Women Human Rights Defenders Honoured at Launch of 'Rooted in Courage and Resilience'

The launch event, hosted by the Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD) Hub, took place in Nairobi, bringing together activists, policymakers, and civil society organisations in a collective show of solidarity.

The book serves as a tribute to the unwavering bravery of women who stand on the frontlines of human rights advocacy, often at great personal risk. It chronicles narratives of protection, healing, and nurturing, offering an in-depth look into the struggles and triumphs of women human rights defenders across Kenya and beyond. By amplifying their voices, Rooted in Courage and Resilience sheds light on the challenges they face, including threats, intimidation, and gender-based violence, while highlighting their critical role in fostering justice and equality.

Hon. Rehema Jaldesa, in her keynote address, underscored the importance of recognising and safeguarding the work of women human rights defenders. “Women play a pivotal role in advancing human rights and social justice.

This book not only celebrates their contributions but also serves as a call to action for stronger legal and institutional protections,” she stated. She reiterated NGEC’s commitment to advocating for policies that create a safer environment for human rights defenders, ensuring their efforts are met with institutional support rather than hostility.

According to a 2023 report by Amnesty International, women human rights defenders in Kenya continue to face systemic challenges, including legal harassment, surveillance, and physical threats. The launch of Rooted in Courage and Resilience comes at a time when the global human rights landscape is increasingly fraught with dangers, making the need for protection mechanisms more urgent than ever.

The event featured panel discussions where prominent human rights activists shared their personal experiences and reflections on the resilience required to navigate the demanding landscape of advocacy. “We live in a society that often silences women who speak out against injustices. This book is a testament to our collective strength and determination to create meaningful change,” remarked one of the contributors to the book.

Civil society organisations present at the launch echoed calls for enhanced legislative frameworks to shield women in advocacy roles from targeted attacks. Representatives from the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya), and UN Women reaffirmed their support for policies that protect women activists, urging the government to implement more robust measures to combat impunity against perpetrators of violence targeting human rights defenders.

The launch of Rooted in Courage and Resilience marks a significant milestone in recognising the sacrifices and achievements of women human rights defenders.

As copies of the book reach policymakers, community leaders, and advocacy groups, it is expected to inspire renewed efforts toward fostering a safer and more inclusive space for women in human rights activism.

With the voices of women defenders echoing through its pages, the book stands as both a celebration of resilience and a clarion call for action—reminding the world that those who protect, heal, and nurture must, in turn, be protected.

NGEC Chairperson, Hon. Rehema Jaldesa, at the launch of Rooted in Courage and Resilience.