluation and Selection: A panel will review nominations based on:   - Impact: Significance of contributions to human rights.   - Courage: Resilience in overcoming challenges. Award Announcement: The awardee will be celebrated on International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, November 29, 2024, during the WHRD Awards Ceremony in Accra, Ghana. Award Package: The awardee will receive: - A commemorative plaque and monetary award. - An all-expenses-paid trip to the awards ceremony, if applicable. - A celebration in the awardee’s home country to enhance visibility, if applicable. - A year-long collaboration with the WHRD Initiative, offering advocacy, media support, security accompaniment, and resources for development. Please note: - Only complete nominations will be considered. - Self-nominations are not permitted. - Two references are required for each nomination. Nominate a deserving woman defender and help honor those who ignite change and shape a future where every woman’s right to defend human rights is upheld. To sponsor this award and support WHRDs, contact the WHRD Initiative at awards@whrdinitiative.africa. #SafeguardingWHRDs

Breaking Funding Barriers for WHRDs: Feminist Financing, Resource Mobilization, and Pathways to Self-Reliance. Join us today, October 31st, 2024, at 6 PM SAT for a crucial conversation on the challenges and opportunities in securing funding for Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in Africa. This virtual space will delve into: • Feminist Financing: Exploring innovative approaches to financing WHRD work that centers feminist principles and values. • Resource Mobilization Strategies: Learning practical tips and strategies for effective resource mobilization, including grant writing, crowdfunding, and fundraising events. • Building Self-Reliance: Discussing pathways to long-term financial sustainability and self-reliance for WHRD organizations and initiatives. This session is open to all WHRDs, activists, and organizations working on women's rights and gender justice in Africa. Set a reminder for the space here: https://lnkd.in/dHfg8fYN Let's break down the barriers together and empower WHRDs to thrive! Remember the Africa WHRD Convention is this November, find out more about it here: https://lnkd.in/dWjjpdRq #WHRDs #FeministFinancing #ResourceMobilization #SelfReliance #Africa Mama Cash Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism Black Feminist Fund Ford Foundation Open Society Foundations Urgent Action Fund-Africa Funders for LGBTQ Issues The Global Fund for Community Foundations Global Fund for Children African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network Women's Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE) Global Fund for Women The Fund for Women and Girls Melinda French Gates Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Tiseke Kasambala Amnesty International Feminists In Kenya (FIK)

Join us tomorrow for an important discussion on creating sustainable support systems that empower Women Defenders at every level. We will explore: • Gaps in current support: Identifying where we are falling short. • Practical strategies: Building stronger local, regional, and global safety nets. • Co-creation: How WHRDs can work together to create enduring networks. Time: 18:00Hrs SAT / 6PM Date: October 24, 2024 Platform: X Space Set a reminder here: https://lnkd.in/djjJdCEJ Speakers will be Sheila Nhancale, Nancy Barisoa and Constance Mukarati, moderated by Mary Pais Da Silva Are you a WHRD? Join our weekly discussions and let's shape the future together. Remember: The Africa Women Human Rights Defenders Convention is coming up in November! This is where we can put our plans into action on a continental scale. Find more information on the convention here: https://lnkd.in/deGy3ZHN #SafeguardingWHRDs #WHRDs #BeyondResilience #HumanRights #WomenDefenders Ford Foundation William and Flora Hewlett Foundation National Endowment for Democracy Mama Cash Wallace Global Fund Global Fund for Women Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism Urgent Action Fund-Africa Funders for LGBTQ Issues UN Women African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) The Fund for Global Human Rights Women Win FRIDA | The Young Feminist Fund Equality Now Equality Fund Feminists In Kenya (FIK) Strategic Advocacy for Human Rights (SAHR) FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network (Women for Women's Human Rights (WWHR) AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network) American Bar Association Women for Women's Human Rights (WWHR) Front Line Defenders IInternational Women's Development Agency (IWDA) National Alliance of Women Human Rights Defenders (NAWHRD) Justice Funds STAR-Ghana Foundation Disability Rights Fund Restless Development Open Society Foundations Gina Romero

