Strengthening the Safety and Resilience of Human Rights Defenders in East and the Horn of Africa
Human rights defenders in East and the Horn of Africa face growing threats. Discover how Equitas is strengthening their protection, resilience, and regional solidarity through holistic security approaches and peer networks.
Training Human Rights Educators and Amplifying Impact Globally
In many parts of the world, human rights are increasingly under threat. The shrinking of civic space, persistent inequalities, gender-based discrimination, and barriers to civic participation limit people’s ability to express themselves, organize, and contribute to decisions that affect their lives. In this context, human rights education plays a vital role in strengthening knowledge of […]
Women Leaders Taking Action for More Inclusive Governance in Guinea
They spoke out. They were heard. In Guinea, several communities live near forested areas and face intersecting challenges related to human rights, governance, and environmental justice. Deforestation, land pressure, and the effects of climate change are undermining access to natural resources essential for their livelihoods. Social and gender inequalities persist and limit the participation of [...] Transforming Justice: Human Rights Education for Women and Girls
Women and girls continue to face significant and persistent barriers to accessing justice around the world. On the sidelines of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held at United Nations Headquarters from March 9 to 19, Equitas and the Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation co-organized a panel discussion on a critical [...] #EquiTalks – Episode 20: Hellen Lunkuse, Breaking Chains for Women and Girls in Uganda
In this episode, we explore human rights advocacy in Uganda with Hellen Lunkuse, founder and executive director of the Rape Hurts Foundation. Hellen shares her commitment to supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, combating human trafficking and modern slavery, and protecting the rights of women, girls, and sexual minorities. As part of her participation […]
#EquiTalks – Episode 19: Racki Gakou, Elevating the Voices of Women and Girls in Mali (in French)
In this episode, we explore the defense of human rights in Mali with Racki Gakou, Communications and Advocacy Officer at Lawyers Without Borders Canada. Racki shares her commitment to helping communities understand, access, and claim their rights, particularly women, girls, and people in vulnerable situations. As part of her participation in Equitas’ International Human Rights […]
Education is not a luxury: Viviane’s fight for girls’ rights in Cameroon
In rural eastern Cameroon, girls' schooling often ends prematurely. In a largely male-dominated society, boys' education is prioritized, and poverty forces families to make difficult choices. All too often, girls see their education sacrificed in favor of domestic duties or marriage, which is considered more honorable than school. Women's lives are relegated to “leftovers,” and [...] From dialogue to action: Aïcha and the fight against sexual violence in Senegal
An alarming reality that persists ” More than 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is practiced. “ — World Health Organization. In Senegal, despite the ban and penalties provided for by Law 99-05 of January 29, 1999, female genital mutilation remains widespread. It persists because it is deeply rooted in family customs and because impunity remains the norm: in more than 25 years, very few cases have been prosecuted or convicted. To avoid the law, some families even travel to neighboring countries and then return […]
Buhary Mohammed: Rallying all positions with the power of human rights education
Buhary Mohammed is a long time Equitas partner and human rights educator who participated in the International Human Rights Training Program in 2018 before coming back as a facilitator in 2023. His philosophy is that when human rights educators engage with the most reluctant, “we should allow them as well to engage to [reach a […]
Fatoumata Bouaré: Encouraging women and girls in Mali to pursue their studies
She is the first woman in her community to obtain a master’s degree and has more than twenty years of experience in the defense of human rights. Today, she is a Socio-Anthropologist and the Gender Equality and Community Action Manager for Lawyers Without Borders in Bamako, capital city of Mali. She also proudly participated to [...]