Women's human rights

The highest court in the land has ruled Northern Ireland's abortion laws are in breach of the UK's own human rights obligations.

Northern Ireland is the only place in the UK where women can face up to life in prison for having an abortion.

Theresa May can no longer do nothing whilst countless women continue to suffer on her watch. Act now - call for Northern Irish women to have access to free, safe and legal abortions.

Northern Ireland: Abortion is not a crime

Aziza Yousef
Aziza Yousef
Urgent
Action

Free Saudi women who fought for the right to drive

Women in Saudi Arabia are finally allowed to legally drive. But in a cruel twist, the women who fought for this right have been arrested.
Online abuse of women
Online abuse of women
Research

Online abuse of women widespread in UK

Online abuse of women is widespread in the UK according to our new research. One in five women say they've been abused online, often resulting in real psychological harm. Read more and download our full report.
Women protest against a gang rape in India c.Demotix
Women protest against a gang rape in India c.Demotix
The background

Why we work on women's human rights

Human rights apply to all humans, right?
</p>So why do we focus some of our work specifically on women's rights?
Street in Norway where workers sell sex
Street in Norway where workers sell sex
Sex Workers

We won’t end gender-based violence without sex workers

We won’t end gender-based violence without sex workers
Article

'Knowing my rights saved me from forced marriage'

We have been helping to deliver community and school-based training about the dangers of early and forced marriage and FGM in Africa.
Article

FGM and Early & Forced Marriage in West Africa

These harmful practices have deep cultural roots, so society has been slow to accept much-needed human rights change.
Article

The power of radio

In parts of Western Africa radio has become one of the most powerful tools for raising awareness of human rights.
Article

Meet the inspirational women driving change in Burkina Faso

We are partnering with some incredible grassroots organisations in communities in Africa to end FGM and forced marriage.
Blog

Right to be free from rape

Shockingly over 1 in 10 people in the UK think being drunk or on drugs may be an excuse for non-consensual sex. This is not a grey area, if consent is not given, it’s rape.
News

Kate Beckinsale, Claire Foy, Jodie Whittaker and Olivia Colman call on Theresa May to change ‘cruel’ Northern Ireland abortion law

More than 60 women celebrities make an intervention on Northern Ireland abortion in letter to Theresa May.
Feature

Why I'm a Guilty Feminist

Deborah Frances-White talks about her award-winning podcast, refugee work and the realities of being a feminist.
News

75% think Northern Ireland abortion law should change

Our new research is the first major opinion poll since the Republic of Ireland voted 'yes' in their own abortion law referendum. Read the full story.
News

Northern Ireland: woman who bought abortion pills for daughter in court to challenge prosecution

A challenge to a decision by the Public Prosecution Service in Northern Ireland to prosecute a mother for buying her then 15-year-old daughter abortion pills online gets underway today in a Belfast court.
Argentinian abortion protester
Argentinian abortion protester
Blog

Argentina’s abortion vote was a stepping stone not a setback

After a marathon 16-hour debate, senators decided to reject an abortion law that would have saved countless lives. Despite this setback, change is inevitable.
Woman holding placard
Woman holding placard
Human Rights in the UK
Action

UK Law must protect survivors of domestic abuse

Migrant women are often already isolated in society. If they face abuse and violence from a partner they must be able to get the help they need to be safe.
Article

Argentina's fight to legalise abortion is far from over.

Argentina’s Senate has voted against safe and legal access to abortion. But the fight is far from over.
death penalty
Action

Saudi Arabia: Drop charges against Israa and fellow activists

Saudi Arabia - drop charges against Israa and fellow activists
Nasrin hold a statue of lady justice
Nasrin hold a statue of lady justice
Human Rights Defender
Action

Free Human Rights Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh

Nasrin Sotoudeh has been sentenced to 38 years and 148 lashes for her work defending women’s rights. Call for her to be released immediately.
Human Rights Defender
Action

Protect Cristina from death threats

Cristina Palabay received an anonymous text message saying she’s on a ‘hit list’ and will be killed this year. Email the Philippines demanding her protection.
Marielle Franco
Marielle Franco
Brazil
Action

LGBTI campaigner killed for her activism

Marielle Franco was an incredible LGBTI and black rights activists from Rio, Brazil. She was killed by state agents in March 2018.
Monireh, Yasaman and Mojgan
Monireh, Yasaman and Mojgan
Iran
Action

Iran: 55 years in prison for promoting unveiling

Three women have been charged with 'inciting prostitution' for not wearing veils and sentenced to 55 years in prison between them.