Human Rights Careers has conducted a survey with 138 human rights consultants around the globe. The results reveal how much consultants earn, where they work, and which factors most influence their rates.

Before we start

Human rights consultants are, at their core, mission-driven. They choose this work because they believe in advancing dignity, justice, and equality – not because it is the most lucrative path.

Yet, in a profession committed to fairness, silence about pay can quietly work against our values. The ability to “not talk about money” is often a privilege. Without transparency, systemic inequities can persist, widening pay gaps across gender, race, geography, and other intersecting identities.

Open conversations about remuneration are not about diminishing our mission – they are about protecting it. Pay transparency can help ensure that opportunities are accessible to people from diverse backgrounds, that career sustainability is possible for those without independent financial means, and that the sector does not unintentionally exclude the very voices it seeks to amplify.

We want to say thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in this survey. By sharing your daily rate and insights, you’ve contributed to nurturing a field where fairness is not just an aspiration but a lived practice – where the principles of equity we often defend for others are reflected within our own professional community. Your input makes this step toward greater transparency and equity possible, helping to shape a human rights sector that is both inclusive and sustainable for all who serve it. Let’s get started!

What type of organization/entity are you working for most frequently?

Over half of respondents (52.2%) reported that NGOs are their most frequent clients, followed by intergovernmental organizations (28.3%), businesses or corporates (8.7%), governments (5.8%), and schools or other entities (5.0%).

How does the employer influence the daily rate of consultants?

NGOs, while the most frequent employer type, consistently pay less than other entities, with over a third of consultants earning under USD 200/day. IGOs provide steady mid-range compensation, most commonly between USD 201–600/day, with only small shares at the extremes. Governments spread compensation broadly but remain clustered in the mid-range. Businesses stand out for their polarization: some consultants earn less than USD 100/day, while a significant share secure the highest pay levels above USD 1000/day.

This data shows that private sector and government-linked clients tend to offer the highest pay potential, while NGOs despite being the most common client typically pay only slightly above intergovernmental rates.

• Businesses (+65.6%)
• Governments (+25.7%)
• Nonprofits / NGOs (+4.6%)
• Intergovernmental Organizations

Helpful Context

Especially if you are an early career professional or a career changer, you might be surprised to see IGOs (e.g. UN) paying on the lower end of the mid-ranges. This is due to standardisation of pay in IGOs. While international staff positions (e.g. P2, P3, P4 etc.) are paid exceptionally well, non-staff positions like consultants may earn significantly less, especially if they are hired locally. Below is a screen capture from the ST/AI/2013/4 (for consultants and individual contractors on the international level). This document was also used as reference for my own consultancy work at OHCHR, so it was still relevant in 2023.

Important Note: Consultants may have to pay up to 55% of their income in taxes depending on where they are tax resident, how much they earn and who is hiring them. This is crucial if you are just getting started as consultant. Make sure you know how much taxes you owe to determine a sustainable rate.

How much do human rights consultants earn per day?

The survey results reveal a clear picture of how much human rights consultants typically earn per day. The most common pay range falls between USD 201 and 600 per day, which accounts for nearly half of all respondents. Within this band, the USD 501-600 range is the single largest category. A smaller group, about 13%, earn between USD 601 and 800 per day.

At the high end of the spectrum, only about one in ten consultants (11%) report earning more than USD 1000 per day. These very high-paying opportunities are the exception rather than the rule.

In the table below we have divided the reported incomes into four income groups from lowest to highest. We then calculated the average for each group based on the survey data (using midpoints for ranges to approximate values). This might be helpful when considering if you live in a high- or low-income country working on the national level in conjunction with other criteria such as your experience and the type of employer.

• Lower quartile (25%): earn up to ~USD 150/day
• Median (50%): half of consultants earn up to ~USD 450/day
• Upper quartile (75%): three-quarters earn up to ~USD 550/day
• Top quartile (25%): earn above USD 550/day, with the highest rates reaching USD 1600/day

How much did you earn (before taxes) as a consultant in the last year?

The data shows that human rights consultancy earnings vary widely and range from less than 10,000 to more than USD 200,000 per year.

• Nearly one in three consultants (33%) earned less than USD 10,000 in the past year.
  
• Another 37% earned between USD 10,000 and 50,000.
  
• About 19% earned between USD 50,001 and 100,000.
  
• Only 11% earned above USD 100,000, and a very small group (about 4%) exceeded USD 200,000.

Summary:

• Lower quartile (25%): up to ~USD 5,000/year
• Median (50%): up to ~USD 27,500/year
• Upper quartile (75%): up to ~USD 62,500/year
• Top quartile (25%): above USD 62,500/year, with the very highest reaching over USD 225,000/year

Where are you primarily offering your services?

Of the human rights consultants surveyed we see they divide their work across three main markets: international (44.9%), national (26.8%), and a mix of both (28.3%). This distribution highlights that while many consultants operate globally, a sizeable proportion continue to serve national-level clients or balance between the two.

The data also reveals an earnings advantage for consultants with an international scope. Consultants working exclusively at the national level earn an average of about USD 392 per day. By contrast, those working internationally earn around USD 489 per day, a difference of nearly 25% (+USD 97). Consultants who split their work between national and international clients report the highest averages, at approximately USD 503 per day, or 28% higher than the national-only group (+USD 111).

Looking at distributions rather than averages confirms the trend. Over half (54%) of national-level consultants earn below USD 200/day, while this is true for only 8% of international consultants. The majority of international consultants cluster between USD 201 and 800/day, reflecting more consistent mid-range pay. Interestingly, national-level consultants show a higher share in the very top (>USD 1000/day) compared to international consultants, but this is outweighed by the large proportion at the lower end, pulling their overall average down.

In short, the analysis shows that international or mixed engagement improves earning potential for consultants, raising the overall average by nearly a quarter compared to working nationally alone.

In which area do you primarily provide your consulting services?

The survey reveals a diverse spread of specializations among human rights consultants. The largest share of the survey participants, 26.1%, focus on human rights law and legal services. Another 20.3% work in research and analysis, reflecting the demand for evidence-based advocacy. Significant groups also concentrate on capacity building and technical assistance (15.9%), advocacy and policy engagement (9.4%), and education and training (9.4%).

Smaller but important segments include campaigning and communications (7.2%) and monitoring and evaluation (4.3%), while a further 7.2% provide services that fall into other specialized or mixed categories.

In short, while the legal and research functions dominate, there is considerable diversity across skill areas, reflecting the wide range of expertise needed in the human rights consultancy field.

How does the work area influence the daily rate of consultants?

Daily rates vary by work area. Advocacy and monitoring & evaluation show the highest concentration in low rates (< USD 200). Education & training and research & analysis are dominated by the USD 201–500 range, with research also showing a substantial upper-mid (USD 501–800) presence. Capacity building & technical assistance and Other skew toward the upper-mid bands. Human rights law & legal services displays the widest spread, including a notable high-rate (> USD 1000) segment, reflecting a mix of lower paid advisory tasks alongside specialized legal work. Overall, mid-range rates (USD 201–800) account for the bulk of work in most areas, while very high rates are rare and concentrated in law, campaigning, M&E, and some capacity-building roles.

Summary:

• Lowest rates are concentrated in advocacy, monitoring, and campaigning.
• Research and capacity building offer more consistent mid-range pay.
• Human rights law and legal services spans the widest spread, from very low to very high.
• Only a small minority across all areas achieve >USD 1000/day, but they are more common in law, campaigning, and M&E.

How many years of experience do you have?

The survey shows that human rights consulting is conducted by professionals across the entire career spectrum, though the majority of the survey participants fall into the mid-career range. The single largest group is those with 6-9 years’ experience (23.2%), followed by 10-13 years (15.9%) and 18-21 years (15.2%), suggesting that many consultants establish themselves in the field after building several years of expertise.

At the same time, early-career professionals (0-5 years) make up 20.2% of respondents, highlighting that consulting is not exclusively a later-stage career move but also an entry point into human rights work. More experienced consultants are less common: 13.8% have over 22 years of experience, and just 5.1% have more than 25 years in the field.

Overall, the data reveals a sector that is anchored by mid-career professionals, but with significant participation at both the early and late ends of the spectrum-underscoring the diversity of career paths into consulting.

How does work experience influence the daily rate of consultants?

The survey shows that experience influences pay, but the pattern is not a simple linear climb as we expected. Early-career consultants (0-2 years) are the most likely to be in the lowest pay bracket, with 60% earning under USD 100/day. By 3-5 years of experience, the picture changes: only a quarter of consultants are below USD 200/day, while over a third are already in the USD 501-800/day range.

Interestingly, there’s not a perfectly linear increase, those with 3-5 years’ experience report higher daily rates than many mid-career groups (6-13 years), who are mostly concentrated in the USD 201–500/day mid-ranges. This suggests that other factors, such as specialization, client type, or simply sample size effects, play a strong role in shaping earnings. We’d love to hear your assumptions as to why this may be the case.

From 14-21 years experience, consultants are less likely to be at the lower end, with most clustered between USD 401-700/day. Among the most senior consultants (22+ years), the spread widens: some remain in lower brackets, while others move into the high-end tiers above USD 1000/day.

Overall, experience helps consultants avoid the very lowest pay levels, but it does not guarantee progression into the highest ones. Rates remain highly variable, even among senior professionals.

Which factors have had the greatest impact on the rates you’re able to charge in your consulting work?

Respondents identify client type and professional expertise as the strongest drivers of daily rates, both averaging above 3.7 in perceived impact. Mid-range influences include the complexity and length of assignments, as well as market demand and negotiation confidence, which shape rates but to a lesser degree. Factors such as assignment type, previous rate history, or logistical considerations (location, travel) are rated as less significant overall. This hierarchy suggests that who the client is and what expertise the consultant offers matter most, while operational or contextual factors tend to play a supporting role.

Respondents identified a clear hierarchy of influences, with client type and professional expertise topping the list. Other considerations, such as market demand, assignment length, and negotiation confidence, also play a role, while logistical elements like location or travel requirements tend to have less impact overall. Based on the survey, the factors with the greatest average impact on consulting rates are:

Type of client (NGO, IO, Business, etc.) – 3.77
Experience and expertise – 3.71
Complexity or technicality of the assignment – 3.30
Length of assignment – 3.20
Demand in the market for your skillset – 3.10
Ability/confidence in negotiating fees – 3.10
Lower-impact factors included client’s geographic location – 2.89
Whether work is remote or involves travel – 2.73

What challenges have you experienced as a consultant?

Consulting in the human rights field offers flexibility, variety, and purpose, but the survey makes clear that it also comes with significant challenges.

The most widespread difficulties are structural: nearly two-thirds of consultants face unpredictable or irregular work opportunities, while a similar share highlight the lack of salary and fee transparency that makes it harder to benchmark fair rates. More than half of respondents report pressure to accept lower fees for mission-driven work, and one in two struggle with negotiating fair compensation. Beyond pay, the realities of consulting bring operational frustrations: scope creep and unclear expectations (43%), lack of client feedback (38%), and delayed payments (37%) all emerged as common pain points. Personal impacts are also evident, with over a third citing difficulties balancing workload and life. While fewer consultants reported issues with contracts or expense reimbursement, these still affect a notable minority.

Summary

• The biggest challenges are unpredictable or irregular work opportunities (65.2%) and lack of salary/fee transparency (60.1%).
• Over half of respondents also cited pressure to accept lower fees (52.2%) and difficulty negotiating fair rates (50%).
• Operational issues like scope creep (42.8%), lack of feedback (38.4%), and late payments (37%) follow closely.
• Personal/workload balance and contract issues are significant for a third of consultants, while expense reimbursement (15.2%) is less common but still notable.

What kinds of support or resources would help you feel more confident in setting and negotiating your rates?

While client type, specialization, and expertise shape what consultants can charge, many human rights professionals still feel uncertain about whether their rates are fair or sustainable. This uncertainty often makes fee negotiations stressful in a sector where mission-driven work can pressure consultants to accept lower rates. In response to the open-ended question about what would help them feel more confident in setting and negotiating rates, the most common theme was greater transparency: almost one in five respondents asked for access to data on rates and salaries, whether through benchmarking studies, regional comparisons, or sector-wide guidelines.

Others pointed to the need for mentorship and guidance (7.3%), negotiation training and resources (5.1%), and clearer industry standards (1.5%). Smaller groups emphasized the value of peer networks and community support (1.5%), as well as practical tools such as templates and frameworks for setting fees.

Together, these responses suggest that consultants want both hard data and collective knowledge: tools to benchmark fairly, guidance to strengthen their confidence, and stronger professional communities to normalize transparent and sustainable pay across the human rights consulting sector. Do you know of any other resources that fall into these categories? Let us know so we can add them in this article.

Additional resources:

– Impact Consulting Hub has conducted a very useful similar survey with 29 participants in 2022 for the International Development community.

The post Facts & Figures: What Do Human Rights Consultants Earn? appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

A multilateral organisation is an entity created by three or more countries to address issues of mutual interest that require collective action. These organisations typically operate on a global or regional scale and focus on areas such as international security, economic cooperation, public health, environmental protection, or humanitarian aid. The key feature of multilateral organisations is that they involve multiple countries working together to solve common problems, share resources, or create agreements.

Unlike bilateral organisations, which involve two parties, multilateral organisations provide a platform for many nations to collaborate and negotiate on issues that affect them all. The decision-making processes in these organisations often involve diplomacy, negotiations, and compromises among the member states.

Here are 10 examples of multilateral organisations:

#1. United Nations (UN)

The United Nations is perhaps the most well-known multilateral organisation, established in 1945 after World War II to foster and maintain international peace and security, promote sustainable development as well as uphold human rights, and cultivate global cooperation. Its key bodies include the General Assembly, where all member states are represented, and the Security Council, which addresses global security challenges. Through its numerous specialised agencies, the UN leads efforts including peacekeeping missions, disaster relief efforts, and climate action initiatives.

If you are interested to learn more about the workings of the UN, we recommend the online course run by SOAS University of London titled Global Diplomacy: The United Nations in the World. This 7-weeks long course taught by Dr. Dan Plesch is a perfect introduction that would help you understand the inner workings of this multilateral organisation.

#2. European Union (EU)

Another key multilateral organisation is the European Union, founded in 1993 as a political and economic union of 27 European countries. The EU aims to foster economic integration, ensure the free movement of goods, services, and people, and promote peace and stability within Europe. Through its institutions, such as the European Parliament and the European Commission, the EU has created a single market, adopted a shared currency (the Euro), and taken collective action on issues like climate change and human rights.

#3. World Health Organisation (WHO)

The World Health Organization, founded in 1948, is a specialised UN agency that focuses on international public health. It leads efforts to combat diseases, respond to health emergencies, and improve access to essential medicines and care. The WHO has been instrumental in eradicating smallpox, controlling the Ebola outbreak, and coordinating global responses to COVID-19, making it a central figure in global health governance.

#4. World Trade Organisation (WTO)

Another major multilateral organisation is the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Established in 1995, it regulates international trade by providing a framework for negotiations and resolving disputes. Its goal is to promote free and fair trade among nations by reducing barriers and ensuring predictability in global markets. Despite facing criticism for its impact on developing nations, the WTO has played a crucial role in fostering global economic integration.

#5. North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)

NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, is a military alliance established in 1949 as a collective defence mechanism. Initially formed by 12 countries in the aftermath of World War II, NATO aimed to counter Soviet influence in Europe during the Cold War. Its founding principle, outlined in Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. This principle has been invoked only once – in response to the September 11 attacks in 2001.

#6. African Union (AU)

The African Union is a multilateral organisation established in 2002, replacing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and strengthening cooperation among African countries. With 55 member states, the AU’s mission is to promote political and economic integration across the continent, enhance peace and security, and support sustainable development. The AU has played a critical role in addressing conflicts in Sudan, Somalia, and the Central African Republic through its peacekeeping missions. It also seeks to create a common African market, having established the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2021 to boost intra-African trade.

#7. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Founded in 1967, ASEAN is a regional organisation that unites 10 Southeast Asian nations, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Its primary goal is to promote political and economic cooperation, peace, and stability in the region. ASEAN has worked towards reducing trade barriers, creating a regional free trade area, and facilitating dialogues among its members and external partners like China, Japan, and India. ASEAN has been instrumental in fostering regional security, particularly through mechanisms like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which focuses on regional security issues like maritime disputes and terrorism. ASEAN’s efforts to unify its diverse economies have led to greater economic growth in the region, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in the world.

#8. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)

The BRICS group, encompassing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a coalition of emerging economies that together account for a significant share of global GDP and population. Established in 2009, BRICS aims to challenge Western dominance in international economic and political affairs. The group focuses on reforming global governance structures, promoting economic development, and increasing trade among its members. In addition to regular summits, BRICS members have created institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB), which funds infrastructure and development projects in emerging economies. While BRICS members have different political systems and levels of economic development, they share a common interest in reducing dependency on Western-dominated financial institutions and fostering more equitable global development.

#9. Organisation of American States

The Organisation of American States (OAS), founded in 1948, is a regional organisation consisting of 35 independent states in the Americas. Its primary goals are to promote democracy, human rights, security, and development across the Western Hemisphere. The OAS has been actively involved in promoting democratic governance and addressing conflicts within member states. It works to resolve political crises (such as in Venezuela and Nicaragua) and facilitates dialogue on issues like trade, immigration, and the environment. One of its flagship initiatives is the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), which works to safeguard human rights throughout the Americas. The OAS also provides a platform for member states to cooperate on economic issues, particularly with its Summit of the Americas, which brings together leaders from across the continent to discuss pressing regional issues.

#10. Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

The OECD is an international organisation founded in 1961 with 38 member countries, primarily from Europe, North America, and Asia. It aims to promote policies that improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. The OECD serves as a forum where governments can collaborate on economic policy, share research, and develop best practices. One of its most influential roles is in setting international standards on issues such as tax, trade, employment, and education. The OECD’s Economic Outlook provides an important analysis of the global economy, while its PISA assessments of global education systems offer valuable insights into how countries can improve their education systems. The organisation also focuses on social issues such as inequality, sustainability, and governance, using data and research to inform global discussions.

