Blog by Sarah Barnbrook, SI Melbourne (SISEAP)
SI CSW70 Delegate
Event: Women Human Rights Defenders Paving Pathways to Justice: Supporting Efforts Towards Accountability and Peace
Organiser: UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) with the Governments of Belgium and Norway, UN Women, OHCHR, UNDP, and Mina’s List
Date: 9 March 2026, 4:00 PM
Location: UN Women Headquarters, 220 East 42nd Street, New York
Format: CSW70 Side Event
Women Human Rights Defenders play a critical role in advancing justice, accountability, and peace, often working in environments where speaking out carries significant personal risk. The event brought together advocates, UN representatives, and civil society leaders to highlight the experiences and leadership of women defending human rights in conflict and crisis settings.
Opening the discussion, Tonni Brodber from the UN Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund Secretariat emphasised the importance of supporting women working on the front lines of human rights advocacy and peacebuilding.
Women Human Rights Defenders from Afghanistan, Kenya, and Sudan shared firsthand perspectives on the realities they face in fragile political and social contexts. Their testimonies highlighted shrinking civic space, security threats, and barriers to participation that many defenders continue to confront.
Reflecting on the risks and motivations behind their work, one defender shared:
“We continue our work not because it is easy, but because our communities deserve justice, dignity, and a future where women’s voices are heard.”
Despite these challenges, the session made clear that Women Human Rights Defenders remain powerful catalysts for change. Through grassroots advocacy, documentation of violations, and support for survivors of violence, they strengthen accountability and promote more inclusive governance.
Speakers also emphasised the need for stronger international protection mechanisms, sustained funding for local organisations, and meaningful inclusion of women defenders in peacebuilding and decision making processes.
This conversation aligns strongly with the Soroptimist International focus on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, reinforcing the importance of supporting the leadership of women human rights defenders worldwide.
This session was a powerful reminder that supporting and amplifying the voices of women human rights defenders is essential to achieving lasting peace, justice, and gender equality.
