#HumanRightsByWomen (#DroitsHumainsParLesFemmes in French) is an initiative by Protection International (PI) to raise awareness of the work, experiences and challenges faced by women human rights defenders (HRDs) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The campaign consists of a series of videos featuring interviews with courageous women HRDs and experts in the field who share compelling stories and insights from their work on the ground, as well as five podcast episodes that complement these stories by delving deeper into specific issues related to the protection and support of these defenders.

Women HRDs in the DRC face significant challenges including security threats, limited financial resources, lack of family support and patriarchal barriers. These videos and podcast provide a platform for them to share their personal stories, struggles and victories, giving voice to the often overlooked efforts of these defenders in a difficult environment. In each episode, we welcome different guests who explore topics such as public policies, protection mechanisms and legal instruments for the protection of women defenders. We also look at the role of civil society in advocating for their protection. Here is a brief overview of each video and podcast episode:

#HumanRightsByWomen, episode 1:

EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

The first episode of the series begins with an inspiring conversation between Gratias Kibanja and Immaculée Biraheka. They share their personal journeys as women human right defenders, highlighting the challenges they face due to their gender and societal expectations. Immaculée explains that her passion for defending human rights was innate, but it took professional training to fully understand and manage the risks involved. Gratias recounts how her activism began with small actions against gender inequality at school and evolved into broader efforts to ensure that women’s voices are heard in civil society. Both guests highlight the significant obstacles they face, including security threats, lack of family support and societal backlash. Despite these challenges, they remain committed to advocating for women’s rights and encourage others to join them in this fight for justice and equality.

Podcast Episode 1: The Challenges of Women HRDs

Gratias Kibanja, co-founder of Women in Action for Human Dignity, reflects on the daily struggles faced by women HRDs in the DRC, from security risks to lack of financial resources.

#HumanRightsByWomen, episode 2:

WHO IS A WOMAN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER?

In the second episode, Françoise Timbiri, Protection Officer at PI, explains the unique role and challenges of women HRDs in the DRC, including societal resistance and gender-based violence. She remarks PI’s direct support to women defenders on the ground in the DRC. Timbiri highlights PI’s preventive approach to protection, which includes training women defenders on security, positive masculinity and advocacy skills. This video provides an insight into the tailored support that PI provides and highlights the importance of proactive measures to protect women human rights defenders in a complex and hostile environment.

Podcast Episode 2: Supporting Women HRDs

Françoise Timbiri discusses PI’s strategies for supporting women HRDs, particularly through security training and advocacy initiatives.

#HumanRightsByWomen, episode 3:

THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN ADVOCATING FOR THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

In the third episode, Françoise Timbiri returns alongside Placide Nzilamba, Executive Secretary of Nord-Kivu’s Civil Society, to discuss the crucial role that civil society plays in advocating for the protection of women HRDs. They highlight the resilience and dedication of Congolese HRDs who, despite working in conflict zones and facing significant personal risks, continue to advocate for the rights of others. Civil society, they say, has a crucial role to play in providing support through training, capacity building and advocacy. These type of support help ensure that WHRDs are equipped to face challenges and that their work is recognised and protected at both local and national levels. They also emphasise the importance of sustaining advocacy efforts to improve the legal framework and ensure a safe and enabling environment for WHRDs.

Podcast Episode 3: Civil Society’s Role in Advocating for Women HRDs

Placide Nzilamba joins to discuss the achievements and ongoing efforts of civil society in advocating for better protection for women HRDs in the DRC.

#HumanRightsByWomen, episode 4:

HOW TO IMPROVE PUBLIC POLICIES FOR THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN THE DRC

The fourth episode features Vicar Batundi and Jean-Luc Bahati, who discuss the public policies currently in place to protect HRDs in the DRC and how these policies can be improved to provide specific protection for women HRDs. They highlight existing laws and mechanisms for the protection of HRDs, but stress the need for these policies to be effectively implemented and adapted to the specific needs of women. They call for more proactive and preventive measures and strain that real impact requires a commitment from the Congolese state to apply and respect the protections already in place.

Podcast Episode 4: Public Policy and Women HRDs

In this episode, Vicar Batundi discusses the current public policies for the protection of HRDs and what more needs to be done to ensure the safety of women defenders.

#HumanRightsByWomen, episode 5:

MECHANISMS AND LEGAL INSTRUMENTS FOR THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN THE DRC

The fifth and final episode of the series features Deward Bushala, Protection Officer at PI, and Rebecca Kabugho, a well-known Lucha activist and volunteer. In this episode, they discuss the existing protection mechanisms and tools for women HRDs in the DRC, highlighting the limitations of these mechanisms and the need for more robust support. The two guests discuss the challenges and lack of specific legal protection for women HRDs in the DRC. Rebecca highlights the societal and cultural barriers women face, including the stigma of activism and imprisonment, while Deward emphasises the need for laws that address the specific vulnerabilities of women defenders. Both call for greater state support and specific protections to ensure the safety and well-being of women human rights defenders in the country.

Podcast Episode 5: Protection Mechanisms for Women HRDs

Deward Bushala reflects on existing mechanisms for the protection of HRDs, focusing on their limitations and areas for improvement.

Spread the Word, Spread Women Voices

Help us raise awareness of the resilience and advocacy of women human rights defenders by sharing our videos and podcast series with your network. Follow us on social media for more stories and insights from human rights on the ground. Women human rights defenders are standing for everyone’s rights, both in the DRC and beyond. Help us amplify their voices.

#HumanRightsByWomen was developed by Protection International (PI) in partnership with Solidarité Féminine pour la Paix et le Développement Intégral (SOFEPADI) and supported by the German Federal Foreign Office.