ACDHRS Commemorates Women Human Rights Defenders Day, Calls for Greater Protection and Inclusion

The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) has joined global actors in marking Women Human Rights Defenders Day, paying tribute to the bravery and leadership of women who champion human rights across Africa.

In a statement issued in Banjul, the Centre highlighted the essential yet often overlooked contributions of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs), noting that they continue to lead justice and equality efforts despite facing heightened risks, discrimination, and shrinking civic space.

According to ACDHRS, decades of work with WHRDs across the continent have shown that women remain at the forefront of community advocacy, peacebuilding, and the protection of vulnerable groups. The organisation said its interventions have centred on building leadership skills, improving safety and visibility, and strengthening women’s participation in governance and peace processes.

The Centre emphasized that its programmes—ranging from intergenerational peace dialogues and grassroots sensitization campaigns to capacity-building workshops and policy advocacy—have empowered women at various levels to claim their rights and hold institutions accountable. These efforts have also helped bridge the gap between policy commitments and lived realities for women and girls.

ACDHRS noted that while progress has been recorded, WHRDs continue to face significant threats, including insecurity, gender-based discrimination, and limited protective structures. In light of these challenges, the organisation called on governments, regional bodies, and development partners to take concrete steps to safeguard women activists.

The Centre urged authorities to strengthen legal protections, adopt gender-responsive policies, enhance participation of women in peace and decision-making processes, and support community networks that sustain women’s leadership. It further stressed the need for stronger accountability mechanisms to uphold women’s rights across the continent.

ACDHRS reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safe and enabling environment for WHRDs, acknowledging their vital contribution to building a more peaceful and just Africa.

“We celebrate their courage and reaffirm our dedication to supporting, defending, and amplifying the work of Women Human Rights Defenders everywhere,” the Centre said.