Today, we honour the legacy of Mam’ Fikile Ntshangase, a courageous woman human rights defender who sacrificed her life in the fight for environmental justice and community rights. Her bravery and steadfast commitment to protecting the land, nature, and people of Somkhele continue to inspire us. As we commemorate her, we renew the call for justice and vow to carry forward her mission for a sustainable future rooted in courage and dignity. Rural Women Initiative Rural Women's Day Ltd Rural Young Women Support Network (RYWSN) UN Women Natural Justice Environmental Defense Fund Women's Environment & Development Organization Michel FORST WoMin African Alliance Environmental Defenders Office MACUA WAMUA Advice Office Kirsten Youens Wangari Maathai Foundation. Simphiwe Sidu CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation International Land Coalition Centre for Environmental Rights Mary Lawlor Tanele Maseko THULANI MASEKO FOUNDATION Rachel Cox Global Witness EarthRights International Gabriel Gustavo Rocha Belloni daphne jena Urgent Action Fund-Africa

As we draw closer to the Africa WHRD Convention 2024, we are proud to introduce an inspiring speaker on our lineup: Tanele Maseko, CEO of the THULANI MASEKO FOUNDATION. Tanele is leading efforts to end impunity, demand justice, and safeguard those impacted by the assassination and enforced disappearances of HRDs. A Swazi human rights activist, Tanele remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice and human rights. Despite facing harassment and intimidation from Swazi authorities, she tirelessly campaigns for democratic reform in Swaziland and calls for independent investigations into human rights violations. Find out about the Africa WHRD Convention here: https://lnkd.in/d2JfXPEY Set a reminder for our upcoming space where you will get more information about the convention here: https://lnkd.in/d4Kn_354 #SafeguardingWHRDs #WHRDs #BeyondResilience #HumanRights #WomenDefenders Ford Foundation William and Flora Hewlett Foundation National Endowment for Democracy Mama Cash Wallace Global Fund Global Fund for Women Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism Urgent Action Fund-Africa Funders for LGBTQ Issues UN Women African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) The Fund for Global Human Rights Women Win FRIDA | The Young Feminist Fund Equality Now Equality Fund Feminists In Kenya (FIK) Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network (Women for Women's Human Rights (WWHR) ) AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network) Human Rights Foundation American Bar Association Women Human Rights Defenders Hub - The Kenya Hub International Women's Development Agency (IWDA) (National Alliance of Women Human Rights Defenders (NAWHRD) Justice Funds STAR-Ghana Foundation Disability Rights Fund Restless Development Open Society Foundations Society of Gender Professionals LinkedIn Gina Romero

Join us for the second edition of the #ConventionCountdown @WHRDconvention on our X Space. Topic: WHRDs on the Frontline: Key Rights under Threat and Strategies for Strengthening Advocacy in Today's Landscape When: Thursday, October 10th, 2024 from 18:00 - 19:30 CAT. Hear from leading Women Human Rights Defenders (#WHRDs) as they discuss the critical rights facing threats and #explore strategies to enhance advocacy efforts in today's challenging landscape. Our panelists include: Diana L. : Safety & Security Lead, Women Human Rights Defenders Hub - The Kenya Hub Emma Kalea Chigwenembe, Women Human Rights Defenders Network in Malawi chairperson / The Gender and Justice Unit Deputy Director Pastor Lebo Nkadimeng: Co-founder and Director of OMANG-Who Are You Youth Development Initiative, Stats SA National Chairperson for the civil society sector. Moderated by Mary Pais Da Silva Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experts and contribute to the conversation on #WHRDs and their vital work. Set a reminder for the space here: https://lnkd.in/d4Kn_354 Register for the Convention here: t.co/JOCU2r3Lyw #SafeguardingWHRDs #HumanRights #Advocacy #Africa #XSpace Amnesty International Black Feminist Fund Human Rights Watch Human Rights Foundation AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network) Front Line Defenders FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network Equality Now UN Women Women Win Sonke Gender Justice Gender Links Ford Foundation Open Society Foundations

