Embracing a Survivor-Centric Approach to Gender Justice in 2024
As we reflect on 2024, we recognise that survivors of sexual and gender-based violence still struggle to navigate their nations’ justice systems. Sexual violence is dramatically on the rise, both inside and outside of wartime contexts. All over the world, women, trans, and gender nonconforming persons remain the primary victims. The COVID-19 pandemic has made survivor protection even more urgent. The economic fallout is expected to disproportionately affect groups who are already disadvantaged and exacerbate the lack of support for human rights defenders in these communities.
At SAHR, we believe the most effective way to end impunity for sexual and gender-based violence is to shift the existing legal narrative and invest in the work of lawyers and human rights defenders who center their approach on survivors’ needs and dignity. As advocates who understand the horrific nature of sexual violence, we know that survivors play the most critical role in ending impunity for sexual and gender-based crimes.
We proudly collaborate with and support gender justice leaders who challenge unjust institutions, individuals, and societal structures with grit and determination. We stand with them in today’s atmosphere of rising hatred and authoritarianism and celebrate their achievements toward the rights of women, trans, and gender non-conforming people. This vital work of resilience, perseverance, and courage stands in the face of the structural challenges and threats to our collective and personal security.
Like many endeavors which challenge structural norms, gender rights defense work is sensitive and fraught with risk. Survivors, as well as their lawyers and defenders, often face violence and threats. Witnesses need protection, and survivors, more often than not, wage these legal battles while dealing with various stages of trauma.
Our feminist approach sheds light on the multiple, intersecting inequalities that affect survivors and victims of sexual and gender-based violence, and identifies gender discriminatory legal practices based on harmful gender and sexual stereotypes which deny survivors and victims fair trials.
While we recognise that the access to communities who experience the highest rates of marginalisation in our societies is highly difficult, we strive to serve human rights defenders and cases involving sexual violence survivors from under-represented and under-resourced communities who are rendered vulnerable by intersecting inequalities. During this journey, we aim to learn from, as well as share power and resources with, organizations around the world dedicated to serving survivors living with disabilities; LGBTQIA* persons, afro-descendants; indigenous persons; ethnic, religious and caste minorities; migrants; and those living in urban slum areas, rural areas, refugee camps, occupied territories and in conflict-affected settings.
Our gender justice work acknowledges that this is not a journey we undertake alone, and that the valuable contribution of hundreds of defenders, survivors and lawyers lay the foundation on which we stand. Through bold actions, dedicated efforts and deeper collaboration, we can challenge the reality of sexual and gender-based violence, improve access to justice and support for victims and survivors of rape, break the cycle of impunity, and prosecute perpetrators. In spite of the hurdles that stand in our way, we move forward, aiming to contribute to a world where survivors of rape, sexual assault, and abuse are no longer sidelined or silenced for using the legal system to speak out and seek a just resolution.