#11. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). Its mission is to assess scientific information related to climate change, its impacts, and potential adaptation and mitigation strategies. The IPCC is known for publishing comprehensive assessment reports that summarise the latest climate science, providing policymakers with critical data on the state of the climate and its projected future impacts. These reports have played a key role in shaping international climate policy, such as the Paris Agreement.

If this is something that interests you, we recommend the online course on The UN Sustainable Development Goals run by the University of Copenhagen, as well as The Science and Practice of Sustainable Development taught by the SDG Academy.

#12. International Labour Organisation (ILO)

The International Labour Organisation (ILO), founded in 1919, is a specialised agency of the United Nations focused on promoting fair labour practices and advancing workers’ rights globally. Its mission is to ensure that work contributes to upholding human dignity and social justice. The ILO sets international labour standards, provides technical assistance to countries in the areas of employment policy, social protection, and labour rights, and promotes decent work for all. The ILO’s Decent Work Agenda aims to promote job creation, protect workers’ rights, and enhance social protection systems, particularly in the developing world. It plays a key role in tackling issues like child labour, forced labour, discrimination in the workplace, and the gender pay gap. Through its tripartite structure, the ILO brings together governments, employers, and workers to discuss and adopt international labour conventions, which guide labour laws worldwide. The organisation also supports global efforts to address the changing nature of work in an increasingly globalised and digital economy.

#13. Arab League

The Arab League, formally known as the League of Arab States, was founded in 1945 to foster economic, cultural, and political cooperation among its member countries in the Arab world. Initially established by seven countries – Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen – it has since grown to include 22 member states, spanning from North Africa to the Middle East. The league was created in response to the need for a collective Arab identity and to address shared regional issues, particularly in the context of post-colonialism and the Arab-Israeli conflict.

The post 13 Examples of Multilateral Organisations  appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Whether we want it or not, gender impacts our everyday experiences, shaping not only our identities but also how society expects us to behave, look, and feel. These expectations can be understood through two key concepts: gender roles and gender norms. Although often used interchangeably, gender roles and norms play slightly distinct roles in influencing both individuals and society at large.

In this article, we’ll explore these two concepts, provide some examples and unpack how they shape the opportunities, behaviours, and expectations placed on individuals, impacting their rights and freedoms in society.

In a nutshell: The term gender roles refers to the tasks, behaviours and functions society associates with people based on their genders. Gender norms, on the other hand, are the unwritten rules that dictate how one should behave based on their gender. They can be more difficult to detect, as they operate on a deeper level of core beliefs.

Examples of Gender Roles

Gender roles, as the name suggests, are deeply embedded archetypes and functions associated with a specific gender. Some of the most entrenched roles include:

#1. Breadwinner and Caretaker

In many societies, there is a deeply entrenched expectation that men should be the breadwinners, earning money to support their families, while women should be responsible for managing the home and taking care of children. These roles have shaped workplace policies, family dynamics, and even education systems, often prioritizing men’s participation in the workforce while overlooking or undervaluing women’s contributions.

While for some people this dynamic can work, its enforcement can be oppressive, particularly towards women, who are in this dynamic relegated to a much greater dependency. Within this role, women with dreams of a life different from that of a housewife are often frowned upon and even criticised for not performing their “feminine duties.” On the other hand, men who would prefer to be a stay-at-home parent while their partner focuses on their career are often ridiculed and their masculinity is questioned. With that in mind, it is important to remember that different arrangements work for different people, but we all should have the freedom to break out of norms that cause harm.

#2. Doctor and Nurse

Think about a doctor and a nurse. Who do you picture in mind?

Most people intuitively still picture a man in the doctor’s role and a woman as the nurse. This stereotype continues despite significant advances in gender equity within healthcare professions, and the fact that women overtake men in areas such as higher education. Unfortunately, the association of men with more powerful and influential positions persists because traditional gender roles associate men with authority and leadership, while women are commonly seen as natural caregivers suited for supporting roles.

This bias has real-world consequences. Women doctors are often assumed to be less competent or mistaken for nurses, while male nurses are sometimes fast-tracked into management positions because they’re seen as exceptions to the norm.

#3. Daughter and Son

While the roles of parents often carry some of the strongest and most deeply ingrained expectations, less frequently discussed are the gendered roles placed on children, specifically as daughters and sons. From the beginning of their lives, children are often subjected to societal norms about how they should behave, based on their gender. If you think about it, you can realise that “Is it a boy or a girl?” is often one of the first questions asked of a fresh or even expecting parent. This early categorisation sets the stage for the gender roles children will be expected to fulfil throughout their lives.

Daughters are usually expected to be nurturing and helpful. They often take on more domestic and caregiving duties, like helping with younger siblings or household chores. The “eldest daughter syndrome” is a good example, where the oldest girl is expected to care for the family, mediate conflicts, and put others’ needs before her own. This can lead to pressure and limit her ability to focus on personal goals. Sons, on the other hand, are often given more freedom and independence. While the eldest son might have some leadership responsibilities, they’re generally not expected to carry the same emotional or caregiving duties as daughters. Sons are encouraged to follow their ambitions and are often given more room to pursue personal growth.

On the other hand, gender roles within family dynamics can be particularly difficult to navigate for trans and non-binary people. Whether as children, siblings or parents, their experiences often do not fit into these traditional norms, which is one of the reasons why they are much more likely to become estranged from their families or homeless.

Examples of Gender Norms

Gender norms, as previously mentioned, are often more covert and elusive than gender norms. They operate in culture and society, but are also largely unconscious, relating to some of our implicit beliefs and assumptions. These can include things such as:

#1. Ageing and Beauty Standards

An example of such deeply embedded gender norms is beauty standards, which affect women the most (although many men and non-binary people struggle with them too). For example, society tends to view ageing in women negatively, while in men it is often accepted as a sign of maturity or wisdom, with grey hair and wrinkles symbolising experience and authority.

Beauty culture is so pervasive that it’s often dismissed as a basic necessity, branded as “hygiene” or “self-care,” when in reality it is a laborious, ongoing process that demands significant time, money, and energy. Whether it’s waxing, dieting, using makeup, or spending money on expensive products, the expectation is clear: to be considered beautiful, women must meet the ever-growing and often-unattainable ideal, often pushed by brands with dubious human rights track records. These gender norms negatively impact not only our self-esteem and mental and physical health but also have tangible material effects and can create barriers to opportunities or even impact their careers.

#2. Reproductive Labour

There is a widespread belief that caregiving, household chores, and other unpaid domestic work are naturally “women’s work.” This assumption undervalues the essential contributions of caregiving while discouraging men and people of other genders from taking on these responsibilities without fear of judgment. For example, a man who takes parental leave to care for a newborn might be praised as exceptional or, conversely, criticised for neglecting his career, whereas a woman in the same situation is expected to do so without acknowledgement. Non-binary parents often lack visibility or face additional hurdles, such as navigating gendered parental leave policies that disregard their identities altogether.

#3. Emotional Expressions

“Boys don’t cry” is a clear example of the gender norms related to emotional expression. It is entrenched in our culture that men are associated with explosive, external emotions such as anger, while women are “allowed” to experience affects such as fear or sadness.

This creates a cycle where men may struggle to seek help for emotional or mental health issues, while women can be unfairly labelled as “too emotional” in professional settings.

How Are Gender Norms and Roles A Human Rights Issue?

Gender norms and roles profoundly impact human rights, influencing access to opportunities, resources, and freedoms. These norms, deeply embedded in societal structures, reinforce gender inequality and perpetuate systemic injustices that violate fundamental rights to dignity, equality, and freedom of choice. Here’s a closer look at how gender norms impact human rights – and why addressing them is essential for creating a fairer world:

#1. Access to Education

In many parts of the world, traditional gender roles prioritize boys’ education over girls’. This leaves millions of girls without access to learning opportunities, violating their right to education. Education is key to breaking cycles of poverty, yet these norms deprive girls of the tools they need to achieve economic independence and fully participate in society.

#2. Wealth Gap and Financial Inequality

Jobs traditionally associated with women, like caregiving or teaching, are undervalued and underpaid. Even when women perform the same work as men, they are often paid less. This violates the right to equal pay, as guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Beyond unfair wages, this perpetuates economic inequality, limiting financial independence for women and deepening societal disparities.

#3. Political Representation

Women continue to be underrepresented in political and leadership positions, not because of a lack of ambition or capability, but because of systemic barriers reinforced by gender norms. These norms discourage women from pursuing leadership roles, violating their right to participate in public life. The lack of diverse voices in decision-making affects policies, leaving critical issues like gender-based violence or childcare unaddressed.

#4. Mental Health and Self-Expression

Rigid gender expectations take a toll on mental health. Men are often pressured to suppress emotions, leading to high rates of untreated depression and suicide. Women, meanwhile, may feel constrained by societal criticism of ambition or emotional expression. These expectations limit personal freedom, diminish self-esteem, and create barriers to seeking help – all violations of the right to mental well-being and self-expression.

#5. LGBTQ+ Rights

Traditional gender norms often exclude LGBTQ+ people, leading to discrimination, violence, and exclusion. These norms are particularly harmful to those who don’t fit into rigid definitions of masculinity and femininity, denying them equality and protection under the law. Addressing these issues is essential to creating societies where everyone can live authentically and safely.

#6. Health Inequalities

Gender norms often prioritise women’s roles as caregivers, leaving their own health needs overlooked. Access to reproductive healthcare, for example, is restricted in many societies due to cultural taboos or legal barriers. Mental health issues like postpartum depression also go untreated in many cases. These inequities infringe on the right to health and highlight the urgent need for gender-sensitive healthcare policies.

#7. Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Perhaps the most visible and devastating impact of gender norms is the normalisation of violence against women. From domestic abuse to honour killings, these acts violate the right to life, liberty, and security. Survivors often face stigma or systemic obstacles when seeking justice, further entrenching cycles of violence. Addressing these norms is critical to ensuring safety and dignity for women worldwide.

Gender Equality: Learn More and Take Action!

Understanding gender norms and roles is the first step in challenging them. However, creating lasting change requires action. Whether you’re looking to educate yourself further, advocate for gender equality, or support organisations leading the charge, there are many ways to contribute.

#1. Books Exploring Gender Norms and Roles

Expand your knowledge about gender issues with these thought-provoking reads:

• Daphna Joel and Luba Vikhanski, Gender Mosaic: Beyond the myth of the male and female brain
• Kit Heyam, Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender
• Pragya Agarwal, Hysterical: Exploring the Myth of Gendered Emotions
• Judith Butler, Who’s Afraid of Gender?
• Jenny Lindsay, Hounded: Women, Harms and the Gender Wars

#2. Online Courses 

Learn at your own pace by taking a free online course:

• UNICEF, Social Norms, Social Change I
• University of Colorado, Queering Identities: LGBTQ+ Sexuality and Gender Identity
• University of Iceland, Gender and Intersectionality

#3. Organisations to Support or Volunteer With

If you’re looking to support or volunteer with organisations advancing gender equality, consider organisations such as UN Women, Centre for Reproductive Rights, Equality Now, or Men Engage Alliance. For a detailed list, check out our article on ‘25 Organisations Fighting for Gender Equality.’

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Applications are now open for the MSc Gender and Diplomatic Practice, a one-year in-person Master’s programme delivered by the University of Stirling in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Partial scholarship opportunities are available.

This programme offers a comprehensive academic and practical foundation at the intersection of gender and diplomacy. Participants will explore core topics such as gender theory, multilateralism, and the United Nations system, complemented by hands-on training in negotiation, leadership, and advocacy delivered by international experts.

The MSc Gender and Diplomatic Practice is designed to prepare students and professionals for careers in international affairs, diplomacy, and public policy. The programme is conducted in person at the University of Stirling, United Kingdom.

➤ Programme Start Date: September 2025

For further information on fees, application procedures, entry requirements, and scholarship opportunities, please contact anouk.reilly@unitar.org

To apply or learn more, please visit the official programme website.

Apply now

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The MA in Peace, Conflict and Development Studies provides an advanced understanding of the inter-relationships between conflict, development, security, and governance in developing, fragile, transitional and/or conflict affected regions and countries. You’ll gain the academic knowledge and professional skills you need to pursue or develop a career in what is now a major area for international, national and local policy and practitioner communities, including: international development, conflict prevention and peace building, post-conflict recovery, humanitarian assistance, environmental change management.

The programme is delivered by the Department of Peace Studies and International Development, which maintains an international reputation as a centre for excellence in research, teaching, training and policy engagement. This means your teaching will not only be research-informed, but also delivered by staff who are well positioned to facilitate policy and practitioner community engagement.

As part of the Department’s recent 50th anniversary celebrations, we have been gathering memories and reflections from our large and diverse community of alumni. Take a look at our memories and reflections. You can learn more about the city of Bradford here: https://www.bradford.ac.uk/discover/

Scholarships are available for international students: https://www.bradford.ac.uk/money/scholarships/

Apply now

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Applications are now open for the Master of Arts in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes, a graduate programme jointly delivered by the University for Peace (UPEACE) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The programme is delivered in an online format.

This graduate programme offers students an understanding of the role that international law and institutions play in the settlement of international and transnational disputes. Students will examine the function of national and international courts and tribunals, as well as alternative forms of dispute settlement.

The programme includes skills-development and coaching sessions to support professional careers and employability. Students may also take part in an optional field visit to Geneva, Switzerland and/or The Hague, Netherlands.

➤ Programme Start Date: 7 July 2025
➤ Application Deadline: 30 June 2025

For more information on course content, tuition, entry requirements, and fellowship eligibility, please contact admissions@upeace.org

To apply or access the full brochure, please visit the official programme website.

Apply now

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Applications are now open for the Master of Arts in International Law and Diplomacy, a graduate programme jointly delivered by the University for Peace (UPEACE) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Delivered in an online format, the programme explores the intersection between international law and diplomacy.

The programme broadens participants’ understanding of international law and multilateral diplomacy while equipping them with the practical skills to pursue careers in international organisations, foreign services, civil society, and legal or policy-related fields.

Participants study topics such as Public International Law, International Human Rights Law, Law of Treaties, Law of Armed Conflict, and International Environmental Law, and take part in a Workshop on Negotiation and Mediation Skills.

The curriculum is delivered by UPEACE faculty and UNITAR experts and includes an optional field visit to Geneva, Switzerland and/or The Hague, Netherlands.

➤ Programme Start Date: 7 July 2025
➤ Application Deadline: 30 June 2025

For more information on course content, tuition, entry requirements, and fellowship eligibility, please contact mdp-elearning@unitar.org or admissions@upeace.org

To apply or access the full brochure, please visit the official programme website.

Apply now

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Applications are now open for the UN Immersion Programme, a 5-day field visit to Vienna organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in 2025. Scholarships are available.

Apply now
Get direct access to the United Nations with this unique training programme, including opportunities to network and gain insights into UN career paths.

The United Nations Vienna Immersion Programme | UNITAR includes expert lectures, training workshops, conferences and guided tours through UN premises. In dedicated career development sessions, learn how to optimize your CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile from professionals.

The field visits include activities with the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and other Vienna-based institutions.

The programme runs in one edition per year

• September Edition – from 29 Sep – 03 Oct 2025

A maximum of 30 participants are accepted per edition. All individuals are welcome to register, and spots will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

UNITAR will offer scholarship opportunities for a limited number of participants to attend the training free of charge. For enquiries related to scholarships and criteria required, kindly send an email to: Multilateralism@unitar.org

For more information on costs, dates, application procedures, and to see a video of previous editions, please visit the official website.

Apply now

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Applications are now open for the UN Global Citizen Academy Programme, a unique three-part learning experience co-organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and AFS Intercultural Programs. This programme provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with the work of the United Nations through online learning, a field visit to the UN Headquarters at New York, and participation in the prestigious AFS Youth Assembly.

Apply now
Get direct access to the UN and global leadership training with this transformative programme, combining virtual and in-person experiences. Learn from UN officials, career diplomats, and intercultural experts while networking with like-minded peers from around the world. The programme includes:

• Four-Week Online Course (30 June – 25 July 2025)
  Delivered by AFS, this interactive course focuses on intercultural learning and global citizenship. The majority of sessions are asynchronous, complemented by weekly live discussions.
• Two-Week Field Visit to New York (28 July – 08 August 2025)
  Organized by UNITAR and AFS, this hands-on immersion experience includes daily sessions, guided tours to UN institutions, simulation exercises, cultural activities and expert-led lectures by agencies such as UN Youth Office, UNICEF.
• AFS Youth Assembly (08 – 10 August 2025)
  Cap off your journey at a global gathering of youth leaders. Participate in keynote sessions, expert panels, and networking events aimed at empowering young changemakers.

The programme is open to university students and young professionals from all over the world.

For inquiries regarding eligibility and the application process, please email: Multilateralism@unitar.org

Participants who complete the programme will receive a joint UNITAR–AFS Certificate of Completion. Top performers will also receive a personalized Letter of Recommendation from UNITAR and AFS.

For more information on costs and application procedures, please visit the official website.

Apply now

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In a city as big and diverse as London, human rights challenges persist. Across the city, refugees are seeking safety, workers fight for fair treatment, and many communities still battle discrimination. Yet, behind every struggle, there are charities working tirelessly to defend people’s human rights, using legal action, advocacy, and community mobilisation to create a meaningful change. From fighting for civil liberties to combatting torture to advocating for the right to free speech, these charities cover all sorts of areas within human rights.

In this article, we will outline 11 London-based charities fighting for human rights in the UK and beyond. Whether you want to donate, find a job in the human rights sector, or use their services, this list can serve you as a guide. Here are 11 charities advocating for human rights in London:

#1. British Institute of Human Rights

British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) is an independent charity dedicated to the promotion of human rights across the United Kingdom (UK). Established in 2002, the BIHR focuses on making human rights accessible and advocating for the integration of human rights principles into public policies and practices. The charity also seeks to raise awareness and provide education on human rights, particularly those enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act.

To read more about the charity’s extensive areas of work, as well as their achievements and impact, we recommend visiting their website.

#2. The Refugee Council

Founded in 1951, following the creation of the UN Refugee Convention, The Refugee Council is a leading charity helping refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. Working with over 13,000 people seeking safety each year, the organisation provides a wide range of services, including crisis advice, mental health counselling and practical support to help people settle and integrate into their new community. They also specialise in working with refugee children travelling alone.

