Two panels discussed the experience of women HRDs. One of these examined the issues raised in the research report Being Women Human Rights Defenders: Security Matters In Activism, which Front Line is publishing together with the Urgent Action Fund and Kvinna till Kvinna. Introducing the report, Vahida Nainar, the report's author, spoke about the ways in which women HRDs are differently affected and differently endangered compared with male HRDs.

First of all, they are at special risk because they challenge dominant social systems and norms, and tackle issues specific to women - gender violence, patriarchal values, sexual and reproductive health. Much of this work is not necessarily recognised as human rights work, and this too creates risks because it is invisible. In addition, many women do their human rights work on top of many other responsibilities - care of their children and their families, for example. They frequently lack resources - though resources are a problem for most HRDs; and they can access fewer protective mechanisms and frameworks - though these are inadequate for all other HRDs too.

Women HRDs are at particular risk because they are targeted by state institutions but also by provate actors, including family members; and because they are targeted for what they are as well as what they do. The research suggests that women HRDs are particularly exposed to risk when they campaign for legal redress (especially in relation to social norms) and sexual rights, whether they focus on sexual identity or reproductive health.

Finally, women will suffer particular linds of violation and attack. They are threatened with rape, and raped; their children, notably their daughters, risk sexual attack or mutilation. Women are also slandered sexually, harming their reputation.

What can women do? One consistent demand women make is to remove all weapons from around them. They ask for an enabling environment that respects the culture of women.

The research also suggests other helpful strategies. It is vital to be impartial; in situations of conflict, for example, to work fairly with victims from all sides.

Collective action is powerful; when women work together, they increase their strength and safety.
Sharing leadership also reduces the risk to individuals, since leaders are often the first targets of attack.

Networking and alliance building increase safety; allies abroad can make a group more visible, disseminate information about abuses, and lobby their governments to intervene diplomatically.

In some circumstances, however, it is wiser to be less visible: some groups protect themselves by releasing information through other organisations, or byu working closely with men. Finally, donors can play a positive role by supporting women HRDs effectively.

"More than 460 women have been murdered in recent years in Guatemala. Our offices were searched, we have been threatened several times. Women abused during the years of war are seeking justice, often years after the event; and those who seek justice often face fresh abuse. We make use of many symbols in our work. When our premises were searched we held a night vigil – we lit candles, we danced – to stop them coming to our offices again. We need to read the signs: we get followed, we receive threats, we receive messages written in blood. Those who persecute us also use symbols.” HRD, Guatemala