Women human rights defenders, peacebuilders, activists and social leaders are key actors for the protection and promotion of human rights, gender equality, and sustainable peace. Yet, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and backlash against women and girls’ human rights, they are facing increased and specific threats and insecurities. In many cases, women leaders who have criticized governments’ response to the crisis have been “harassed, threatened, or detained, and their access to the internet cut off and their social media accounts suspended.”

In Colombia, attacks against women leaders and human rights defenders have increased during the pandemic. In the department of Cauca alone, there have been 41 reported murders of women leaders between March and September 2020. The protection measures provided by the government to women activists have been reduced during the pandemic, exposing them to a greater risk.

Explore the data in the dashboard to learn more.