A human rights defender (HRD) can be defined to include anyone, who individually or in association with others, seeks to promote and to strive for the protection and realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Accordingly, women and girls who act to promote or protect human rights and people of all genders who defend the human rights of women or works to advance rights related to gender equality – collectively known as “women human rights defenders”. Women HRDs are more at risk of suffering certain forms of violence, prejudice, exclusion and repudiation, not experienced by their male counterparts. This is often because women HRDs are perceived as challenging accepted socio-cultural norms, traditions, perception and stereotypes about their femininity, sexual orientation, and the role and status of women in society.

International human rights bodies have raised concerns about restrictions on WHRDs’ freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of movement, assembly and association as well as on their ability to access funding for their work. Restrictions can involve bans on dissemination of information, limitations on advocacy activities and obstacles to register organizations in countries where such registration is required. In addition, when they defend the rights of individuals whose behaviour is criminalised or particularly restricted (for example, LGBT and intersex individuals, sex workers, drug users, people living with HIV, women seeking abortion, migrants in an irregular situation, or others) they often face additional dangers.

The event will take place as follows:

Date: 23 August 2022
Venue: Hybrid: KZNPO Boardroom, 136 Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Durban

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Meeting ID: 327 238 684 418
Passcode: zaNqrS

Time: 09:30-15:30

Ends

For further information contact SAHRC KZN Acting Provincial Manager, Ms Pavershree Padayachee on Tel: 031 304 7323, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.