URGENT UPDATE: The latest report from CIVICUS reveals a shocking escalation in attacks on women human rights defenders (WHRDs) across the globe. The 2025 People Power Under Attack report, released on December 15, 2025, shows that civic freedoms are under siege in 83 countries, a significant increase from 67 countries in just five years. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for immediate support for women on the frontlines of human rights activism.
The report highlights that only 7 percent of the global population currently resides in nations where civic freedoms are respected, down from 13 percent in 2020. Among the most severe violations documented are the detention of human rights defenders, journalists, and protesters, with WHRDs facing disproportionate risks. These women, who advocate for various human rights issues, are increasingly targeted due to their gender and activism.
Key findings reveal a disturbing rise in online intimidation and threats against women journalists. The report attributes this trend to a global rise in authoritarianism, fundamentalism, and populism, where anti-rights networks exploit public narratives to stigmatize campaigns for gender justice. Governments and non-state actors are increasingly emboldened to repress WHRDs, often celebrating violence and suppression.
CIVICUS’s Stand As My Witness Campaign underscores the brutal realities faced by WHRDs, documenting harrowing accounts of violent arrests and inhumane treatment. Notable cases include Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate from Iran, who has faced repeated imprisonment for her activism. Others, such as Chow Hang-Tung from Hong Kong and Kenia Hernandez from Mexico, have also been arbitrarily detained while advocating for human rights.
The report shares heart-wrenching stories of women like a mother unjustly accused of firearm possession while advocating for farmers’ rights, and an elderly woman arrested for empowering Indigenous communities. These narratives highlight a systemic issue fueled by patriarchal norms and repressive regimes.
As the repression of civic space intensifies, the need for coordinated action to support WHRDs has never been more critical. The report calls for intersectional protection mechanisms and gender-transformative responses from all levels of human rights institutions. It is imperative that policies not only protect human rights defenders but also address the unique challenges faced by WHRDs.
Immediate actions are necessary to confront the declining conditions for WHRDs. Multilateral institutions must hold member states accountable for their commitments to human rights, ensuring that women’s rights defenders can operate safely. Increased investment in gender justice initiatives is crucial to counteract the disinformation campaigns perpetuated by governments and the private sector.
In closing, the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by all states in 2015, recognize gender equality as essential to sustainable development. Yet, little has been done to protect those fighting for these rights. Women and girls are vital to achieving peace and justice, but they increasingly face violence and repression. They require not just recognition but urgent protection and support against the rising tide of attacks.
As the global community reacts to this critical report, the call to support WHRDs is louder than ever. Authorities and activists alike must unite to ensure their safety and advocacy can continue unimpeded.
