A few months ago at the 2016 AWID Forum in Bahia, Brazil, feminists from around the world held a ceremony to commemorate the lives of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) who had passed away or had been killed as a result of their work. It was a physical space in which we lit candles, co-created a mural, held each other, and rekindled the memory of family members, friends, and peers and their collective contributions to the advancement of human rights.
The commemoration continues virtually through AWID’s annual WHRD Tribute.
Our online exhibit features stories and images of WHRDs, rendering a picture of their strength and passion, as well as pattern of the systemic challenges, and often violence, that they have faced.
The Tribute was launched on the occasion of Women Human Rights Defenders Day, and will be showcased throughout the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign period.