The organisation is highly impactful, having helped 15,851 refugees and people seeking asylum in the last year’s documented period (2022/23).

#3. Reprieve

Reprieve is a legal action non-governmental organisation (NGO) that works all over the world to challenge the death penalty and defend people who are facing human rights abuses, often at the hands of powerful governments. Made out of investigators, lawyers and campaigners fighting for justice, the organisation performs the challenging job of supporting people facing violence carried out in the name of “counter-terrorism” or “national security.” This includes people on death row, people held without charge or trial, people tortured and people targeted by illegal and lethal drone attacks.

Since their funding in 1999, the organisation has made huge strides in the efforts to end the death penalty and seek justice for victims of appalling human rights abuses, including over 550 people saved from death row around the world and over 80 people freed from detention without charge or trial. For more information about Reprieve’s successes, visit the organisation’s latest Impact Report.

#4. Article 19

Named after Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this London-based charity was created with a mission “to document censorship, to defeat the censors, and to help the censored.” Focused on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Article 19 uses the combined power of research, campaigning, and legal analysis to strive for a place where all people everywhere can freely express themselves and actively engage in public life without fear of discrimination.

The organisation’s activity, spanning across 162 countries, revolves around 5 key themes: promoting media independence, increasing access to information, protecting journalists, expanding civic space, and placing human rights at the heart of developing digital spaces. To see the impact of Article 19’s work, visit their Annual Report page.

#5. Women for Refugee Women

The London-based charity Women for Refugee Women (WRW) is an organisation dedicated to supporting women who have fled persecution and violence, including rape and other torture. The charity works directly with refugee and asylum-seeking women to support them in building confidence, skills and connections, creating a community in which women can grow together, express themselves, and heal.

Alongside them, WRW campaigns for, and achieves, real change to the asylum system, making sure that every woman seeking safety in the UK receives a fair hearing. By speaking to the media, performing at events or speaking at the Parliament, the charity plays a leading and impactful role in the advocacy for a humane and just asylum process. To get to know the organisation better, understand their strategy and learn about their campaigns, visit WRW’s website as well as social media.

#6. Freedom from Torture

Freedom from Torture is a charity organisation founded in 1985 by Helen Bamber and Amnesty International volunteers for the Care of Victims of Torture. The organisation works to support survivors of torture, fighting to ensure that their human rights are restored through rehabilitation and protection, as well as to hold torturing governments accountable. The organisation also campaigns for torture survivors to be treated fairly once they seek safety in the UK.

The organisation’s work is guided by the experiences of torture survivors, who play a leading role in designing, delivering and evaluating the work of the charity. With a team of therapist, doctors, lawyers and welfare advisors, Freedom from Torture provides a holistic service to rebuild the physical and mental health of survivors. In order to learn more about the charity, you can read its 2022-25 strategy as well as their latest Impact Report.

#7. CARAS

CARAS (Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) is a leading refugee charity in Southwest London, working with over 600 people seeking support each year. The organisation works with people arriving in the UK to help them overcome difficulties (such as language barrier, accessing services, and overcoming prejudices), rebuild their lives, and become a member of the community.

The charity offers a range of individual and group support services to people of refugee background, including social and recreational activities, trips and family activities, psycho-education sessions for young asylum-seekers, educational support for young people, and legal casework. CARAS also offers one-to-one visiting relationships to help people prevent and manage periods of crisis such as domestic violence or destitution.

#8. Just Fair

Established in 2010, Just Fair is the only UK-wide civil society charity that focuses on the human rights of everyday life, namely, the economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR). This includes the right to food, the right to water, the right to housing, as well as work and workers’ rights, social security, health, education, and a healthy environment. Since 2023, the organisation has had a special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 2023, which allowed them to participate more closely in the UN human rights monitoring system.

Through ground-breaking research and impactful campaigns conducted with UK-based and international partners, the organisation works to ensure that UK law, policy, and practice complies with domestic and international human rights obligations. To learn more about Just Fair, you get acquainted with their strategy and work outlined online.

#9. The Civil Liberties Trust

The Civil Liberties Trust is a charity working to promote human rights and civil liberties through research, policy work, litigation, education and advice. It works in parallel with the non-profit organisation Liberty – the UK’s largest civil liberties organisation that focuses on challenging unjust laws, influencing policy, and inspiring people to stand up to power.

As a grant-making body, the Civil Liberties Trust funds work that promotes public understanding of human rights, supports strategic litigation, and drives policy change. It focuses on key issues such as privacy rights, protest rights, immigration justice, and racial equality. By backing legal challenges, public awareness campaigns, and advocacy efforts, the Trust helps to hold the government accountable and ensure that civil liberties are safeguarded for all.

#10. Equal Rights Trust

The Equal Rights Trust, the only international organisation focused exclusively on the right to equality, was established in 2007 with a mission to combat discrimination. The charity takes a holistic, comprehensive approach to different inequalities, aiming to promote the right to equality as a right to participate in all areas of life on an equal basis.

The organization engages in research, advocacy, litigation, and capacity-building initiatives, often working in partnership with grassroots organizations, legal experts, and policymakers. Its work spans multiple areas, including discrimination based on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics. The ERT also provides legal support and resources to individuals and groups facing inequality, helping to strengthen legal frameworks for equality both in the UK and globally.

#11. Redress

Redress is a small international organisation founded in 1992 by Keith Carmichael, a survivor of gross human rights violations. After his experience of 857 days of arbitrary detention, gross mistreatment and aggravated assault, he realised that while there were organisations campaigning for the release of prisoners and providing medical care, there was not a specialist organisation dedicated to helping survivors obtain reparation for the harm they suffered. Redress was then founded to fill that gap and help survivors of torture and related human rights violations seek legal redress.

Since then, Redress has pursued its mission by helping survivors obtain justice and reparation, bringing perpetrators of torture to court, promoting the development and implementation of national and international standards which provide effective and enforceable remedies for torture, advocating governments and other policy makers on the need to respect the absolute prohibition on torture and collaborating with organisations around the world to end impunity and eradicate the practice of torture worldwide.

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Warsaw – the capital of Poland – is a city marked by resilience and transformation. As a political and cultural centre, it’s also the heart of the country’s human rights movement. In recent years, Poland has become a battleground for fundamental freedoms, with fierce protests for reproductive rights and gender equality, the attack on LGBTQ+ people, and the efforts to protect refugees, arriving from Ukraine and those at the Belarusian border.

With these struggles on top of the country’s political agenda, the work of human rights organisations in Warsaw is of utmost importance. This is why we compiled this article highlighting some of the most notable human rights charities advocating for human rights, fighting for equality and demanding justice. Here are 11 human rights charities operating in Warsaw, Poland:

#1. Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH)

Operating since 1992, Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) is one of Poland’s largest and most important humanitarian organisations. Dedicated to providing humanitarian aid in crisis-affected regions around the world, PAH helps ensure vulnerable populations’ human rights, delivering emergency relief, access to clean water, sanitation, food security, and education in conflict zones and areas hit by natural disasters.

While PAH operates globally, it also plays a significant role in Polish domestic humanitarian issues, assisting refugees, particularly those arriving from Ukraine and those stranded at the Belarus-Poland border. The organisation also provides direct aid such as shelter, food, and legal assistance to displaced individuals, while working to raise awareness about humanitarian crises through media and advocacy campaigns.

#2. Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights

The Helsinki Foundation of Human Rights (HFHR) is the oldest non-governmental organisation (NGO) working on the protection of human rights in Poland. The organisation provides legal assistance, conducts strategic litigation, and offers educational programs that support the civil society. HFHR is also known for its efforts to monitor and influence Poland’s legal framework, ensuring it aligns with international human rights standards.

With over three decades of experience, the foundation actively intervenes in precedent-setting legal cases, comments on legislation, and proposes amendments to better protect rights. It engages in advocacy by preparing reports for international bodies and meeting with foreign representatives. HFHR also helps shape public debate through educational materials, events, and collaborations with other NGOs.

#3. Amnesty International Poland

The Polish branch of the world-renowned organisation, Amnesty International is a key player in the country’s human rights scene. The organisation engages in a wide range of issues relevant in Poland and beyond, including freedom of expression, refugee rights and LGBTQ rights.

Amnesty International Poland has also been at the forefront of the reproductive rights struggle in Poland, which in recent years received significant attention from various human rights groups. Under the Law and Justice party, access to abortion has been curtailed even in life-threatening situations, putting pregnant people’s health, and even life, at risk. On top of advocating for reproductive rights, Amnesty has also supported activists, such as Justyna Wydrzynska, who in January 2025 was prosecuted for helping a woman seeking abortion by providing her with abortion pills. They have been campaigning for the reversal of her conviction, arguing that the case represents an attack on reproductive rights and freedom of conscience.

#4. Campaign Against Homophobia (Kampania Przeciw Homofobii – KPH)

Founded in 2001, Campaign Against Homophobia is one of Poland’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations. KPH works on legal reforms, providing legal support to individuals facing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. They focus on raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and advocating for equal rights, while also offering psychological and legal assistance to LGBTQ+ individuals in need.

The organisation rose to prominence in 2003, launching a visibility campaign called “Let Them See Us” that featured photographs of same-sex couples holding hands in public spaces. This campaign was truly groundbreaking at the time, as the topic of homosexuality was in the margins of public discourse and largely considered a taboo. While the campaign has not been without its controversies (including a significant pushback and vandalism to the billboards), it launched the topic of homosexuality to the mainstream public discourse and contributed to conversations about societal prejudices

Since then, the organisation continued its work on LGBTQ+ advocacy, with initiatives such as “Rainbow Friday” in 2015 (seeking to create a safer and more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students in schools) or an “Emergency Apartment” initiative that helps young queer people experiencing homelessness in Warsaw.

#5. The Center for Monitoring Racist and Xenophobic Behaviour (OMZRiK)

The Center for Monitoring Racism and Xenophobia is, as the name suggests, a watchdog organisation focused on documenting and addressing instances of racism, xenophobia, and hate crimes, occurring in Poland. The organisation works by collecting data on discrimination cases, providing legal assistance to victims, and pushing for legal reforms to protect racial and ethnic minorities. They regularly publish reports that shed light on the prevalence and nature of such offences.

A defining and controversial moment came in 2017 when police raided OMZRiK’s Białystok office and the affiliated ThreeRivers Theatre. The organization condemned the raid as politically motivated, viewing it as an attempt to silence criticism of rising nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment. Founder Rafał Gaweł’s 2019 prison sentence, widely seen as politically driven, led him to seek asylum in Norway, drawing international concern. His case underscored the growing pressure on civil society in Poland and cemented OMZRiK’s role in defending democratic freedoms and minority rights.

#6. The Polish Migration Forum Foundation (Fundacja Polskie Forum Migracyjne, PMF)

Established in 2007, in response to the increasing migration challenges in Poland, the Polish Migration Forum Foundation is an organisation supporting migrants and refugees in navigating legal, social, and cultural barriers they enter as they move to Poland. The organization provides psychological assistance, legal aid, language courses, and job counselling, helping newcomers integrate into Polish society. PMF is especially known for its trauma-informed mental health support, offering counselling and workshops for both adults and children.

During the Belarus–Poland border crisis, PMF set up a temporary office near the border to provide urgent legal aid and humanitarian support to asylum seekers. The foundation also works to challenge anti-migrant narratives through education and policy advocacy. ​The foundation is also an active member of several networks, including the Migration Consortium, International Detention Coalition and the European Network of Migrant Women.

#7. Batory Foundation (Fundacja im. Stefana Batorego)

Named after the 16th-century Polish king – Stefan Batory – the Batory Foundation is one of Poland’s most prominent independent foundations, working to strengthen democracy, civil society, and human rights. Established in May 1988, by American philanthropist George Soros and a group of Polish democratic opposition leaders from the 1980s, including Bronisław Geremek and Leszek Kołakowski, the organisation funds projects that challenge government overreach, support grassroots activism, and defend democratic values.

In recent years, the foundation has been particularly active in monitoring elections, advocating for judicial independence, and resisting democratic backsliding. By fostering an engaged and informed society, the Batory Foundation plays a crucial role in protecting Poland’s democratic institutions from authoritarian threats.

#8. Women’s Rights Centre (Centrum Praw Kobiet)

Women’s Rights Centre (Centrum Praw Kobiet) is an organisation that for over 30 years has been at the forefront of fighting gender-based violence and discrimination in Poland. Providing legal aid, psychological support, and emergency shelter to women facing domestic abuse, the organization also pushes for stronger laws to protect survivors. In a country where access to justice for women remains an uphill battle, the Centre has been a lifeline for thousands, offering not only direct assistance but also leading campaigns to change public attitudes and legislation.

Amongst its core achievements, the Centre has played a major role in the implementation of the Anti-Violence Convention (Istanbul Convention) in Poland and continues to fight against attempts to withdraw from it. Despite political backlash and hostilities from the right-wing, it remains a crucial force in advocating for women’s rights and gender equality. With offices in several Polish cities and a 24/7 helpline, it remains one of the most trusted organisations for women seeking both immediate help and long-term justice.

#9. La Strada (Fundacja Przeciwko Handlowi Kobietami)

La Strada Foundation is Poland’s leading organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking, forced labour, and modern slavery. Founded in 1995 as part of the international La Strada network, it focuses on prevention, direct assistance to survivors, and advocacy for systemic change. The foundation offers comprehensive support to trafficking victims: legal aid, psychological counselling, safe accommodation, and help in navigating complex bureaucratic processes. Many of those it assists are migrants, women, and children who have been deceived by false job offers or trapped in abusive working conditions.

Beyond individual support, La Strada plays a critical role in raising awareness about trafficking risks among vulnerable communities. It organizes training sessions for law enforcement, border guards, and social workers to improve the identification and protection of victims. Public education campaigns, including social media initiatives and school outreach, aim to prevent trafficking before it happens. Over the years, La Strada has become a respected voice in shaping Poland’s anti-trafficking policies, advocating for more survivor-centered laws and protections in a climate where exploitation often remains hidden.

#10. Never Again Association

Since its founding in 1996, the Never Again Association has been one of Poland’s most active groups fighting racism, xenophobia, and far-right extremism. Known for its meticulous monitoring of hate crimes and hate speech, it documents incidents that often go unreported, creating one of the most reliable databases on extremist activity in the country. The association also works on public education, running campaigns that promote tolerance and historical awareness, particularly about the Holocaust, anti-Semitism, and other forms of discrimination.

One of Never Again’s most influential projects is the “Let’s Kick Racism Out of Stadiums” campaign, aimed at tackling racism in Polish football culture – a project that has gained international attention. They also partner with music festivals, publishing houses, and youth organizations to spread anti-racist messages and prevent the normalization of hate. Through advocacy, education, and public interventions, Never Again stands as a key force resisting the resurgence of far-right ideologies in Poland’s political and social life.

#11. Autonomy Foundation

The Autonomy Foundation is a feminist organization committed to dismantling systemic inequalities and empowering women, girls, and marginalized communities in Poland. Founded in 2007, the foundation challenges patriarchal norms and structures through a mix of education, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. Its work revolves around three main pillars: preventing gender-based violence, promoting gender equality, and fostering leadership and civic engagement among those often pushed to the margins of public life.

One of Autonomy’s signature initiatives is the “Power and Voice” program, which combines self-defence training with consciousness-raising workshops that teach women and girls to assert their rights, set boundaries, and build confidence in public and private spaces. The foundation also engages in intersectional activism: supporting LGBTQ+ rights, migrant justice, and anti-racist causes, recognizing that gender-based discrimination often overlaps with other forms of oppression. In a country where feminist activism often faces political resistance, the foundation stands out as a bold, unapologetic force for social transformation.

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LGBTQ+ youth face a unique set of challenges that make their experience far more difficult than that of their peers. While many young people deal with issues like school pressure and difficult family dynamics, LGBTQ+ youth are much more likely to face homelessness, rejection from their families, and bullying because of their identity. The mental health struggles they encounter, including higher rates of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, are also disproportionately severe. In a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under threat globally, these challenges are even more pronounced.

Thankfully, there are some charities that are stepping up, providing critical support and advocacy to ensure LGBTQ+ youth have the resources and community they need to thrive. In this article, we’ve rounded up 15 organisations making a meaningful difference in the lives of young queer people.

#1. The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is an American organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for queer people under the age of 25. The organisation found out, through the Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health that as much as 41 percent of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. This is why this organisation works tirelessly to change this dramatic statistic, by means such as intervention, education, but also advocating for policies and laws that protect young LGBTQ+ people. The organisation offers a 24-hour hotline, as well as chat and texting services that provide support and information.

#2. African Queer Youth Initiative

Queer youth faces a myriad of unique challenges in different regions. On the African continent, these range from punitive laws and conservative cultures to limited access to healthcare and educational services. The African Queer Youth Initiative is a response to some of these issues, with the mission to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ young Africans as well as fighting for their rights.

The organisation supports and empowers LGBTQI+ youth activists throughout the continent. They provide essential resources and programs aimed at increasing visibility, supporting youth organisations, and creating strategic networks.

#3. Minus18

Minus18 is an Australian charity working to tackle the problem of discrimination and homophobia affecting LGBTQ+ youth. Building on the awareness that 2 in 3 queer teenagers still experience abuse for their sexuality, the organisation aims to create a safer environment and promote social belonging.

Through digital campaigns, strategic partnerships, and essential conversations, Minus18 amplifies the voices of the next generation. With projects such as the Young Leaders Program, life affirming events, as well as training, workshops and resources, the organisation champions inclusivity and fosters the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders.

#4. Albert Kennedy Trust (akt) 

Albert Kennedy Trust (akt) is a UK-wide charity founded in 1989, that provides young LGBTQ+ people with routes to safe housing, support and secure futures. The charity helps people aged 16-2 to access safe, affordable, long-term housing, and also provides support in areas like employability, mental health, community building, youth engagement, and healthcare.

Between April 2023 and May 2024, akt supported 791 LGBTQ+ young people facing homelessness or unsafe living conditions, ensuring they have the tools to lead independent, fulfilling lives.

