The report "THE SITUATION OF WOMEN ENVIRONMENTAL & HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS ACROSS AFRICA" by Natural Justice examines the situation of Women Environmental and Human Rights Defenders (WEHRDs) across Africa, highlighting the severe risks they face while protecting land, water, and community rights. These women play a critical role in safeguarding ecosystems and advocating for marginalized populations, yet their activism exposes them to gender-based violence, criminalization, intimidation, and exclusion from decision-making spaces.

Despite their contributions, attacks against WEHRDs remain underreported and there are systemic gaps in documentation and gender-sensitive reporting, masking the true scale of violence.

The report underscores that threats against WEHRDs are highly gendered and intersect with patriarchal norms, cultural taboos, and discrimination. Women defenders endure smear campaigns, sexual violence, online abuse, and reprisals against their families. Shrinking civic space and authoritarian trends have intensified risks, particularly around extractive industries, infrastructure projects, and land conflicts.

WEHRDs demonstrate resilience through grassroots organizing, digital security initiatives, and advocacy networks. The report calls for urgent action: gender-responsive protection frameworks, stronger data collection, holistic support systems, and recognition of women defenders as leaders—not victims. Protecting WEHRDs is essential for advancing human rights, environmental justice, and sustainable development across Africa.

BHRC reached out to the companies mentioned in the report and did not recieve a response.