Hands UP with Indonesia WHRD’s (Women Human Right Defender): Strengthening Social Protection and Security Systems works

Working in upholding women’s rights pose vulnerability for human right defenders. They are prone to experience many types of violence and intimidation, such as sexual assault, property vandalism, detention, kidnapping, torture, and even murder, because of their activities in advancing dignity, protection, and fulfillment of human rights for themselves, their groups, and other individuals or groups.

United Nation’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) defines Women of Human Rights Defender (WHRD) as women and girls working on any human rights issue, and people of all genders who work to promote women’s rights and rights related to gender equality (https://www.ohchr.org).
Women Human Right defenders always put themselves in the frontline of promotion and protection of human rights, particularly human rights of women. That makes them exposed to many kinds of vulnerability and risks, not only as human right defenders. More than that, they face vulnerability and risks specifically because of their sex, sexuality, and gender identity.

Ashuman rights defender, WHRD often experience threats and violence, such as murder, murder threat, kidnapping, involuntary disappearance, torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, criminal charges (criminalization), persecution, slander/stigma, scope restrictions of where human right defenders operate, funding source termination, delayed or ungranted license for organization, impediment of assembly, and illegal destruction and search of house and office (OHCHR, 2009).

Women of Human Right Defenders (WHRD) also face risks, threats, violence, and vulnerability that are specifically because of their sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Often, the violence or threats are sexual-based, or they experience restrictions in their job because of their sex. Moreover, they are often prejudiced, stigmatized, stereotyped, excluded, and publicly rejected by the state, corporates, groups, and individuals in society

The long and winding road: Women’s Human Rights Defender

Defending women’s rights exposes human rights defenders to significant risks, making them vulnerable to various forms of violence and intimidation. These can include sexual assault, property damage, detention, kidnapping, torture, and even murder, due to their efforts to promote dignity, protection, and the fulfillment of human rights for themselves, their communities, and others. They are often be prejudiced, stigmatized, stereotyped, excluded, and publicly rejected by state, corporates, groups and individuals in society. Cases they experience are often regarded as less serious and not classified as human rights violation. 

Therefore, protection and support mechanisms are necessary to fulfil Women’s Human Rights Defenders (WHRD)’s rights comprehensively. It should be more than security matters but also cover social security such as health insurance, old-age insurance, and, housing allowance. 

Based on the condition above, we strived to develop a comprehensive protection and support system. Starting from conducted an assessment, interview, and discussion. Most WHRD’s pay spcial protection insurance premiums independently, others jointly and fully paid by WHRD’s and the service provider agency at their workplace, and the rest is paid by the Government. 

The funding for WHRD’s social insurance or security premiums paid by service prodder is sourced from funds of the cooperation programme with donor agencies. However, not all national and international donor agencies allocate funds to finance social security, particularly health and occupational accident insurance. 

In addition to that, the WRHD also face some challenges by families who demand higher incomes and keep pressuring them, while others may face violence and threats from both the victims’ families and the perpetrators.  

WRHDs’ lives are far from prosperous. These individuals are required to keep their communication devices on standby, be ready to accept emergency calls, and maintain their stamina to move swiftly from one location to another. Yu Awi, as one of WHRD, her role extended beyond just offering legal support. They are tasked with guiding victims through the complex stages of physical, psychological, and social recovery. 

Through the project, Perisai HAM was established. Perisai HAM serves as a vital platform for WHRDs to advocate for their rights. For them, a social protection guarantee becomes a basic necessity. Perisai HAM embarked on its journey by organizing an audience with the local government agencies responsible for women’s affairs. Following this effort, the Health and Workers Social Security Agency joined in, performing dissemination, approaching relevant companies, and persuading them to support WHRDs by providing social responsibility funds.  

Support can be provided through protection from threats and violence, access to social protection for health and workers, and services like psychological support to maintain the mental well-being of women human rights defenders (WHRDs). While the process may be lengthy, it is manageable. As we work to uphold and fight for human rights, it’s essential to care for ourselves and practice self-love, enabling us to maximize our potential. The journey toward achieving your greatest dreams begins with you, and it starts now.