We need to recognise and protect women land rights defenders

Let us all recognise and give visibility to the work of the women land rights defenders and make their achievements known. [istockphoto]

Women human rights defenders should be recognised and protected. Fifteen years since the first International Women Human Rights Defenders Day was celebrated on November 29, 2006, women human rights defenders (WHRDs) are still not safe, secure, listened to and recognised.

A lot needs to be done by all key actors and stakeholders, especially to recognise and protect the rights of WHRDs. Women human rights defenders specialising in land are pushing back against land grabbing, which negatively impacts the economy, social and cultural rights and climate. In addition, destruction of the environment forces evictions, causing loss of land and property.