How a Social Network Is Championing Human Rights

Human rights are in peril across the globe, and while women are hit the hardest, we also have incredible power to stand up for change. On World Pulse, women from across the world are speaking out in defense of human rights and championing solutions.

What are human rights?

When the United Nations wrote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, it enshrined fundamental human rights (1). These human rights include the right to live free from violence, slavery, and discrimination; to be educated; to own property; to vote; and to earn a fair and equal wage (2).  While women’s rights are human rights, women worldwide have historically been denied these rights because of their gender. 

 Women’s rights are human rights.

Globally, women and girls are more likely than men to be poor and illiterate and have less access to property ownership, credit, training, employment and leadership opportunities. In addition, they face high rates of gender-based violence. Gender equality can help reduce poverty, advance development, and address the world’s most pressing challenges (3). In this article, you’ll learn how the World Pulse community is rising up to champion women’s rights and human rights. 

Meet three World Pulse women who are speaking out on human rights issues.

On World Pulse, women from around the world are speaking out on issues ranging from human trafficking to immigration and refugee rights to peace and security. Here are some of the women leaders developing key solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges related to human rights violations. Together, our voices are a rallying cry for global action.

Mourning the loss of her homeland, Kamila Geethi recounts leaving Afghanistan behind to escape Taliban rule.

In August 2021, Kamila Geethi recounted leaving Afghanistan behind to escape Taliban rule. Her poignant stories mourned the loss of her homeland and pleaded for the new leaders of her country to care for it amid rampant human rights abuses. As an Afghan refugee, Kamila knows firsthand what must be done to support refugees. She’s using her voice to advocate for their ability to pursue an education and work, access to health care services, and psychosocial support. “People on the ground feel powerless, but we can make changes,” Kamila says. “We should not tire of speaking out.”

 In Kenya, Kristine Yakhama stands up to the toxic toll of gold mining.

A community health worker and co-founder of Good Health Community Programmes, Kristine Yakhama raises awareness about the dangerous effects of gold mining on women in Kenya. Her Right To Say No To Mercury initiative trains women on land rights, co-develops land leasing agreements, and connects them with alternative sources of income. Kristine also educates women on the effects of mercury and trains them in mercury-free processing systems. “The world must invest in the education and security of girls as resources for the future of this world,” Kristine says. 

Against all odds, Sally Maforchi Mboumien leads peacebuilding efforts in Cameroon.

In Cameroon, a six-year-long conflict has killed and displaced thousands of people. While the international community has been largely silent about the conflict, Sally Maforchi Mboumien and other women leaders are undeterred in their peacebuilding efforts. In the face of death threats and displacement, they have called for a permanent end to the violence. “The violent conflict that has been going on for [six] years in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions is not only the world's most neglected conflict but also an encyclopedia of the most dehumanizing and traumatic abuse on women and girls,” Sally says. 

Join in the Discussion of Human Rights Topics

Women worldwide are rising up on World Pulse to champion the rights of women and girls. You can join them — share your story and ideas for action.

Human rights are in peril across the globe, and while women are hit the hardest, we also have incredible power to stand up for change. On World Pulse, you can connect with women like Kadi in South Sudan, who was targeted for her appearance amid a civil war, and RuWathsala, who reported on ​​the movement to oust the Sri Lankan president after an economic crisis engulfed the country. Women from India to the United Kingdom and beyond are speaking out on human rights topics ranging from peace and security to cyberbullying.

The first step in combating human rights issues is to bring them to light. At World Pulse, we encourage you to speak out if you are concerned about the rise of xenophobia, gender-based violence, or any other human rights transgression. Share your own experiences, or write a letter of support to someone whose human rights have been violated. Whatever story you have to share about human rights and inequality — share it here.

Citations

1) United Nations. Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

2) Global Fund for Women. Women’s Human Rights. 

3) UNFPA Arab States. Human Rights & Gender Equality.