#5. True Colors United

True Colors United was founded in 2008 by Cyndi Lauper to address the issue of homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth, who makes up nearly 40% of the homeless youth population in the US.  True Colors United focuses on providing free training and resources to homeless youth services to ensure these spaces are safe and affirming for LGBTQ+ young people. The organisation is guided by two core principles: that those who have experienced homelessness firsthand hold the solutions, and that improving outcomes for the most impacted communities benefits everyone.

#6. Just Like Us

Just Like Us is a UK-based charity dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT+ young people. Founded in 2016, the organisation works with schools and young people across the UK to create a more inclusive, supportive environment for LGBT+ students. The charity runs initiatives such as School Diversity Week, a UK-wide celebration of LGBT+ equality in primary schools, secondary schools, and colleges. They also offer free LGBT+ inclusive educational resources, aiming to make schools safer and more welcoming for all students.

In addition to these efforts, Just Like Us operates a variety of programmes, including school talks, a student-led Pride Groups initiative, and the Ambassador Programme, which trains LGBT+ young adults (18–25 years old) to speak in schools about allyship and support.

#7. Galop

Galop is the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, working with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence. The charity provides free, confidential and independent support for LGBT+ young people aged 13 to 25, who are experiencing and worried about abuse. The charity offers a safe space for them to talk about their experiences, explore their options, and seek help.

The organisation is inclusive of all lesbian, gay, bi, pan, queer, ace, aro, trans, non-binary, genderqueer, gender-fluid, and intersex youth, and it actively works with young people who are exploring their identity. Over half of the LGBT+ youth Galop supports are young people of colour, who often face additional layers of marginalisation.

#8. The Proud Trust

Founded in the 1970s by Amelia Lee and Sally Carr MBE, The Proud Trust is a UK-based charity that empowers LGBT+ young people across Greater Manchester and beyond. The organisation’s goal is to help young queer people feel proud of who they are and build a supportive community.

The Proud Trust offers youth work and one-on-one support, in addition to running several key initiatives, including the Rainbow Flag Award, a national training and inclusion programme for schools, and Proud Connections Live Chat, which provides peer support. The charity also manages Manchester’s LGBT+ Centre, The Proud Place.

The organisation continues to prioritise LGBT+ youth by offering youth groups, mentoring programmes, and other support services. It also works with adults in trusted positions, such as teachers and social workers, to help them create more LGBT+ inclusive spaces, improve their ability to address discrimination, and celebrate diversity.

#9. Born This Way Foundation

Founded in 2012 by pop icon Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, Born This Way Foundation is an organisation dedicated to creating a kinder and braver world for LGBTQ+ youth. The foundation achieves its mission by leveraging academic research and partnerships to foster kinder communities and improve mental health resources for young people. Through a variety of programs, the foundation helps to create positive environments both online and offline.

Born This Way Foundation offers several key initiatives, such as the Be There Certificate—a free, interactive course designed to enhance mental health literacy and empower young people with the tools to support others. The #BeKind365 digital platform inspires daily acts of kindness, and the Kindness in Community Fund, which distributed $250,000 in 2023, supports over 40 LGBTQ+ organisations in areas where queer youth face particularly challenging circumstances.

#10. GLSEN

GLSEN was founded in 1990 by a group of teachers, wanting to ensure LGBTQ+ youth are supported in schools. In addition to working with educators, GLSEN focuses on student-led movements, such as the Day of Silence and Ally Week. They provide resources for K-12 education, advocate for policies protecting LGBTQ+ students, and have fought discriminatory legislation in over 15 states. GLSEN’s nationwide network supports over 1.5 million individuals, including students, families, and educators, striving to create safe, inclusive environments where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive without fear of bullying.

#11. Trans Youth Equality Foundation

The Trans Youth Equality Foundation provides education and support for transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming youth and their families. The Foundation partners with families, educators, and service providers to create safe, caring environments for gender-diverse children. They offer youth camps and support groups to help trans and nonbinary kids, as well as their parents, navigate the challenges they face. The Foundation’s goal is to empower both youth and families to build healthy, supportive communities.

#12. The Ali Forney Center

The Ali Forney Center (AFC), founded in 200 in memory of Ali Forney, is the largest provider of services to LGBTQ+ homeless youth in the U.S. With a focus on protecting young people from the dangers of homelessness, AFC offers a range of services including a 24-hour Drop-In Center, medical and mental health care, and housing programmes. Their mission is to help LGBTQ+ youth gain independence and stability. AFC’s comprehensive care model has been widely recognised for its impact, and founder Carl Siciliano was honoured as a White House Champion of Change.

#13. Stonewall Housing

Stonewall Housing is the UK’s leading charity supporting LGBTQ+ people of all ages facing homelessness or unsafe living conditions. Founded in 1983, they provide specialist housing advice, advocacy, and support, with expertise in mental health, domestic abuse, substance misuse, and supported accommodation. Their services are free and confidential, offering a helpline, mental health advocacy, and direct assistance for those at risk. Stonewall Housing helps thousands each year, ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals have access to safe and secure housing.

The post 13 Charities Advocating for LGBTQ+ Youth  appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

In a world increasingly affected by conflicts, persecution, and displacement, the terms asylum seeker and refugee are often used interchangeably. However, these words carry distinct legal meanings and come with different sets of rights and protections. Understanding the differences between asylum seekers and refugees is important, especially in discussions about global migration, human rights, and international law. This article aims to clarify these differences, debunk common misconceptions, and shed light on the experiences of both groups.

An asylum seeker is a term referring to a person who has fled their home country due to conflict, war, or persecution, and is seeking protection in a foreign country, but has not yet been legally recognized as a refugee. A refugee, on the other hand, is someone who has been recognized under international law as needing protection, either by a host country or through international agencies like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Legal Status and Protection Rights

The legal status of an asylum seeker differs from that of a refugee. Asylum seekers are in a state of a legal limbo: they are waiting for their claim to be evaluated by the host country’s immigration authorities. During this time, they may be granted temporary protection, but they are not yet legally recognized as refugees. Therefore, their situation is precarious and they experience additional uncertainty, because a rejected asylum application can result in deportation back to the country they fled.

In contrast, refugees have already been recognised as such, and are granted additional legal protection under international law. According to the 1951 Refugee Convention, a refugee is a person who, “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion,” cannot return to their home country. This means that once someone is granted refugee status, they have the right to remain in the host country, access social services, and be protected from deportation to their home country (a principle known as non-refoulement). Refugees should also access education, healthcare, and the right to work, however these rights can vary based on the host country and their execution is often curtailed by the country’s resources and policies.

Process of Recognition

Seeking asylum in a foreign country is a complex and often lengthy process. When a person arrives in a country and requests asylum, they must submit an application, which will then be examined by authorities. This process can involve multiple stages of interviews, background checks and legal hearings. The process varies from country to country, with some nations offering more expedited procedures and others having significant backlogs, leaving asylum seekers waiting for months or even years for a decision.

For refugees, recognition can come either through a direct application to a country or through international organisations such as the UNHCR, which processes claims and facilitates resettlement. In some cases, refugees are registered in camps and later resettled in a third country that agrees to offer them protection.

Conditions and Experiences

While both asylum seekers and refugees share the experience of escaping a dangerous situation in their home country, the conditions they face can differ considerably. Asylum seekers experience is often defined by a perpetual state of uncertainty, insecurity and loneliness. They are often placed in detention centres or temporary accommodations while their case is being processed, often grouped with many other people, lacking privacy and comfort. Access to essential services such as healthcare, education and employment is also restricted during this period, which contributes to difficulty in staying healthy and adjusting to the new environment.

Refugees, on the other hand, having already been granted legal protection, are generally better positioned (though they too face significant challenges). While they enter a new step of their immigration journey, they experience new struggles, such as integrating into their host countries, learning new languages, and finding employment. Additionally, the psychological toll of fleeing persecution, living in exile, and starting over in a new country is immense for both asylum seekers and refugees. Therefore, both groups often grapple with trauma, sense of loss, and uncertainty about their future – all of which the misunderstanding and prejudices often worsen.

Common Misconceptions and Myths About Asylum Seekers and Refugees

Unfortunately, the topic of refugees and asylum seekers is a highly polarising one, and there are many misconceptions, often fuelled by the media and politicians. These myths can create barriers for displaced people and limit their ability to find safety, stability, and acceptance. One way to combat the spread of hate and misinformation is through education and facts. Here are some of the most common myths and the realities behind them:

#1. Myth: “Asylum Seekers are “Illegal Migrants”

Reality: One of the most widespread myths is that asylum seekers are “illegal” migrants. However, seeking asylum is a legal right under international law, and the term “illegal” is often wrongly applied to those waiting for their asylum claims to be processed.

#2. Myth: “Most asylum seekers don’t have genuine claims and are exploiting the system.”

Reality: Asylum seekers must meet very strict criteria to be granted refugee status. Each application undergoes a thorough review process, and only those with valid claims are granted asylum. The rigorous screening minimises the chances of fraudulent claims being approved, but often takes a long time.

#3. Myth: “Refugees and asylum seekers drain the economy and take jobs from locals.”

Reality: Studies show that, over time, refugees often contribute to the economy by working, paying taxes, and opening businesses. Their contributions to the workforce can fill labour gaps and help counteract ageing populations in some countries. On top of that, refugees are diverse people that bring skills, perspectives, and entrepreneurial activity to communities.

#4. Myth: “Refugees can just ‘go back home’ once it’s safe.”

Reality: Many refugees cannot safely return home, even after conflicts have settled. Homes, communities, and entire infrastructures may have been destroyed, or the conditions that forced them to flee, like political persecution, may still exist. Return is often not a viable option, so integration into host countries is essential.

#5. Myth: “Refugees are a security risk.”

Reality: Refugees and asylum seekers are subjected to extensive background checks before they are allowed into a host country, especially through formal resettlement programs. The process can take months or even years to ensure safety for everyone. Research consistently shows that the overwhelming majority of refugees are peaceful and are themselves fleeing violence.

How can you help refugees and asylum seekers?

There are many ways individual people can contribute to support refugees and asylum seekers. From providing direct assistance to raising awareness, here are some practical ways you can get involved with this human rights issue:

#1. Donate 

Refugees often arrive in new countries with very little. Donating essential items such as clothing, household goods, or hygiene products can help them start their lives with dignity. Local refugee organisations often run collection drives where you can donate these items, or you can organise your own donation initiative in your community. On top of that, you can donate to support organisations working directly with refugees, such as Refugee Action, International Rescue Committee, UNHCR or Free Movement.

#2. Volunteer

If instead of material items you would like to donate your time, volunteering with local or international NGOs can be a powerful way to help. Volunteers are often needed in refugee resettlement programs, community support groups, or legal aid organisations. Tasks may include teaching language skills, offering job training, or providing support to newly arrived refugees.

#3. Advocate for Policy Changes

Use your voice to advocate for humane and fair asylum policies. You can write to your local representatives, participate in awareness campaigns, or sign petitions that call for better treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. Political pressure can help improve asylum procedures, increase resettlement quotas, and ensure legal protections.

#4. Raise Awareness

Social media can be a powerful tool to raise awareness about refugee issues. You can share stories, facts, and news articles that highlight the struggles and contributions of refugees and asylum seekers. By spreading accurate information and combating misconceptions, you can influence public perception and promote empathy, starting from your personal circle.

#5. Educate Yourself and Others

One of the most important ways to support refugees and asylum seekers is by educating yourself about their situations. You can take courses, read books, watch documentaries, or attend talks that focus on refugee issues.

The post Asylum Seeker vs Refugee: What are the differences?  appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Human rights are for everyone, regardless of their age, race, class or gender. Treating people unfairly because of their gender creates unjust societies teeming with inequality. Women, girls, transgender people and gender-diverse people face the most discrimination, which affects their access to good education, jobs, healthcare, legal protections and much more. Progress has been made, but at this rate, it will still take hundreds of years to reach equality. What are the causes of gender inequality? In this article, we’ll describe 13 of the most common examples:

#1. Unequal education
#2. The gender pay gap
#3. Employment segregation
#4. Restrictive laws
#5. Gender-based violence
#6. Threats to reproductive rights
#7. Worse healthcare
#8. Less political representation
#9. Unequal household responsibilities
#10. Religious intolerance
#11. Racial discrimination
#12. Transphobia
#13. Conscious and unconscious bias

Download: Causes of Gender Inequality – Factsheet

#1. Unequal education

When everyone gets a good education, there are better job opportunities, higher incomes, less violence and better health. Historically, girls have been excluded from education at higher rates than boys. While the global gender gap in education is shrinking, sub-Saharan Africa has not achieved gender parity at any level of education, according to GEM’s 2024 Gender Report. In Afghanistan, which bans secondary and higher education for women, 1.4 million Afghan girls are excluded from education. Inequality in education affects not only girls, but entire societies by increasing the risk of poverty, child mortality and conflict.

#2. The gender pay gap

Across the world, women earn less money than men. According to an ILO Global Wage Report from 2018/2019, women earn 20% less than men due to factors like differences in education, pay discrimination and motherhood, which enacts what ILO calls a “wage penalty.” The most recent report released for 2024-2025 shows little progress. Gender pay gaps affect even wealthy countries, like the United States. Women working full-time earn (on average) 84 cents to every man’s dollar, which leads to less support from Social Security and pensions. Globally, women are more likely than men to experience poverty, and at the current rate of progress, it will take 170 years to close the global gender pay gap.

#3. Employment segregation

Employment segregation is the unequal distribution of men and women in the workforce. A report from the World Bank Group’s Job Group describes horizontal and vertical segregation, which means men and women can be concentrated across different industries and occupations, as well as unequally distributed in promotions and manager roles. Globally, women tend to work in vulnerable, low-paying jobs like care work, while men get more access to higher-paying, more stable careers. Inequality won’t end with employing more women if those jobs don’t pay well or have opportunities for growth. For example, from September 2022-2024, women in India comprised 41% of newcomers to the workforce, but they were overrepresented in low-wage industries.

#4. Restrictive laws

Many countries institutionalize gender inequality. According to a 2022 World Bank report, 178 countries have legal barriers that restrict the economic participation of 2.4 billion women. 95 countries don’t ensure equal pay for equal work. Other discriminatory laws include Saudi Arabia’s Personal Status Law, which denies women equal rights during a divorce, and Afghanistan’s “vice and virtue” laws, which ban women from speaking or showing their faces outside the home. Laws that discriminate based on gender disempower women and cause significant inequality.

#5. Gender-based violence

Gender-based violence is any violence directed at a person because of their gender or perceived gender. While men comprise most intentional homicide victims, most victims of intimate partner and family-related murder are women, according to data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Every day, more than 133 women or girls are killed by someone in their family. By age 19, 1 in 4 women who’ve been in a relationship have already experienced physical, sexual or psychological abuse by a partner. Gender-based violence not only causes severe physical and mental distress, but also fewer job opportunities, lower earning potential and reduced societal participation. A world that’s unsafe for women is inherently unequal.

#6. Threats to reproductive rights

Reproductive rights are a bedrock of gender equality. Without the freedom to choose if and when to have children, women experience threats to their health, education, careers and safety. According to research from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, abortion restrictions in the US (which overturned federal abortion protections in 2022) lower a woman’s lifetime earnings and make it less likely she’ll graduate from school. Researchers have also noticed a link between domestic violence and abortion restrictions; when women can’t access abortion, rates of intimate partner violence increase. Threats to reproductive rights deepen existing gender inequality.

#7. Worse healthcare

Women have historically received lower-quality healthcare compared to men, which affects their health outcomes and lifespans. Described another way, the women’s health gap adds up to 75 million years of life gone each year because of poor health or early death. Inequality in healthcare takes many forms, such as a lack of research into issues primarily affecting women, and dismissals of women’s pain. One study in Nature found that women endure longer hospital times and are less likely to get pain medication compared to men. Women (especially women belonging to ethnic and racial minority groups) are also 20-30% more likely than white men to get misdiagnosed. In many cases, this inequality can be fatal.

#8. Less political representation

Gender inequality spreads to the world’s highest positions of power. In 2024, UN Women reported that just 19 countries had female Heads of State, while women held 50% or more Cabinet Minister positions in only 15 countries. Of the women who do have political power, they tend to be excluded from economic affairs, justice, home affairs and defense. That means women don’t have equal representation or decision-making power in any country on Earth. While representation would not necessarily usher in a utopia, an unequal political system is still unjust.

#9. Unequal household responsibilities

Women and girls spend significantly more time on unpaid household chores than their male counterparts. According to Oxfam, women perform ¾ of unpaid care work, which equals 12.5 billion hours of unpaid labor every day. 42% of women spend so much time on this work, they can’t get jobs, compared to just 6% of men experiencing the same problem. Even in countries with smaller gender equality gaps, inequality often begins at home, and its effects spread through an entire society. While it’s difficult to quantify tasks like cooking, cleaning and caring for kids, experts estimate the economic value at 10-60% of GDP.

#10. Religious intolerance

In the human rights field, religious freedom and human rights can clash, but as researcher Marie Juul Petersen writes, research demonstrates a “strong correlation” between countries that restrict religion and perpetuate gender inequality. Consider how extremist religious groups like the Taliban in Afghanistan attack women, girls and religious minorities. Religious intolerance also includes banning peaceful displays of religious belief, like how France banned headscarves for French female athletes competing in the 2024 Olympics. Women nearly always experience the most discrimination when religious tolerance is attacked, whether that’s by another religious group or a government. To protect women and gender equality, religious tolerance is a value to be encouraged, not disavowed.

#11. Racial discrimination

Gender inequality and racial discrimination go hand-in-hand. If you look at all the issues affecting women, such as the risk of violence and worse healthcare, women and girls from oppressed racial groups experience the worst effects. Black women in the United States experience higher rates of intimate partner violence, while Black, Latina and Native women have a wider gender pay gap than women overall. The material mortality rate for Black mothers is also much higher – 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births compared to 19.0 for white mothers. Racism can’t be ignored when addressing the causes of gender inequality.

#12. Transphobia

Transphobia, which is a prejudice or hatred toward transgender people, is a form of gender discrimination. Gender inequality discussions tend to focus on cis women and girls, but transgender and gender-diverse people face stark inequalities, too. According to the United Nations, most of the world’s trans people lack legal protections – like recognition by the State – and face higher rates of violence and stigma. At least nine countries have laws targeting trans and gender-diverse people with punishments like fines, forced counseling and imprisonment. Solutions to gender equality must include protection for all oppressed genders.

