On International Women’s Day, marked every year on 08 March, the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) honours the remarkable contributions of women worldwide, with particular focus on the indomitable women of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In this region, women have been at the forefront of advocating for human rights, driving social change, and challenging oppressive systems. Despite facing significant obstacles – be it entrenched societal norms, harsh legal frameworks, or political repression – the resilience, courage and determination of these women continue to shape the region’s trajectory toward a more equitable and just future.

GCHR has spotlighted numerous trailblazing women human rights defenders (WHRDs) across the MENA region, each exemplifying extraordinary courage and unwavering commitment. From challenging discriminatory laws to amplifying the voices of marginalised communities, these women have been the architects of transformation in their societies.

However, the path of WHRDs in the MENA region is riddled with adversity. They constantly navigate a complex landscape of legal restrictions, social expectations, and political repression, highlighting the fearlessness and resilience of women’s rights activists in this region. Their efforts to challenge unjust laws and policies, often amidst regional instability and embedded patriarchal systems, frequently place them in direct opposition to deeply rooted religious and political forces. Despite the dangers they face, these women continue to advocate for justice, freedom and equality.

Women in Iran and Saudi Arabia have not stopped advocating for their rights, despite facing the harshest penalties, such as decades-long sentences in prison or even the death penalty. While welcoming the release of some women’s rights defenders in Saudi Arabia, we note that others remain in prison, and that those freed remain under travel ban and have trouble finding work. Today and every day, we call for their freedom and full enjoyment of equal rights.

The landscape for WHRDs is further complicated by the selective, conditional, and restricted allocation of funding for their work. Many organisations that advocate for women’s rights struggle to secure sustainable financial support, and those that do succeed often find their actions scrutinised for political correctness or adherence to specific agendas. This selective funding mechanism limits their ability to address the full scope of issues impacting women in the region, effectively narrowing the focus of their advocacy and exacerbating the precarious nature of their work. This environment of financial and political instability only adds to the frustration and demotivation many activists face, particularly when their efforts feel like a stroke facing the waves of inherited societal and legal challenges.

Despite the daunting impediments faced by women in the region, significant strides have been made in advancing women’s rights. The Federal Supreme Court’s suspension of harmful legislation in Iraq, which activists feared would severely undermine women’s rights, has been a crucial victory, and a temporary reprieve from the erosion of rights. Similarly, the suspension of violent conflicts and wars in Lebanon and Palestine, coupled with the end of the era of repression and war crimes in Syria, has created a glimmer of hope for a better tomorrow. These milestones, though still fragile, have breathed new life into the women’s rights movements in the region after a long hurdle of exhaustion and denial of rights.

The victories of WHRDs often serve as a testament to the power of collective advocacy. These successes demonstrate that while progress may be slow and hard-won, real change is indeed possible when individuals and communities unite for a common cause. However, these positive developments are frequently overshadowed by the rise of regressive laws, deep-seated societal resistance, and the relentless struggle to protect and build upon hard-won freedoms. Despite the gains, women in the MENA region continue to face an uphill battle to safeguard their rights and achieve lasting equality, while protecting themselves and surviving in a less-funded space.

A Call for Solidarity and Support

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, it is imperative that we not only celebrate the accomplishments of these incredible women but also recognise the critical need for solidarity, adequate funding, and unwavering global support. Women in the MENA region are not fighting isolated battles; their struggles are part of a larger global movement toward gender equality, human rights and justice. International solidarity is crucial for ensuring that the voices of these women are heard, and their work continues to drive meaningful change.

It is essential that global communities come together to support these activists with tangible resources – both financial and political – to ensure that their efforts are not in vain. Adequate funding, unrestricted support, and a commitment to recognising and addressing the full spectrum of women’s issues are needed to empower these women and amplify their impact.

The journey toward gender equality in the MENA region remains fraught with challenges. Yet, the unyielding resilience and determination of these women continue to pave the way for progress.

On this International Women’s Day, let us stand in solidarity with these extraordinary women, acknowledging their struggles, celebrating their achievements, and committing to support their ongoing fight for a just and equitable future. Together, we can help create a world where every woman in the MENA region can thrive, not just survive.

Image credit: Maha Alomari for the Gulf Centre for Human Rights