On November 29th, International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, and the 5th day of the 16 Days of Activism against gender violence 2012. We join you in paying tribute to the women across the world fighting for justice and a better life in the face of political violence, repression, stigma and full out war. We especially want to recognize the women activists and leaders targeted as a strategy of war in Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gaza, and the many women of Egypt who have returned to the streets to continue the fight for two revolutions: the country’s and women’s.
Women Human Rights Defenders are more at risk of suffering certain forms of violence and other violations, prejudice, exclusion, and repudiation than their male counterparts. ~ UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, 2010 Annual Report to the General Assembly.
These women are the movement-builders that studies show to be making the biggest difference in addressing violence against women. Join JASS and the international community as we celebrate and honor these courageous women and their movements. Below are some special tributes from our regional teams to women leaders in their contexts.
JASS MESOAMERICA
JASS SOUTHEAST ASIA
In Southeast Asia, the growing political influence of conservative forces translates into pushback, including violence, against those advocating for women’s reproductive and LBTI rights. For the second year in a row, JASS Southeast Asia kicked off its regional One Day, One Voice campaign during the 16 Days of Activism, where women activists are mobilizing hundreds of young, grassroots, LBT, poor and indigenous women and organizations in six countries under the banner “Women, Assert Your Rights”. The dynamic campaign includes dialogues, demonstrations and marches to spotlight violence against women in Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Burma, Malaysia and Timor L’este.
To follow the action, check JASS Southeast Asia’s facebook page!
JASS SOUTHERN AFRICA
We recognize and honor the many courageous lesbian, bisexual and transgender women activists who have become the target of hate crimes, murder, and state repression particularly in South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as the many women who stand in solidarity with them. Sihle Skotshi, a 19 year-old soccer player and lesbian activist was murdered at home in November in a Cape Town township. This was a particularly violent year in South Africa and Zimbabwe, while Ugandan activists have been mobilizing to stop the so-called “kill the gays” bill at the top of the agenda before Parliament. In Zimbabwe, the raid on GALZ in August and attacks on Katswe Sisterhood, the Sexual Rights Centreand Musasa heighten fear and risk. We take this moment to recognize them and thank them for their brave work in the continuing struggle for freedom.