#13. Conscious and unconscious bias

Beliefs about women, men, gender and power enforce gender inequality in every society. Whether that’s believing women are unfit for certain jobs or men shouldn’t express emotions, it feeds the fires of inequality. One UN report found that 85% of men and women hold some bias against women. Biases aren’t always conscious. Beliefs are often so embedded within societies, people perpetuate bias without knowing the harm they’re causing. For example, a study in Nature Human Behavior found that scientists – both men and women – unconsciously favored male researchers for important promotions. As long as conscious and unconscious gender bias goes unchallenged, societies will struggle to achieve full equality.

Conclusion

The causes of gender inequality persist across the world with clusters of greater inequality. In places like sub-Saharan Africa and Afghanistan, girls still lack equal education and basic legal protections, while even in more equal countries like the United States, the gender pay gap and worse healthcare make life harder for women and girls. Gender-based violence is a global epidemic, but causes like limited political representation, unpaid labor, employment segregation and threats to reproductive rights can be just as damaging. All these factors contribute to a world struggling to protect the rights of all, but once we understand the roots of the problem, we can work toward solutions.

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No one earns their human rights; everyone is entitled to them. In 1948, the United Nations ratified The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was the first global agreement on the meaning of human rights. Subsequent treaties, national constitutions and other policies continue to define human rights and how they should be applied now and for future generations. In this article, we’ll provide 10 examples of human rights with real-world stories describing how they can be violated or protected.

#1. The right to life

The right to life (which is enshrined in places like Article 3 of the UDHR and Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights) guarantees all persons the right to life, liberty and security. This right means no one – including individuals and the government – can kill you without consequence. The State must protect human rights, so governments must do everything possible to safeguard human life.

A human rights story: Mother seeks justice after Russia kills her family

In 2000, during the Second Chechen War, the Russian military promised rebel soldiers safe passage from a city. However, a day before the evacuation, the Russian Army mined the area. Fighters sought shelter in the village of Katyr-Yurt where villagers were not told they were coming or how to escape safely. An aviation bomb dropped from a plane, killing a local man and his three daughters. His mother sought justice, and in Isayeva v Russia, the European Court of Human Rights found a violation of the right to life. Even though the violence occurred during wartime, the Russian military did not try to protect civilians or perform a thorough investigation afterward, making their actions a violation of human rights.

#2. The right to freedom from torture

Freedom from torture and inhumane treatment is in Article 5 of the UDHR and in the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which was adopted in 1984. “Torture” is defined as both physical or mental severe pain or suffering inflicted for reasons like trying to get a confession or punishing someone for an action.

A human rights story: Survivors of Abu Ghraib torture win in court

After the United States invaded Iraq in 2003, the military took over Abu Ghraib, a maximum security prison. That same year, pictures of American soldiers torturing prisoners began to emerge. Investigations revealed rampant physical, sexual and psychological torture. In 2024, a federal court found that a private contractor had worked with the US military to create the conditions for the prison’s “hard site,” where the worst torture occurred. The case’s three torture survivors were awarded $42 million. Appeals are still possible, but for now, this decision is a victory for the right to freedom from torture.

#3. The right to equal treatment before the law

The right to equal treatment before the law (Article 7 of the UDHR, Protocol No. 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights, 14th Amendment of the US Constitution) means that the legal system must treat everyone fairly and equally. Different treatment, like racial discrimination or gender discrimination, violates a person’s rights.

A human rights story: The US Supreme Court finds the death penalty discriminatory

In 1967, William Furman killed a homeowner during a botched robbery in Savannah, Georgia. Despite suffering from psychosis and other impairments, Furman stood trial, where he testified that the shooting was an accident. A jury of 11 white people and one Black person sentenced him to death anyway. Furman’s lawyer took the case to the Supreme Court. In 1972, the Court ruled that because the death penalty led to discriminatory results (Furman was Black, as were most people who received death sentences), it violated the 14th Amendment. Furman’s death sentence was overturned, as were the death sentences of 589 others. Sadly, the death penalty was reissued just a few years later, making it an ongoing human rights issue in the United States.

#4. The right to freedom of movement

The right to freedom of movement includes the right to live within a country’s borders, the right to move freely within those borders, and the right to leave a country. Some restrictions are lawful for public health or national security. Freedom of movement is protected in places like Article 13 of the UDHR, Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Article 45 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

A human rights story: Women in Saudi Arabia slowly gain more independence

Saudi Arabia has a history of restricting women’s right to movement; until 2018, women weren’t allowed to apply for a passport without a male guardian’s permission or even drive. In 2022, Saudi Arabia passed a Personal Status Law that authorities claimed was a major reform for women. According to advocacy groups like Amnesty International, the law still protects male dominance. Divorced mothers don’t share equal rights with men, which makes it harder for them to travel with their kids or move overseas. It will take more reforms to fully guarantee the right to freedom of movement.

#5. The right to return

People have the right to leave their country, but they also have the right to return. Documents like the UDHR, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and various treaties recognize that everyone has the right to go home if they choose to. This protects people’s right to go back to their countries after a violent conflict, a natural disaster or other crisis that forced them to leave.

A human rights story: Exiled Palestinians keep the keys to their family homes

When the state of Israel was established in 1948, military forces displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during what’s known as the Nakba, which means “catastrophe” in Arabic. As a video from Al Jazeera describes, exiled Palestinians have been holding onto house keys, some for homes left in 1948. In many cases, the homes have been destroyed; the keys are symbolic of the intent to return to their homeland. The UN has repeatedly affirmed that Palestinian refugees have the right to return and receive compensation, but Israel continues to displace and oppress Palestinians.

#6. The right to asylum

The right to asylum protects a person’s right to seek protection in another country if they’re facing persecution or are very likely to face persecution. Most people seeking asylum are oppressed based on factors like gender, race, nationality, sexuality or political opinion. Article 14 of the UDHR and the 1951 UN Refugee Convention are just two documents enshrining this right.

A human rights story: A community rallies for a family seeking asylum

In 2018, Australia rejected the asylum claim of the Nadesalingam family, who had lived in the country for years. The government’s policy was (and still is, at the time of writing in 2025) to not allow asylum seekers to arrive by boat, like the Nadesalingam family. The couple and their daughters were detained for 1,500 days, but their community led a campaign to keep them in the country. Finally, due to public pressure, Australia gave them permanent visas. Many human rights organizations believe Australia’s strict rules on asylum fail to protect the rights of asylum-seekers like the Nadesalingams.

#7. The right to marry

The right to marry is in Article 16 of the UDHR, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. There are some restrictions. For example, you can’t marry someone against their will. Most States also restrict marriage between close relatives. Marriage restrictions have historically oppressed LGBTQ+ couples, but significant progress has been made.

A human rights story: Greece legalizes gay marriage

As a deeply conservative country, Greece has been slow to adopt many of Europe’s policies on equality and human rights. In 2024, the government finally passed a law allowing gay couples to marry and adopt children. Three weeks after the law’s passage, a novelist and his partner became the first same-sex couple to marry in Athens’ city hall. Greece is the first country in south-eastern Europe and the first Christian Orthodox-majority country to achieve marriage equality.

#8. The right to freedom of thought

Freedom of thought, which also includes the freedom of opinion and expression, ensures a person’s right to hold and express thoughts and opinions without interference, punishment or coercion. This right doesn’t protect all types of speech or actions, like direct threats, incitement of violence or fraud. What should or shouldn’t count as protected speech or freedom of expression is frequently debated. Article 18 and 19 of the UDHR protect freedom of thought and opinion, as does Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the First Amendment of the United States Bill of Rights.

A human rights story: American students win the right to protest against war

Before Christmas break in 1965, 13-year-old Mary Beth Tinker and a group of friends walked into their Iowa high school wearing black armbands to protest the Vietnam War. The students were suspended when they refused to remove the bands. Instead of accepting the punishment, Mary Beth and the other students sued. The four-year court battle went to the Supreme Court, which ruled that the students had a right to wear the bands. The opinion includes the famous line, “[Students} do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.”

#9. The right to education

Everyone deserves an education, which includes free and universal primary school, available and accessible secondary education, and technical and vocational training opportunities. In other words, “education” doesn’t only include classroom learning. The right to education is enshrined in places like Article 26 of the UDHR and Article 14 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

A human rights story: Education activist Malala survives an assassination attempt

Malala Yousafzai loved learning, but in 2008, the 11-year-old had to leave her school not knowing if she could ever return. The Taliban had taken over her home in Pakistan, and one of the first things they did was ban girls from school. Malala refused to stay silent and began blogging anonymously for the BBC. When her identity was discovered, she kept advocating for education. In 2012, she survived an assassination attempt. While she had to leave Pakistan, Malala continues to fight for the right to education, especially for girls.

#10. The right to political participation

Article 21 of the UDHR states that everyone has the right to participate in the government of their country, either directly or through elected representatives. Political participation includes protesting, voting, running for office, volunteering for campaigns, and joining and forming political parties. Governments that restrict public participation through legislation or coercion violate this right.

A human rights story: India threatens the voting rights of minorities and women

India is the world’s largest democracy, but for years, the government has increasingly embraced authoritarianism. According to the V-Dem Institute, India is now an “electoral autocracy,” which means it has autocratic traits despite still holding elections. One autocratic tactic involves disenfranchising voters. Missing Voters, a smartphone app that tracks disenfranchised voters, found that in 2019, more than half of the 120 million “missing voters” belonged to marginalized groups like Muslims, lower-caste Dalits and women. Despite knowing of the issues in its electronic voting system, India has not ensured the voting rights and political participation of its people.

The post 10 Examples of Human Rights appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Anthony Ray Hinton knew he was going to die. Sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit, he had no money for another appeal. When his best friend Lester visited, Ray asked him to tell Ray’s mother when he died. “Tell her I died with joy in my heart and I wasn’t afraid. You lie to her.” Lester never had to protect Ray’s mother with a lie, but she died before Ray was finally exonerated after 30 years on death row. This story, which is included in Ray’s memoir The Sun Does Shine, is one of many about the death penalty. In this article, we’ll explore 10 reasons why the death penalty is wrong, including the fact that wrongful convictions are too common, the death penalty inflicts torture and that it doesn’t deter violent crime.

#1. The death penalty inflicts torture on everyone it touches

No part of Clayton Lockett’s lethal injection went smoothly. First, the execution team took at least 16 pokes to get the IV inserted. As the first of three drugs entered his body, Clayton writhed in agony. The execution was halted, but 43 minutes after that first drug hit his bloodstream, Clayton died of a heart attack. A witness said he had been “tortured to death.” Clayton’s execution was botched, but even when lethal injections are performed properly, autopsy evidence indicates a painful, suffocating death.

Even if you’re okay with executed people experiencing pain, what about those who have to perform or witness the executions? In 2022, NPR spoke with current and former executioners, lawyers, wardens, and other workers involved with more than 200 executions. They reported “serious mental and physical repercussions,” even if they’d never witnessed an actual execution. Nearly everyone NPR spoke with no longer supported the death penalty. Even without considering the people executed, the death penalty is wrong because it hurts everyone involved in the process.

#2. The death penalty is biased against people experiencing poverty

In 1983, Glenn Ford was arrested for the murder of his employer. Glenn couldn’t afford his own lawyer, so the judge assigned him two. There was a big problem: one lawyer specialized in oil and gas law (and had never tried a case), while the other worked on slip-and-fall cases (The Fear of Too Much Justice). Because Glenn couldn’t afford a lawyer, his life depended on a counsel team wholly unequipped to handle a capital trial. According to the United Nations, people experiencing poverty are “disproportionately affected” by the death penalty. Even if they can afford better lawyers (or are lucky enough to be assigned one), they still have to pay for things like investigations, experts and DNA tests. In a system where you need money to mount a decent defense, the death penalty is inherently unjust.

Glenn Ford was sentenced to death. A better defense would have revealed major cracks in the state’s case. For one, the prosecution depended on the testimony of a witness who, on the stand, admitted to lying. The murder weapon was also never recovered. Regardless, Glenn spent almost three decades on death row before his sentence was vacated. He died of lung cancer less than 16 months later, half his life stolen because he couldn’t afford a decent lawyer.

#3. The death penalty hurts people with severe mental illness and disabilities

Andre Thomas’ grandmother believed she heard God’s voice. So did his mother, and so did Thomas. However, the voices Thomas heard drove him to first try to take his own life at 10 years old. After years of hallucinations, Thomas killed his family and removed their hearts, believing they were demon-possessed (A Descending Spiral: Exposing the Death Penalty in 12 Essays). As his trial date approached, Andre didn’t understand his family was dead. Then, he cut out his own eye, forcing the system to ask: is this man sane enough to stand trial?

Many people believe those with intellectual disabilities or severe mental illness like Andre should not be held fully responsible for their crimes. Most courts agree; in the United States, Ford v. Wainwright (1986) states that the “insane” cannot be executed. However, as the book The Fear of Too Much Justice describes, prosecutors and judges face public pressure to convict people charged with violent crimes, even when it’s clear they’re deeply unwell. When Andre’s insanity plea was rejected, he was sentenced to death in 2005. He was forced to wear protective mittens, but after continuing to see demons, he gouged out his remaining eye and ate it. At the time of writing (March 2025), Andre Thomas remains on death row while the legal system debates if a man who ate his own eye is sane enough to execute.

#4. Wrongful convictions are too common

Anthony Ray Hinton had an alibi for the murders he was convicted of. He was working, which his boss attested to. In court, the state argued the weapon they’d found at Ray’s mother’s house was used in the crime, but there was no physical evidence. His defense expert, who should have proven his innocence, was blind in one eye, did not test-fire the weapon, and did not know how to use a microscope. Even if you believe the death penalty is an appropriate punishment for certain crimes, errors like the ones in Ray’s case are too serious to ignore.

In a 23-year period, ⅔ of death penalty sentences had “serious, reversible errors.”  For every eight people executed, one person on death row has been exonerated. Ray spent 30 years on death row before his exoneration. He now works as an advocate against the death penalty, but he could have easily become part of the 4.1% of innocent people who are executed in the United States. That percentage is “conservative,” meaning, it’s likely higher. In its current form, the death penalty can never be a tool for true justice because wrongful convictions are simply too common.

#5. The appeal process is broken

In theory, Johnny Joe Martinez was a perfect candidate for life in prison. Before he killed Clay Peterson, Martinez had no criminal record. He also showed remorse immediately by calling the police himself. The victim’s own mother wanted Martinez’s life spared after he was sentenced to death. However, when Martinez tried to call his lawyer about his appeal, the man didn’t pick up. Martinez then wrote him letters, but his lawyer never replied (Let the Lord Sort Them: The Rise and Fall of the Death Penalty). Martinez finally learned his lawyer had filed a 17-line petition (good petitions can be hundreds of pages long) without ever speaking to him. The petition was promptly denied. Martinez was executed in 2002. He was 27 years old.

Appeals are a vital part of the criminal justice system, but for death sentences, appeals can drag on for decades, causing intense trauma for those on death row. At the same time, the convicted must act quickly. As Maurice Chammah explains in Let the Lord Sort Them, people facing the death penalty have just one year after state review to file a federal habeas petition, which can be the difference between death or life in prison. Only in rare cases can someone file more than one petition. You depend not only on your lawyer’s competency, commitment and speed, but information available in a tight timeframe. An appeal system this broken seems eager for executions, not fair and equal justice.

#6. Racial bias is too persistent in the criminal justice system

We’ve talked about Anthony Ray Hinton’s case before, but why was he convicted with a clear alibi and no physical evidence tying him to the crime? Racial bias played a huge role. All 12 jury members were white, as were the prosecutor and judge. As Ray writes in his memoir The Sun Does Shine, “The good old boys had traded in their white robes for black robes, but it was still a lynching.”

In a study analyzing murder convictions between 1978 and 2002, researchers found Black defendants were 4.6-8.7 times more likely to get a death sentence. Between 1976 and 2016, 34% of those executed were Black, despite Black people comprising just 13% of the population. The victim’s race matters, too. According to a 2003 study, prosecutors were more likely to seek the death penalty when the victim was white. This creates a two-tiered system of punishment infected with racial bias. None of this data is new. In McCleskey v. Kemp (1987), the Supreme Court accepted evidence showing Georgia defendants were four times more likely to get sentenced to death if the murder victim was white. They then declared that racial bias was “inevitable.” If racial bias is inevitable, how can the death penalty ever be just?

#7. The death penalty doesn’t deter violent crime

In a survey on a previous version of this article, 38% of our respondents identified crime deterrence as the most influential factor in their opinion on capital punishment. Does crime deterrence matter on a moral level? One could make the argument that if applied fairly and humanely, the death penalty could be moral if it prevents future violence and death. The problem is that it doesn’t. Even if the death penalty was always applied fairly with no discrimination or pain, it would still fail at its most vital purpose.

A 2020 analysis found that 9 out of 10 states with the highest pandemic murder rates had the death penalty. This data echoes other studies showing again and again that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent. Why? According to an article in Psychology Today, most violent offenders don’t behave rationally. A lack of mental health treatment is a common trigger; 43% of those in state prisons have a diagnosed mental disorder. With “expressive crimes,” which are crimes driven by rage, depression, and drug or alcohol use, fear of the death penalty doesn’t factor into decision-making, making it a useless prevention tool.

#8. Taxpayers bear the financial costs

In 2024, Utah executed Taberon Honie, a man who started drinking at age 5, and when he was 22, killed his girlfriend’s mother while intoxicated. His execution cost $288,685. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, that cost is equivalent to one year of healthcare for 38 people or one year of education for 65 public school students. That cost doesn’t include how much taxpayers spent on Honie’s 25-year stay on death row. In California, holding people on death row costs taxpayers $90,000 more each year than people in the general population.

The death penalty forces taxpayers to bear the costs, even if they’re morally opposed to it. If you support the death penalty in theory, wouldn’t you prefer your money to go to programs and services that actually reduce violent crime? As mentioned earlier, the death penalty does not deter violence in a meaningful way. Research shows that investing in healthcare, especially behavioral health services, is much more effective. So is education; one study found that students who attended better-funded schools were 15% less likely to be arrested through age 30. Paying for executions invests in nothing but death.