#HappeningNow! African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD Initiative) hosted by University of the Western Cape PUG Research & UNESCO Chair in Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Expansion of Political Space, is participating in the Inaugural African Universities Hub for Human Rights - 2024 Defenders Summer School. This year’s theme focuses on Recentring Human Rights Protection in Africa. Our Co-Director Mary Pais Da Silva is contributing to a critical panel on Mapping Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) Protection in Africa, alongside Fidelis Mudimu of Front Line Defenders, Hlengiwe Dube of Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, Perpetua Senkoro, and Alice Nah of International Detention Coalition Panellists are sharing key insights on the protection ecosystem, addressing threats, key actors, practices, and existing gaps in HRD protection mechanisms. This conversation is vital for enhancing the safety and well-being of defenders across the continent. #SafeguardingWHRDs #WHRDs #HumanRights #Africa #Protection #SummerSchool #HRDs Fiona Anciano Mmeli Dube Ford Foundation AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network) Civil Rights Defenders CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation Nhlanhla Ngwenya Open Society Foundations Lerato Mashianoke Walter Sweet William and Flora Hewlett Foundation National Endowment for Democracy Urgent Action Fund-Africa African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) Mary Lawlor Clement N. Voule Gina Romero Centre de Documentation et de Formation sur les Droits de l'Homme (CDFDH) Emma Kalea Women Human Rights Defenders Hub - The Kenya Hub Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders Tanzania Lidiya D.Mekonen Black Feminist Fund Fondation CHANEL Strategic Advocacy for Human Rights (SAHR) Dr. Amanda Dale Women's Human Rights Institute Danai Daisy Chirawu Nompilo Simanje Titilope Ajayi, Ph.D.

📢 Join us for a powerful discussion on resilience and human rights advocacy. 🗓 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝐫𝐝, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 🕕 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 𝟏𝟖:𝟎𝟎𝐡𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐀𝐓 🎯 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐖𝐇𝐑𝐃𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬? As we countdown to the Africa WHRD Convention 2024 in Accra, Ghana (November 28-30), we invite you to join this insightful space hosted by the African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from inspiring WHRDs and connect with like-minded individuals. ✅ Register now for the convention: https://lnkd.in/dKtZ7Z-i 🔔 And set a reminder for the space here: https://lnkd.in/dNsS_Nng The Symposium on Strength and Solidarity for Human Rights Namatai K. Tanele Maseko Salome Nduta Anna Neistat Milena Argenta Zandile. G. Sifelani Zanele Sibanda Marry Ferreira Francoise Moudouthe Dr. Amanda Dale Ibijoke Faborode Maria Mache Malomalo Tirana Hassan Lea J. Michelle Foley @Hibak Kalfan Cecilia Conrad Deborah Chilinda Mwangala Matakala Grethe Petersen Janiece Evans-Page HER Internet Titilope Ajayi, Ph.D. West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network #SafeguardingWHRDs #AfricaWHRDConvention2024 #BeyondResilience #ConventionCountdown #AWHRDC2024 #HumanRights #Advocacy

Gender equality is indeed the foundation of a just & sustainable future. As #WHRDs working across diverse, often structurally excluded communities, we understand firsthand how commitments made at global platforms like the #UNGA shape our lives and work. Yet, far too many of us remain outside these rooms of decision-making. While advocating for equal rights at high-level forums is crucial, the true measure of progress lies in how these promises are delivered and lived out on the ground. We need more than words; we need urgent, coordinated actions that bridge the gap between global commitments and grassroots realities. Let's remember the women defenders who risk their lives daily for equality—our voices, experiences, and struggles must be at the heart of this fight, not left in the margins. Together, we must demand tangible change, ensuring that global promises do not just remain at the top but enable every WHRD and their ecosystem to thrive from the ground up. United, we can build a world where no one is left behind. #SafeguardWHRDs #TransformRealities African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders Women Human Rights Defenders Hub - The Kenya Hub Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders Tanzania WHRDMENA Coalition Feminists In Kenya (FIK) Society of Gender Professionals WoMin African Alliance MACUA WAMUA Advice Office Centre for Women Human Rights Defenders in Africa National Alliance of Women Human Rights Defenders (NAWHRD) Politics4Her African Diaspora Workers Network (ADWN) Civil Rights Defenders Network of Grassroot Organisations and Movements CIVIC SPACE NETWORK (CSN) Ford Foundation Open Society Foundations AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network) Mary Pais Da Silva Mary Lawlor Rachael mwikali Tanele Maseko Toyin Akinniyi Alice Mogwe Namatai K. Simphiwe Sidu Salome Nduta Emma Kalea Veronica Kidemi Lerato Mashianoke Arnold Tsunga Tiseke Kasambala Brian Kagoro Tawanda Future Mutasah Nicky Le Roux Verónica Vidal Degiorgis Dr. Amanda Dale Keamogetswe Seipato Stephanie Wamba Renee Nwoes