Celebrating Women in Civil Society and Activism

Event

Virtual Side Event to the 75th session of the General Assembly

In his new report ‘Celebrating women in civil society and activism’, the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Clement N. Voule, explores the myriad ways in which women’s organizations and movements have contributed to the advancement of human rights. The report examines the gendered and intersectional restrictions these groups face to exercise the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, as well as their work to further peace and sustainable development.

On the occasion of the presentation of the report to the 3rd Committee of the UN General Assembly, this virtual side event – co-organized with OHCHR, ICNL, Women’s Major Group, CIVICUS, Solidarity Center, Women’s March Global, Access Now, Mesoamerican Initiative for Women Human Rights Defenders, the World Movement for Democracy and Freedom House – will bring together women civil society leaders from around the world to discuss report findings.

The panel will also explore ideas to ensure implementation of recommendations for States and other stakeholders that promote an enabling environment for the rights of women to assemble and associate.

Opening Remarks

• Bahia Tahzib-Lie, Dutch Ambassador for Human Rights

Moderator

• Uma Mishra-Newbery, Women’s March Global

Panelists

• Shawna Bader-Blau, Solidarity Center
• Masina Fusi, Her Voice
• Marusia Lopez, Mesoamerican Network of Women Human Rights Defenders
• Nicolette Naylor, Ford Foundation)
• Mireille Tushiminina, Cameroon Women’s Peace Movement
• Clement N. Voule, Researcher, Geneva Academy and UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association