#9. The death penalty is too easily abused by authoritarians

In the Nasiriyah prison in Iraq, executions happen without warning. Men have their names read out on a loudspeaker, and then they’re gone. They’re not executed because they’ve committed horrendous crimes. One man told Human Rights Watch that his imprisoned brothers were accused of terrorism because they refused to be extorted by a militia group. In prison, the men endure physical torture, as well as the psychological torture of not knowing when they might be executed. To avoid public outrage, the Nasiriyah prison conducts mass executions in secret. Death row holds around 8,000 people, most charged with bogus terrorism offenses.

Most advocates of the death penalty believe it’s appropriate for only the most serious crimes. However, in places like Iraq, governments abuse executions as a tool for control. Justifications include “terrorism,” a charge that often includes any defiance of the government, and drugs. According to Amnesty International, more than 700 executions for drug-related offenses occurred between 2018 and 2022. It’s clear many governments inflicting the death penalty are not interested in real justice. As long the death penalty is legal, it has the potential to be abused for a government’s own purposes.

#10. The death penalty doesn’t help victims heal

Rachel Sutphin was nine years old when William Morva killed her father. In 2017, the state of Virginia executed Morva, but Sutphin felt no peace. When interviewed by The Appeal, she said, “Now there’s two dates that I remember every year. I remember Morva’s execution and my father’s death.” Before the execution, Sutphin wrote a letter asking the governor for mercy. She continues to advocate for an end to the death penalty.

Studies suggest Sutphin’s experience is not unique. One showed that only 2.5% of co-victims (the term used to describe the family and friends of murder victims) reported closure from the death penalty. 20.1% said it did not help them heal. Another study found that co-victims reported better physical and psychological health when life sentences were given. This isn’t to say no co-victims find relief following an execution, but it’s clear that the death penalty isn’t the only path to healing.

The post 10 Reasons Why The Death Penalty is Wrong appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Anne Frank was 15 years old when she died in a German concentration camp. Her story is just one of millions during the Holocaust, which was the genocide of six million Jews and millions of others during World War II. Human rights violations were so severe and widespread during the war, it led to the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document established the freedoms and protections everyone deserves simply by being human. When these freedoms and protections are attacked or withheld, human rights violations occur. In this article, we’ll give more specifics on what human rights violations are, as well as real-world examples, information on whose rights are threatened most and what you can do to stand against human rights violations.

The types of human rights violations: civil, political, economic, social and cultural

To understand human rights violations, you need some background on human rights. The International Bill of Human Rights (which consists of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) lays out your “negative” and “positive” rights. Civil and political rights are considered “negative,” while economic, social and cultural rights are “positive.”

What do we mean by “negative” and “positive?” Negative rights are a right to non-interference, meaning the State (and others) must not take certain actions against you. Most negative rights protect your individual freedoms, like the right to free expression, the right to freedom from discrimination, and the right to equality before the law. Interference and discrimination, like racism, excessive censorship and enslavement, violate your negative rights. Positive rights require States to provide certain services, goods, and treatment, like food, healthcare, safe housing and decent work. Your rights are violated when the State fails to either directly provide these essentials or ensure provision through another entity. Don’t get caught up with finding distinctions between these rights; they all matter. As the UN says, “the enjoyment of all human rights is interlinked.”

9 examples of human rights violations

Every human right can (and has been) violated at some point. Here are nine examples:

#1. Freedom of expression

The Chinese government violates freedom of expression by harassing and imprisoning activists, journalists and students under the guise of national security or managing “extremism.” In one case, Beijing drafted laws attempting to ban acts, speech and even clothing considered “detrimental or harmful to China’s spirit or sentiments.”

#2. Freedom from arbitrary arrest

The Assad regime in Syria was known for “disappearing” people in record numbers. In April 2024, The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported no fewer than 212 arbitrary arrests that month alone, including 12 children. The regime targeted media activists, local dignitaries, political activists and others who criticized the government, which violated human rights on a massive scale.

#3. Freedom from torture

Torture is common in Sri Lanka. According to the Asian Human Rights Commission, torture is the most common method of criminal investigation. Higher officers approve of torture and laws against torture are ignored. Between December 2023 and May 2024, hundreds of detained people were sent to abusive “rehabilitation” centers under the guise of addressing drug trafficking.

#4. Protection of children during conflict

Children are owed special protections, especially during war, but many States and militant groups use child soldiers. With its frequent civil wars, South Sudan persistently violates children’s rights by using thousands of kids as guards, cleaners, cooks, spies and sexual slaves.

#5. Right to healthcare

Everyone deserves accessible and affordable healthcare, but countries like Sierra Leone struggle to protect this right. A 2021 report from Amnesty International described a severe lack of mental health services for those suffering after the civil war and the Ebola epidemic. Stigma is a major barrier, but through public campaigns and increased support, Sierra Leone can make mental health a higher priority.

#6. Right to food

About 2 million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition in Nigeria. Food aid provided by U.S.A.I.D. supported nonprofits, but when the Trump administration halted work in early 2025, food ran low quickly. If funds do not come back, the human rights and lives of millions of kids are at risk.

#7. Right to adequate housing

The United Kingdom is supposed to provide housing to people seeking asylum when they can’t pay for their own. However, according to a Human Rights Watch report, the government relies on “hostile” policies that house people on military bases, barges and deteriorating hotels, with no regard for the needs of people with disabilities. These policies violate the right to adequate housing and the rights owed to asylum-seekers.

#8. Right to education

Education is essential for human development, but many countries fail in their responsibilities to all students. In December 2024, a study revealed that South African students in no-fee public schools had very low test scores, while mostly white students paying high tuition fees performed much better. Apartheid’s legacy of racial segregation casts a long shadow and threatens the right to education in South Africa.

#9. The right to marry

Many countries extend the right to marry to same-sex couples, but Hungary went the other way in 2020 by amending the definition of family in its constitution. Family is now based on marriage in which the “mother is a woman, the father a man.” Other anti-gay legislation like the 2021 Propaganda Law, which bans the depiction of gay people from school materials and TV shows for kids under 18 years old, represents another human rights violation against LGBTQ+ people.

Whose human rights are violated most?

No one is immune from violations, but certain groups face more threats due to direct targeting or neglect. As the Belgian public institution The Federal Institute for Human Rights explains, economic, social, political and historical factors affect who suffers most globally and within specific areas. Marginalization can occur due to your:

• Gender
• Sexuality
• Nationality
• Race/ethnicity
• Age
• Economic class
• Religion
• Refugee/migrant status

The international human rights community recognizes these vulnerabilities and provides special protections through conventions for children, women, refugees, people with disabilities, and others. A UN convention for elderly people is still a proposal, but it could be the next major human rights instrument.

Who is responsible for ensuring human rights violations don’t happen?

Member States are legally responsible for protecting human rights. As a resource from the UN states: “Every state has the primary responsibility within its territory to ensure human rights are guaranteed to all members.” A State’s responsibility is three-fold. It must respect, protect and fulfill human rights.

• “Respect” means refraining from actions that disrupt and interfere with human rights. Examples of disrespect include using torture in criminal investigations, forcing children to be soldiers and establishing anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
• “Protect” means protecting individuals from non-State, foreign State, and State abuses. That includes taking steps to prevent abuses (like banning child labor) and hold abusers accountable (like passing laws that punish companies that use child labor).
• “Fulfill” means taking actions that ensure everyone fully enjoys their human rights. Actions include implementing policies that make life better for people, like more affordable and equitable healthcare and education. It’s not enough for States to avoid violating human rights – they must actively invest in their realization.

What can you do about human rights violations? 

States are legally responsible for protecting human rights, but it’s clear most (if not all) are not doing enough. In many cases, they’re actively participating in human rights violations without consequence. Individuals and groups must stand for what’s right and participate in activism that respects, protects and fulfills human rights for all.

Whether you’re a student, an educator, an activist, a business owner or someone else who cares about human rights, there are ways to stand against human rights violations. Human Rights Careers has an article on 13 types of activism, but we’ll cover three types here to give you a picture of what activism looks like:

#1. Join a human rights group

If you care deeply about protecting human rights, you must find people who share your values. It’s hard to accomplish things alone, and you’ll burn yourself out. In a community with shared values, you’ll gain new skills and perspectives while sharing the burden of fighting human rights violations. When there’s trouble (like group members getting arrested or suffering financial losses), the community can provide support. When someone needs a break, others can fill in the gaps. Group activism is essential because most human rights issues are not resolved quickly. Individuals have limited time and energy, and while injustice doesn’t sleep, groups can build the capacity for a long-term fight.

#2. Protest

Protests take many forms (like marches, sit-ins/die-ins, work walkouts), but the primary goal is to raise awareness of an issue and call for a specific outcome, like the passing or repealing a law. The right to protest is itself a human right, but governments often criminalize it by saying protestors are a danger to national security and public safety. To protest safely, follow the guidance of experienced activists, take steps to protect your identity and plan for worst-case scenarios, like getting detained.

#3. Participate in mutual aid

Mutual aid is when people pool their resources to provide things like food, clothing, medical supplies and disaster relief. These groups tend to be peer-to-peer without the hierarchy of nonprofits and government agencies. Examples include free mask blocs (where people stock free pantries with N95 masks), neighborhood food drives and carpool groups. Mutual aid activities can support established nonprofits, like raising money as a workplace to donate to a local food bank. You can also directly support people without going through an organization. Because mutual aid is something anyone can do without setting up a legal entity or a board, it’s a great way to protect human rights.

The post What Are Human Rights Violations? appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

In 1918, Nelson Mandela was born in a fishing village in South Africa. 30 years later, in 1948, the system of apartheid was established. Apartheid, which means “apartness,” segregated South Africa by race, outlawed interracial marriage, and trampled the rights of non-white people, especially Black South Africans. Mandela would fight against this racist system, spend almost 30 years in prison for his activism, and end up becoming South Africa’s first Black president. Because of his work in ending apartheid – which occurred through a peaceful transition in 1990 – and his defense of human rights, Mandela is one of history’s most beloved leaders and activists. Here are 12 inspiring quotes on topics like justice, equality, and freedom.

 #1. “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

This quote from Mandela comes from a speech given at the 90th birthday celebration of Water Sisulu, an anti-apartheid activist and former Deputy President of South Africa. Like Mandela, Sisulu spent significant time in prison before his release as part of the negotiations to end apartheid. Mandela’s quote emphasizes the value of living a life that impacts others, and how that ultimately defines our legacy.

#2. “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

Nelson Mandela and 11 members of the African National Congress were accused of sabotage and attempting to overthrow the apartheid government in the early 1960s. Mandela’s trial, which took place in 1963-1964, raised his international profile. For three hours of his trial, he explained his motivations, closing with the inspiring quote above. He was not being dramatic; the crimes he was charged with came with the possibility of the death penalty. While he wasn’t executed, he was given a life sentence, and he remained imprisoned for almost 30 years.

#3. “Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”

In his autobiography Long Walk To Freedom, Mandela talks about the harrowing conditions in prison. However, while many would have fallen into hopelessness, Mandela describes feeling optimistic. He never seriously thought he would die in jail, which no doubt helped fuel his continued activism even while incarcerated. Without optimism, fighting for human rights can quickly become discouraging. Mandela’s words encourage defenders to choose hope.

#4. “Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden, but never extinguished.”

This quote, which comes from Long Walk to Freedom, highlights Mandela’s persistent belief in human goodness. While enduring abuse in prison, Mandela’s faith was tested, but he talks about occasionally seeing “glimmers of humanity” in a prison guard. That was enough to keep going. Why is a belief in goodness important? Without it, it’s easy to become hopeless and wonder if there’s a point to human rights work. If we believe in goodness, however, we can hold onto the hope that a better world is possible.

#5. “Freedom is not only the absence of being in jail, just as it is always said that peace is not merely the absence of war.”

In a 2004 interview, Mandela was asked what freedom means to him, considering his life had a period of freedom, then imprisonment, then freedom again. Mandela challenges the question by saying the time before prison during apartheid wasn’t true freedom. Freedom from prison only means so much if the society you live in oppresses you. It’s worth considering what freedom means beyond the lack of something. Isn’t it also equality, liberation, and access to resources and opportunities?

#6. “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.”

Speaking of freedom, Mandela addressed its connection to poverty in a 2005 speech at Trafalgar Square in London. As he explains, overcoming poverty isn’t about charity or “helping” the less fortunate. It’s about protecting human rights and ensuring justice for all. Poverty is an attack on a person’s dignity, opportunities, health, and every other part of them, and so as long as it exists, we can’t say people are free.

#7. “As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.”

In that same London speech, Nelson Mandela challenges his listeners to end poverty, injustice, and inequality. It’s especially powerful coming from him, a man whose work was instrumental in ending apartheid and who continued to support justice as he got older. He died in 2013 at 95 years old, leaving a legacy that models what it looks like to never “truly rest.” Most of us will never become the head of a nation, but we can work together in other ways.

#8. “All these social ills which constitute an offence against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are not a pre-ordained result of the forces of nature or the product of a curse of the deities.”

Nelson Mandela addressed the 53rd United Nations General Assembly in 1998. In his speech, he celebrated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but acknowledged the UN’s failure to achieve its goals. Most pointedly, he said this failure was a result of decisions, and not forces of nature or God. This is essential to remember when governments and corporations try to shirk responsibility. Things like war, gender-based violence, climate change, and more are not inevitable. They are the result of poor choices, greed, and apathy. Because social ills are the result of choices, it means better choices can change things. We’re not locked into doom and gloom. Progress is still possible.

#9. “Non-collaboration is a dynamic weapon. We must refuse. We must use it to send this government to the grave.”

Apartheid didn’t end because the racist government had a change of heart; it faced such significant internal resistance and outside resistance through boycotts and sanctions, it had no choice but to dismantle itself. Nelson Mandala is referring to apartheid in this 1961 press statement, but his words can apply to any authoritarian system. When faced with unjust laws and corrupt governments, refusing to participate is a powerful tool. The more people refuse, the more change happens.

#10. “Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become head of the mine, that a child of farmworkers can become the president of a great nation.”

Nelson Mandela understood the importance of education. As his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom describes, he was the first in his family to receive a formal education. Education makes so many other human rights possible, but it comes under attack during times of war and crisis. While humanitarian aid like food, water, healthcare, and shelter are essential, it’s important to protect education, as well.

#11. “I have always believed that to be a freedom fighter one must suppress many of the personal feelings that make one feel like a separate individual rather than part of a mass movement. One is fighting for the liberation of millions of people, not the glory of one individual.”

In Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela discusses his life as a freedom fighter. He acknowledges the sacrifices he and his loved ones had to make for the anti-apartheid cause, and how personal feelings must often be set aside. This is a tricky area for human rights defenders, but the most important part of the quote comes at the end. You are not fighting for your own glory and recognition, but rather the freedom and equality of millions. When you keep this in mind, it affects how you see problems, how you make decisions, and how you interact with the movements you’re a part of.

#12. “Our common humanity transcends the oceans and all national boundaries. It binds us together to unite in a common cause against tyranny, to act together in defence of our very humanity. Let it never be asked of anyone of us – what did we do when we knew that another was oppressed!”

Countries wage war, exploit resources, and oppress their own people, but in a 1991 keynote address, Nelson Mandela urges everyone to come together against tyranny and in defense of human rights. That defense should not be limited to people within a country’s borders. No human is worth more than another because of where they live, the language they speak, or any other characteristic. Everyone should think deeply about Mandela’s last words in this quote. If you’re asked what you did when you saw oppression, what would you say?

The post 12 Inspiring Quotes from Nelson Mandela appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

For human rights to flourish, inequality must be addressed. Inequalities happen worldwide across society — in workplaces, doctor’s offices, in the home, and at the highest offices of political power. What is social inequality, exactly? In this article, we’ll define “social inequality,” describe four types, and explore concrete ways to take action. Social inequality doesn’t have to be an unfortunate fact of life. With the right knowledge, policies, and cultural shifts, preventable disparities can be eliminated.

What is social inequality?

Humans like to organize things, including ourselves. We’ve always organized into social hierarchies for a few reasons, such as distributing limited resources, working on social learning, and boosting individual motivation, according to a 2017 study. Social hierarchies inevitably lead to inequality, however, with individuals at the top getting more resources and privileges than those at the bottom. As the study’s authors write, hierarchies occur across human cultures even though “there are always losers.” Who rises to the top and who gets stuck on the bottom? Factors like class, race, and gender influence a group’s access to things like income, education, healthcare, good work, housing, justice, and more. Therefore, we can define social inequality as the result of an unequal and unfair distribution of resources, privileges, opportunities, and punishments.

Does this mean society can’t achieve equality until everyone has the exact same life, down to their income, education, and health outcomes? That world is impossible, and not even desirable. Equality does not mean “the same,” as trying to ensure 100% sameness in all things can lead to dangerous ideas like eugenics, which argues that “unfit” people (e.g. people with disabilities) should be bred out of existence, creating a supposedly superior and uniform human species. Social inequality as we discuss it refers to the preventable and unjust causes of inequality, like gender and racial discrimination. Some differences are inevitable based on things like genetics, but in a world rife with discrimination and prejudice, it’s important to distinguish which differences are “natural” and which are manufactured. The key is to not give up on a more equal society just because some differences will exist.

What are the four main types of social inequality?

We’ve mentioned racial and gender discrimination as forms of social inequality, but there’s also income/wealth inequality and inequality based on disability. Let’s take a closer look at all four types:

Racial discrimination

Discrimination based on race has led to some of the most severe social inequalities. Take the United States for example. According to Human Rights Watch, Black and Hispanic families have just 24 and 23 cents, respectively, for every $1.00 held by a white family. Other research shows preventable disparities in access to health, employment, education, housing, and more.

South Africa presents another jarring case study. While apartheid (which institutionalized racism against non-white people) ended in 1990, inequalities persist. Research shows that in 2022, white people held 65.9% of top management posts in the private sector, despite making up just 8% of the population. A national study found that Black and Indian people, as well as people with mixed ethnicity, were four times more likely to report acute and chronic experiences of racial discrimination than white people. This discrimination affects health! In 2011, infant mortality in South Africa was 4.6 higher in Black people, 2.4 times higher in mixed-ethnicity people, and 20% higher in Indian people compared to white people.

