Human Rights Defenders Celebrated during International Women’s Day

Washington, DC – Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, Human Rights First recognizes the important contributions and sacrifices made by women human rights defenders around the world. Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino celebrated their achievements in the following statement: “Women have always been at the forefront of the human rights struggle. This past year, as protests erupted throughout the Middle East, women activists and defenders played a prominent and vital role in organizing and carrying out demonstrations to topple repressive regimes that had long-suppressed freedoms. From first-time protesters fighting for political freedom in the streets of Tunisia and Egypt to the Bahraini female medics who were tortured and detained for upholding their medical oaths by treating protestors, women often risked their own safety in the pursuit of the basic human rights to which we are all entitled. It is an honor to support their work and to stand with them in the fight for freedom. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate their achievements and draw inspiration every day from their incredible courage.”