Gender discrimination

A person’s gender (which is different from biological sex) should never justify discrimination, but throughout history, women and people who don’t conform to gender binaries have endured gender inequality. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women have experienced physical/and or sexual violence. In 2024, over 750 million people of reproductive age lived in countries with restrictive abortion laws, and around 39,000 women die every year from unsafe abortions. Women also have less than ⅔ of the legal rights granted to men.

While gender discrimination usually refers to inequalities faced by women and girls, it affects trans and gender-diverse people, too. According to the OHCHR, States do not recognize the gender of “the vast majority” of the world’s trans and gender-diverse people, which causes legal issues and fuels discrimination. Gender inequality and restrictive gender roles have serious consequences, like poverty, limited education, fewer job opportunities, and an increased risk of domestic violence.

Income/wealth inequality

Income and wealth are different (income refers to the money a person earns over a specific time while wealth is the accumulated value of all assets), but for our purposes, we’ll talk about both at once. Globally, the distribution of income and wealth is a massive issue. According to the World Inequality Database, the average income in Sub-Saharan Africa is around €240 a month, while people in North America and Oceania make €3,500. This highlights the huge gap between wealthy and poor countries. If that wasn’t unfair enough, wealthy countries also pay lower interest rates on their foreign debts, which sustains the wealth gap.

Even in wealthy countries, you can find serious wealth and income inequality. In the United States, the top 10% of wealthy Americans hold 60% of the nation’s wealth. If you subtract what people get from Social Security, that top 10% actually holds 70%, while the country’s bottom half controls just 3%. Wealth/income inequality contributes to poverty, but even in countries where extreme poverty isn’t common, income inequality can disrupt social cohesion, increase polarization, and reduce economic growth.

Disability

According to the WHO, around 1.3 billion people experience “significant disability,” which is about 1 in 6 people. Disability can lead to serious health issues (people with disabilities have twice the risk of developing conditions like depression, diabetes, and stroke), but as the WHO describes, people with disabilities are more vulnerable to poverty and exclusion from education and employment. A 2023 review writes that “unfair societal and health system factors,” not underlying conditions, drive many poor health outcomes experienced by people with disabilities. Data from a 2022 survey of adults ages 18-64 in the United States found that 40% of adults with disabilities experienced unfair treatment in healthcare settings, at work, and when applying for public benefits.

Racial discrimination can make treatment worse; in that 2023 study, Black and Hispanic adults were more likely to report unfair treatment due to race, ethnicity, language, or country of origin. These inequalities have serious consequences, including earlier deaths. With reduced inequality, people with disabilities can experience longer, better lives.

What are ways to take action against social inequality?

Social inequality is a huge issue with layers too complex for one person to take on. As the United Nations puts it, reducing inequality means making “transformative change” and investing in health, education, social protection, and better jobs. Entire books are written about ending social inequality, so to conclude our article, we’ll discuss just a few ideas on addressing racial discrimination, gender inequality, income/wealth inequality, and disability stigma.

Actions against racial discrimination

Within systems and institutions, racial discrimination is often not overt, but as organizations like Stanford University explain, “color-blind” policies don’t work. They can actually make things worse by failing to address the lingering impacts of past discrimination, which is what’s happening in South Africa post-apartheid. Instead, society must adopt targeted policies that address specific harm. Using home ownership as an example, a targeted policy that increases access to down payment assistance can address the wealth gap between white people and marginalized ethnic groups.

Actions against gender inequality

As with racial discrimination, policies that don’t factor in existing gender inequalities aren’t good enough to end inequality. Take the gender pay gap as an example. If everyone in an office gets the exact same pay raise, but there’s no acknowledgment of the gap between women working the same jobs as men, a raise will not result in equality. Organizations must conduct full audits and take meaningful actions. On a societal level, unpaid labor must be addressed, as well, since women perform the vast majority. Spending multiple unpaid hours cleaning, cooking, getting water, and caring for children contributes significantly to educational and employment inequalities. Policy actions could include increased access to affordable or free childcare and education, more affordable elder care, and better family leave. On a cultural level, individuals can promote equality by standing up against gender discrimination, creating better media representations, and considering how they can model gender equality in their everyday lives.

Actions against income/wealth inequality

Income and wealth inequality are systemic issues, so it’s difficult for individuals to take them on alone. Luckily, there are many policies you can advocate for, many of which have been around for a while and have established movements. TalkPoverty’s blog with experts suggested strengthening social safety nets, raising the minimum wage, closing tax loopholes that benefit the wealthy, establishing subsidized employment programs, and investing in public schools and universal pre-K. Income/wealth inequality has roots in a lack of access to many resources, like healthcare, education, and decent work, so by tackling these issues at the source, the income/wealth gap can narrow.

Actions against disability stigma

Depending on their disability, people have different needs, so it’s important not to treat disability discrimination as a one-size-fits-all. As the Everyday Activism Network explains, disability may lead to shared experiences, but the community, its terminologies, and policy priorities are diverse. That said, inclusion is important for the entire community, so policies that address systemic barriers are needed. People with disabilities should always be at the forefront of any changes, so the first step is to remove barriers to participation. Other action steps include teaching children about inclusion, promoting empowering (and not “inspirational” or infantilizing) content, and understanding intersections with race, gender, sexuality, and more.

The post Social Inequality 101: Definition, Types, Ways to Take Action appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

When laws are unjust, governments are corrupt, and human rights are violated, what is a moral-minded person meant to do? Henry David Thoreau, a writer best known for Walden, would advocate for civil disobedience. It’s a philosophy activists like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. have promoted, and in a world where we can’t always trust our leaders or laws, it’s an essential tool for justice and human rights. In this article, we’ll describe the history and definition of civil disobedience, the four main types, and four real-world examples.

What’s the history of civil disobedience?

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) gets credit for the term “civil disobedience.” In protest against slavery in the United States, Thoreau refused to pay taxes. No legal action was taken against him until the late 1840s when he started speaking against the United States’ war on Mexico. Like many Northern critics of the war, Thoreau believed the South was using the war to expand slavery. Thoreau was jailed for tax delinquency, but because someone anonymously paid his taxes, he spent just one night in jail. It nevertheless had a profound impact on Thoreau, who published the essay “Civil Disobedience” in 1849. He wrote that it wasn’t enough to hold a moral opinion; people must act on it, even if that meant disobeying the government. On injustices like slavery, he wrote, “If it is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law.”

Thoreau may have coined the term “civil disobedience,” but it’s not the only concept of its kind. Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most famous practitioners of civil disobedience, developed the philosophy of “satyagraha,” which is the refusal to cooperate with evil and a commitment to nonviolent strategies. Civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King was inspired by both Thoreau and Gandhi, so the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s used many civil disobedience tactics. We’ll describe specific examples of civil disobedience later in this article.

How is civil disobedience defined?

While peaceful protests and civil disobedience are often used interchangeably, civil disobedience has a few unique characteristics. The main one is that an act of civil disobedience must break the law. Attending a legal protest to remember victims of gun violence is not civil disobedience. However, if there’s a police order to disperse, refusing to leave despite threats of criminal charges is an act of civil disobedience. The other main characteristics are intentionality and motivation. Civil disobedience involves deliberately breaking the law with the greater good in mind. If someone accidentally breaks the law with no principled motive behind their act, it’s just regular law-breaking. While it may draw attention to an injustice and inspire others, it’s not a true act of civil disobedience because the person didn’t knowingly disobey.

What are the different types of civil disobedience?

Civil disobedience includes many acts, but based on our research, they tend to fall within at least one of four categories: protests, occupations, noncompliance, and targeted defiance.

Protests

We’re defining protests as acts that occur in public, such as vigils, marches, and speeches. They may occur in public parks, outside public buildings, on roads, and in other places where they draw attention. The right to protest is a human right (Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says everyone has the right to peaceful assembly), but States harness a variety of methods to criminalize protests, which often makes participation in them an act of civil disobedience. A protest may start as legal, but if people refuse to leave after police order them to, it’s civil disobedience. Some protests are designed to break the law from the start, such as climate protestors who block traffic.

Occupations

Occupations are a form of protest, but unlike marches or speeches, they’re designed to take control of an area or a building. Occupy Wall Street is one example, where for 58 days in 2011, hundreds of protestors flowed in and out of a New York park in protest of wealth disparity, the financial crisis, and the lack of accountability. The camp offered internet, free meals, laundry services, and a library. Occupations like Occupy Wall Street not only want to raise awareness of an issue, but also model alternative power structures, provide education, and build community. When headquartered in a public space, an occupation may not start as a crime, but it quickly becomes one when people engage in law-breaking activities, like refusing to leave, setting up tents, handing out food, and staying overnight.

Noncompliance  

Noncompliance is the refusal to comply with a law in service of a greater cause. Thoreau’s refusal to pay taxes in protest of slavery is a clear example. In the 1960s, many men engaged in noncompliance by refusing to participate in the Vietnam draft. Boxer Muhammad Ali famously refused to be drafted, saying, “Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go 10,000 miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on Brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs?” He was given a heavy fine and prison sentence, but his conviction was overturned in 1971. Many people now look at the decision to not comply with the Vietnam draft with admiration.

Targeted defiance

Targeted defiance is similar to noncompliance, but it involves breaking a law through a specific counter-act, not just a refusal to act. For example, activists during the Civil Rights Movement would go into whites-only shops and restaurants and refuse to leave until they were served. This was a direct and targeted action against Jim Crow laws that allowed the segregation of society by race. Some people who engage in targeted defiance intend to be arrested, so they can raise awareness of a problematic law and even force a court to declare the law unjust. Depending on the legal consequences, targeted defiance can be very risky, but all civil disobedience comes with risks.

What are real-world examples of civil disobedience?

The most effective acts of civil disobedience are creative, strategic, and inspiring. Here are four examples:

Gandhi’s salt march

In 1882, the British government made it illegal for Indians to collect or sell salt. Salt was only available from the British, which created an unjust monopoly and forced Indians to pay a high salt tax. In 1930, civil rights activist Gandhi set off on a month-long march, producing salt along the way and building a community of protestors. By the time he reached the coast, thousands had joined him in breaking the salt law. He was arrested and spent a year in prison, but the acts of civil disobedience continued. Following many movements and protests informed by Gandhi’s nonviolent beliefs, India became independent from Great Britain in 1947.

Rosa Parks on the bus

In 1955, activist and seamstress Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat for a white passenger. Alabama law stated that a Black person must give up their seat if the section for white people was full, so by refusing, she broke the law. Her arrest triggered a bus boycott that lasted 381 days, sparking the Civil Rights Movement and eventually ending segregation on public transportation. Activists around the country engaged in other acts of civil disobedience, like sit-ins, unpermitted marches, and picketing. The landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 expanded civil rights protections, prohibited discrimination, and strengthened voting rights, although, as the National Urban League writes in an introduction to a 2024 report, “the fight for equality is far from over.”

Kathrine Switzer and the Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest marathon, but when it was established in 1897, only men could run it. By 1967, that hadn’t changed, which runner Kathrine Switzer thought was ridiculous. In an interview, she explains that society didn’t like the idea of women participating in sports because it made them look unladylike, while others thought it was simply impossible for women to run long distances. Wanting to prove people wrong, she entered the race with her initials (she always signed her name that way, she said she wasn’t trying to hide her identity) and she was approved. She didn’t hide her hair or face, and despite a physical attack by officials, she became the first woman to officially complete the race. In 1972, the Boston Marathon finally allowed women to register.

The 2023-2024 campus protests for Palestine

In October 2023, following a Hamas attack on Israel, Israel launched a catastrophic military operation across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 44,000 people, more than half of whom are women and children. Protests spread across US and European college campuses as students called for an end to the slaughter and for schools to sever financial ties with Israeli defense companies. Students engaged in a variety of civil disobedience acts, including occupying buildings and setting up tents. According to The Guardian, more than 3,000 students in the US were suspended, arrested, or charged with crimes, even though most protests were peaceful. At the time of writing, most schools had not divested and students are still being punished, but many are reminded of the anti-apartheid protests of the 1980s. Students protested for years until apartheid ended in 1990. Acts of civil disobedience don’t always work right away; persistence matters.

The post Civil Disobedience 101: History, Types, Examples   appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

In 2022, Freedom House released a report titled “The Global Expansion of Authoritarian Rule.” Since then, other organizations, journalists, academics, and grassroots groups have warned the threat is not going away, but rather getting worse. Authoritarianism attacks democracy and human rights by stripping away the freedom, dignity, and safety of nearly everyone in a society. In this article, we’ll define authoritarianism, provide examples of what it looks like, and explore the best ways to resist it.

Definition: Authoritarianism today

Authoritarianism is a political philosophy and type of government rule where a singular person or political party holds all the power. Britannica defines 20th-century authoritarianism as a type of rule defined by a charismatic leader, a centralized government, a secret police force, strict control of information, and violence. Famous authoritarians from the past include Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Mao Zedong, Pol Pot, and Idi Amin.

One-party dictatorships, military dictatorships, and absolute monarchies are types of authoritarian governments, but not every authoritarian regime announces itself. For example, India and Russia hold elections, but a passing glance at these governments reveals blatantly authoritarian characteristics like media censorship, the silencing of political opposition, and stacking the government with loyalists. As Professor Ben Ansell explained in an NPR interview, countries with ties to Europe and the United States like to act and look like democracies, at least on the surface. Even a rigged election can send the message that the leader is popular and therefore justified in whatever oppressive plans they undertake. They may pay lip service to democratic norms, but they govern by violating them.

What does authoritarianism look like?

Authoritarianism has several defining characteristics. In this section, we use examples from specific leaders, but authoritarianism doesn’t always need a single powerful figure. Fixating on individuals can distract from tyrannical systems and acts that don’t depend on the traditional charismatic ruler. Watch for actions, even those passed through large legislative bodies or institutions. Authoritarianism can be insidious.

#1. Centralizing power  

The centralization of power is essential to authoritarian rule. This includes removing checks and balances that curb parties and people from holding all the power and acting above the rule of law. How does this work? Authoritarians need cooperation from legislatures, court systems, and other institutions. Filling them with loyal people is one of the best ways to ensure an authoritarian’s ability to break or rewrite laws, and as scholar Anne Applebaum describes in Twilight of Democracy, maintain a “soft dictatorship.” An authoritarian might also remove democratic standards at the root. Viktor Orban, the Prime Minister of Hungary, provides a good example. In 2011, he ushered in a new constitution and changed hundreds of electoral laws, giving his political party more power. If you’re unsure whether a ruler is acting like an authoritarian, look at the rules they change and who they appoint to important positions. Do these changes hold them more or less accountable? Are people chosen for their qualifications or their loyalty?

#2. Controlling the media and flow of information

Authoritarians want to control everything, including reality itself. Controlling the media and information landscape lets them spread favorable narratives about themselves and damaging ones about their enemies. In The Age of the Strongman, Gideon Rachman describes how despite promising media freedom, Vladimir Putin quickly brought all independent media under government control. Two oligarchs previously in charge of independent media organizations fled the country; one died under mysterious circumstances in 2013. This type of media control violates the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to seek, receive, and share information and ideas through media (Article 19 of the UDHR). With a grip on information, authoritarians try to present the world with a twisted version of reality that paints them as a strong and noble savior. Supporters are encouraged to dismiss and attack any opposing information, no matter how accurate it is. For the authoritarian, truth is something to be created, not discovered.

#3. Claiming to be “of the people”

Authoritarians often present themselves as avatars of “ordinary people” in a battle against an elite force bent on their oppression. This philosophy is known as “populism.” Because it’s hard to argue that society favors the wealthy and powerful while crushing the poor, authoritarians seize on the idea to justify their leadership. As The Age of the Strongman describes, India’s Prime Minister Modi claims a “direct relationship” with the people. He came into power promising to bring justice and wealth to “the real Indians” left behind by the old governments. American president Donald Trump uses similar language by claiming to have the best interest of the underserved at heart while deriding “the elite.” These nods to populism are typically a facade. In his first term, Trump signed a $1.9 trillion tax bill that disproportionately favored corporations and the wealthiest Americans. Instead of helping the working-class Americans Trump claims to represent, his policies have hurt them.

#4. Justifying drastic action with existential threats

Authoritarians claw for absolute power with the message, “I have to do this to save everyone.” They claim a situation is so dire, a country must surrender its normal rights and freedoms to survive. Marginalized groups are almost always classified as threats. For an authoritarian like Hitler, it was Jewish people, who he classified as a separate, inferior race responsible for Germany’s defeat in WWI. Viktor Orban’s hatred of George Soros, a Jewish philanthropist, echoes this demonization. In the United States and parts of Europe, migrants and refugees get scapegoated for just about every economic and social problem. While ethnic or religious groups are often targeted, authoritarians go after political enemies, too. On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon declared martial law, saying it was needed to combat pro-North Korean forces trying to destroy the country. At the time of writing, Yoon was under investigation for insurrection. While this grasp for more power has currently failed, justifying drastic and violent action with existential threats is a classic authoritarian move.

#5. Promising to bring back an era of greatness

Authoritarians love to harken back to “the good old days.” As The Age of the Strongman says, “In different ways, they [authoritarians] all promise to restore a lost era of national greatness.” Nationalism, which prioritizes national identity and interests at the expense of other nations and people, defines an authoritarian approach to issues like foreign policy and immigration. Vladimir Putin is obsessed with the Russian empire, arguing that Ukraine needs to become part of Russia again to restore its greatness. “Make America Great Again,” Donald Trump’s political slogan, is a textbook example of nationalist ideology, as is senior advisor Stephen Miller‘s cry at a 2024 rally, “America is for Americans and Americans only.” In an authoritarian telling of history, the past is always better, nationalists are superior, and only an authoritarian leader can restore a land to its full glory.

How do we address authoritarianism?

Authoritarianism cannot survive without support, so refusing to cooperate is the only way to end it. What does resistance look like? Here are three examples:

#1. Don’t fall into the outrage trap

As authoritarians gather power and shatter norms, it’s easy to become shocked and appalled. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with outrage, that emotion alone isn’t enough to stop an authoritarian. It’s also exhausting. Day after day, you’ll experience an onslaught of terrible news, and if you aren’t careful, your outrage can trap you. Humans aren’t meant to consume huge amounts of information so quickly, so while you may think you’re staying informed, you’re actually frying your brain cells. Take a break. Turn off the news and get off your phone. You don’t need to stay outraged 24/7 to resist authoritarianism. You must pace yourself.

#2. Watch out for us-against-them narratives

Authoritarians love pitting people against each other. Resist the urge to participate, even when you feel justified. As an example, President Trump’s proposed tariffs could raise the prices of groceries and other essential goods, and if this becomes a reality, it will affect his supporters, too. Many will never regret voting for him, but if there’s an opportunity to unite against high prices and make changes, people need to take it. Clinging to us-versus-them narratives splits movements before they even form and only benefits authoritarians who thrive on conflict. Watch out for narratives that ask you to blame your neighbor or your coworker or an abstract “them.” To fight authoritarians, you must join with people with whom you have very little in common. If you’re always pointing fingers and gnawing at each other’s throats, the authoritarians win.

#3. Do what you can where you can

When you look at the big picture of what needs to change, resisting authoritarianism is overwhelming. Remember, tyranny does not fall because of one person, but if one person resists, it inspires the next person, and then the next. Do what you can where you can. Support independent media, teachers, labor unions, lawyers, judges, and election workers. Donate and volunteer with organizations that provide food, education, clothing, legal resources, and healthcare. Commit to understanding how political processes work and refuse to accept what an authoritarian sells you as reality. Refuse to participate in dehumanization. Authoritarianism is not only a battle for government control but for the control of people’s minds. Do everything you can to keep your mind your own, and remember, without support, authoritarianism will fall.

The post Authoritarianism 101: Definition, Examples, and How to Address It appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Around 8.4% of the world lives in extreme poverty, which the World Bank defines as living on less than $2.15 a day. To put that in perspective, the average cost of an American bread loaf in 2022 was $2.50. Extreme poverty affected more people in the past, but it’s still impacting millions, while billions of others earn less than the still-low $6.85 a day. What are the root causes of poverty? Here are 12 of the most significant examples:

What causes poverty in the first place? Here are ten root causes:

Download: Factsheet

#1. Jobs with low pay

Without decent-paying jobs, people can’t afford basic necessities like food for their families, decent schooling for their kids, and a roof over their heads. In Burundi, a small East African country, 87% of the population lives on less than $1.90 a day. Its dependence on agriculture is one reason why. 90% of Burundi’s economy is in agriculture, making workers and crops yields vulnerable to floods, droughts and other natural disasters. Even in the best of times, most agricultural jobs don’t pay well, and people in Burundi earn the equivalent of $18 per month, on average.

#2. Inadequate education

Education is one of the best predictors of financial stability, but when people can’t access good schooling, they can’t qualify for decent-paying jobs. In many areas of the world, people aren’t getting educated. The reasons why vary. Oftentimes, kids from poor families are pulled from school so they can work, but a lack of school funds, too-few teachers, war and gender discrimination can limit someone’s education, too. According to UNESCO, the exclusion of girls from Afghanistan’s schools and global stagnation in 2023 meant 250 million kids weren’t getting the education they deserved.

#3. War and conflict

According to the United Nations, 455 million people experiencing poverty live in conflict settings. Economic productivity and trade dip, while industries like agriculture can suffer extreme losses. Considering how nearly half the world’s population depends on agriculture for income, war brings poverty just as much as it brings violence. Even wars in different countries have ripple effects. When Russia began its assault on Ukraine, it blocked Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, affecting wheat-importing countries like Egypt and Tunisia. In times of war, countries and people already experiencing poverty’s impacts always get hit hardest.

#4. Natural disasters and climate change

According to the World Bank, climate change has the power to impoverish 100 million people in the next decade. How? As disasters like floods, droughts, wildfires and storms increase in severity and frequency, the price of food, healthcare, rebuilt infrastructure and insurance skyrocket while labor productivity, crop yields, and natural resources drop. It’s expensive to live in a world bombarded with climate change, and while wealthy countries are impacted, too, it’s the poor countries that suffer most. Despite producing just 1/10 of all greenhouse emissions, the lowest-income countries experience the worst effects.

#5. High healthcare costs

Healthcare costs are a leading cause of global poverty. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, out-of-pocket bills caused 1.4 billion people financial hardship, while more than half a billion people were living in – or fell – into extreme poverty. Costs have not decreased in the years since the first pandemic wave, and even in places with high insurance coverage (like the United States), medical debt forces people to cut spending on food, clothes and other necessities. To avoid incurring more debt, many people delay treatment, which worsens their health outcomes, hurts their ability to work and makes later care even more costly. It’s a vicious cycle that plunges those already struggling deeper into poverty.

#6. Food insecurity

Poverty and food insecurity have a close relationship. Without consistent access to healthy food, people not only waste more time looking for food, but they struggle with the health effects (and healthcare costs) of malnutrition, like a weakened immune system, cognitive decline and organ failure. If they have a job, working while hungry leads to reduced productivity and lower wages. For children, food insecurity makes it harder to escape poverty later in life, which starts the cycle over again. Like many of poverty’s root causes, food insecurity is also a consequence. In 2023, over 2.3 billion people faced moderate or severe food insecurity, which is defined as going without food for at least a day.

#7. High housing costs

Housing costs have skyrocketed in the past few years. The World Economic Forum describes this as a “global housing crisis,” warning that by 2030, up to 3 billion people could lack adequate housing. Even the wealthiest countries are failing to respond; in the United States, there is no state, county or metro area where the federal minimum wage allows a full-time worker to afford a two-bedroom rental. With so much income going towards housing, people lack a financial buffer that protects them from unexpected medical bills, job loss, inflation and other issues. Without enough affordable housing options, poverty will persist.

#8. Gender discrimination

About 388 million women and girls lived in extreme poverty in 2022 compared to 372 million men and boys. Gender discrimination is one of the primary drivers. For example, 2021 data from Chad found that around 24% of boys completed lower secondary school compared to just 14% of girls. Adult literacy is lower for women than men, as well, while about 61% of women aged 20-24 years old married before their 18th birthday. A lack of education and early marriage, which affects women more than men, both link to higher risks of poverty in Chad and around the world. Globally, legal restrictions on job options, a 20% gender wage gap and less access to land ownership contribute to gendered poverty, as well.

#9. Racial discrimination

People belonging to oppressed racial groups often experience poverty at a higher rate than others. South Africa represents a harrowing example. From 1948-1994, South Africa lived under apartheid, a system of racial segregation, which by design favored white South Africans while impoverishing non-white people, especially Black South Africans. Despite attempts at progress, a 2017/2018 report released by the South African Human Rights Commissions found that 64% of Black people lived in poverty compared to just 1% of white people. Reasons include a higher unemployment rate for Black people, an unequal education system and racial discrimination in the healthcare system.

#10. No reliable water and sanitation

Water systems are an important infrastructure, but without reliable access, people’s risk of poverty increases. People (usually women and girls) have to walk to collect water when there’s no safe system. Added up, the world’s women and girls spend 200 million hours every day getting water instead of going to school, working a paid job, spending time with family or performing other important tasks. Poor sanitation also causes poverty due to its link to disease. 1.4 million people from low and middle-income countries die as a result of unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene, while those who survive suffer expensive health issues and lost wages. With better water and sanitation systems, people waste less time, enjoy better health and earn more money.

#11. No affordable electricity

Like running water, electrical systems are part of an area’s infrastructure. Over 1 billion people are “energy poor,” which means they either lack electricity or they don’t use it, possibly because they can’t afford the electrical bills. Without affordable electricity, people lack a safe and reliable source of lighting, cooking, heating and other activities. Remote towns and villages are more likely to lack electricity, which matters because 80% of people experiencing extreme poverty live in rural areas. Electricity can help reduce poverty by powering medical, educational and work equipment, extending work and school days, and reducing the time women spend collecting fuel.

#12. Government failure

To combat the causes of poverty, like struggling education systems, conflict, climate change and poor infrastructure, the government must step up. The Child Tax Credit expansion in the USA provides an example of a government doing just that – only to quickly withdraw its support. As part of its pandemic relief, the government expanded the Child Tax Credit in 2021, which let qualifying families offset thousands of dollars per child. The expansion led to the largest one-year drop in child poverty on record, but in 2022, the government let the plan expire. Five million kids fell back into poverty. When governments fail to support programs that work, poverty gets worse.

Conclusion

Like an ancient tree, poverty’s roots grow deep and wide. Causes like low-paying jobs, inadequate education, conflict, climate change, discrimination and government failures all contribute. Because the problem is so complex, solutions must be multi-faceted, reliable and empowering. This isn’t a quick-fix issue, and while progress has been made, many programs neglect the root causes. To end poverty once and for all, human rights professionals, NGOs and governments must commit to digging deep and addressing problems at the source.

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Applications are now open for the UN Nairobi Immersion Programme, a 5-day field visit to Nairobi organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in 2025. Scholarships are available.

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Enhance your expertise in diplomacy and gain direct access to the United Nations with this immersive training programme, including gaining a deeper understanding of UN career pathways and networking with UN staff.

The United Nations Nairobi Immersion Programme (17^th March – 21^st March 2025) includes expert lecturers, training workshops, conferences and guided tours through UN premises. Participants will also have the chance to participate incareer development sessions on how to advance their professional careers and find a solid footing in the world of international organizations.

This Immersion Programme includes activities with the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Nairobi National Museum and other Nairobi-based institutions.

A maximum of 30 participants are accepted into this programme. All individuals are welcome to register, and spots will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

UNITAR will offer scholarship opportunities for a limited number of participants to attend the training free-of-charge. For enquiries related to scholarships and criteria required, kindly send an email to: Multilateralism@unitar.org

For more information on costs, dates, application procedures, and to see a video of previous editions, please visit the official website.

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Are you interested in a global career and passionate about corporate sustainability strategies? Apply now for UNITAR and Schiller’s Master of Science in Sustainability Management.

The Master of Science in Sustainability Management, developed in collaboration with United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), is designed to empower future leaders to drive sustainable transformation. This program equips you with expertise in carbon footprint management, circular economy, ESG reporting, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), preparing you to create real-world solutions to global sustainability challenges.

Students will study in Paris, Heidelberg, Tampa or Madrid and tackle pressing issues in business, economics, and public policy using a triple-bottom-line approach—people, profit, and planet. You will gain in-depth insights into corporate sustainability, sustainable finance, and resource management by working on real-world projects addressing environmental and social challenges.

Key modules include Global Challenges and New Business Models, which address sustainability issues through innovative business strategies, and Sustainable Finance and Investment, exploring financial systems that support long-term environmental goals. Corporate Governance examines the economic dimensions of sustainability, and the Environmental and Social Dimensions modules provide critical insight into environmental policies and social responsibility strategies.

Exclusive Opportunities:

• Graduate with UNITAR Certification and celebrate your achievements at a prestigious ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
• High-achieving students can apply for 3-month internships with leading sustainability-focused organizations, gaining invaluable professional experience.
• With a strong focus on sustainability strategies, this program prepares graduates to lead meaningful change in organizations worldwide, positioning them as experts ready to align business practices with global sustainability goals.

For more information, including application procedures and career pathways, please visit the official program page here: https://www.schiller.edu/programs/master-of-science-in-sustainability-management/.

Intake Dates:

• February
• October

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Are you interested in an international career and learning more about global governance and conflict resolution? Apply now for UNITAR and Schiller’s Master of Arts in International Relations & Diplomacy.

The Master of Arts in International Relations & Diplomacy, offered through a unique partnership between the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Schiller International University, prepares students to tackle critical global challenges. This dynamic program combines theoretical knowledge with practical diplomatic training, equipping you to address issues such as global governance, human rights, climate change, and economic crises.

Students will study at Schiller’s international campuses in Paris, Madrid, Heidelberg, or Tampa, or opt for an entirely online format. Through the program, you will explore global political dynamics and learn how to address international conflict, inequality, and cybersecurity threats. You will also benefit from real-world insights and personalized career guidance through the partnership with UNITAR.

Key modules in the program include the Diplomacy Workshop, which explores both the historical and practical dimensions of diplomacy, and Current Issues in International Relations, where you will analyze evolving theories and frameworks addressing today’s global political landscape. The International Organizations module, developed in collaboration with UNITAR, offers a deeper understanding of global entities, while Conflict and Peace Strategies examines effective approaches to managing conflicts and achieving sustainable peace.

Exclusive Opportunities:

• Graduate with UNITAR Certification and attend a prestigious ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Top-performing students can apply for 3-month internships with international organizations, gaining firsthand experience in diplomacy and global affairs.
• This program is ideal for individuals aiming for successful careers in diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, or global corporations. With a unique blend of theory and practice, graduates will be well-prepared to navigate the complexities of international relations.

For more information, including application details, please visit the official program page here: https://www.schiller.edu/programs/master-of-arts-in-international-relations-and-diplomacy/

Intake Dates:

• February
• October

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Are you interested in learning about a career at, or working with, the United Nations? The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is offering four editions of the Young Leaders online training programme for young participants from all over the world, designed to provide a first-hand experience of the United Nations.

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Unfold your potential as a young global leader with this unique training opportunity. Get direct access to the UN´s institutions and staff, and build your knowledge of the United Nations, including the UN System, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), conference diplomacy, and sessions on entry points to launch a career at the UN.

The Young Leaders Online Training Programme is open for registration in four editions.

• January Edition – runing 06 January – 01 February 2025
• April Edition – running 21 April – 16 May 2025
• June Edition – running 09 June – 04 July 2025
• August Edition – running 28 July – 22 August 2025 – on UNITAR´s e-Learning platform.

The four-week course includes live webinars and e-workshops with UN experts, as well as virtual guided tours through the UN premises.

This programme is open to university students, high school students, and other aspiring young leaders of similar backgrounds. Junior and mid-career professionals from the public and private sectors are equally welcome to apply.

UNITAR will offer scholarship opportunities for a limited number of participants to attend the training free of charge. For enquiries related to scholarships and criteria required, kindly send an email to: Multilateralism@unitar.org

For more information on the application deadlines, content, and costs, please visit the official UNITAR website.

Register now

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Applications are now open for the UN Immersion Programme, a 5-day field visit to Geneva organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in 2025. Scholarships are available.

Apply now

Get direct access to the UN with this unique training programme, including opportunities to Get direct access to the United Nations with this unique training programme, including opportunities to network and gain insights into UN career paths.

The United Nations Immersion Programme includes expert lecturers, training workshops, conferences and guided tours through UN premises. In dedicated career development sessions, learn how to optimize your CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile from professionals.

The field visits include activities with the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other Geneva-based institutions.

There are four editions available per year:

• February Edition – from 03 – 07 February 2025
• May Edition – from 12 – 16 May 2025
• July Edition – from 14 – 18 July 2025
• August Edition – from 25 – 29 August 2025

A maximum of 30 participants are accepted per edition. All individuals are welcome to register, and spots will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

UNITAR will offer scholarship opportunities for a limited number of participants to attend the training free of charge. For enquiries related to scholarships and criteria required, kindly send an email to: Multilateralism@unitar.org

For more information on costs, dates, application procedures, and to see a video of previous editions, please visit the official website.

Apply now

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The Convention on the Rights of the Child, an international treaty that defines a child as anyone younger than 18 years old, outlines every child’s human rights. Like adults, children deserve rights such as the right to life, freedom of thought, and access to necessities like clean water, safe housing, and healthcare. Kids are more vulnerable than adults, however, and need special protection. Governments, institutions, nonprofits, and other organizations should establish initiatives that protect, promote, and support children’s rights like education, safety from violence, and much more. Here are 10 examples:

#1. The Zero Hunger Initiative

In 2012, the UN launched the Zero Hunger Challenge. In 2015, when the 17 Sustainable Development Goals were released, Zero Hunger was Goal #2. The initiative’s aims include 100% access to adequate food, 100% sustainable food systems, and zero food waste or loss. Zero Hunger also wants no kids under 2 to suffer from “stunting,” a developmental condition caused by malnutrition. The Zero Hunger Initiative has many partners including UNICEF, The UN World Food Programme, and The Hunger Project.

While hunger hurts adults and kids, kids suffer some of starvation’s worst effects. According to a 2024 report by the Global Network Against Food Crises, there were 36 million “acutely malnourished children.” Many live in the Horn of Africa, Central Sahel, Afghanistan, Yemen, the DRC, Haiti, and Madagascar. In Gaza alone, more than 50,000 children needed treatment for acute malnutrition in June of 2024, according to the UN agency for Palestine refugees. Zero Hunger Initiative partners like UNICEF execute programs that screen kids for malnutrition, treat malnutrition, provide safe water and food, and support farmers.

#2. Action Against Hunger’s Asia Initiative

Action Against Hunger is a global aid organization focused on ending world hunger. It works in dozens of areas, including Asia, where millions of children suffer dangerous rates of malnutrition. AAH’s Asia initiative programs vary depending on the specific country. For example, in Nepal, where AAH’s team consists of 8 employees, initiatives include strengthening health services and building resilient water systems. In India, where the team has 251 employees, AAH deals with challenges like persistent poverty, skyrocketing population growth, and social factors related to ethnicity, caste, and religion.

How does a hunger initiative in Asia help children’s rights? According to Action Against Hunger’s data, more than half of the people going hungry live in this region. In 2017, 64% of all malnourished kids and over half of all stunted children lived in Asia. AAH’s work in Asia helped the organization reach over 21 million people in 2023.

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#3. Save the Children’s Literacy Boost Initiative

Save the Children is an international children’s rights organization. It works in over 100 countries addressing famine, poverty, health, climate change, education, and more. Literacy Boost is an education initiative that reaches more than 4 million kids in more than 30 countries. With trusted partners, Literacy Boost measures reading skills, trains teachers, provides books and supplies to communities, and sponsors reading camps and other activities.

Literacy is one of the most essential goals for the children’s rights movement. According to UNICEF, knowing how to read and write paves the way for countless academic and professional opportunities. Without this ability, kids are much more likely to remain in poverty. Youth literacy has improved significantly in the past decades, but it’s still low in the least developed countries. Globally, men are more literate than women, which makes literacy a gender equality issue as well as a children’s rights concern.

#4. The Global Fund for Children’s Spark Fund Initiative

The Global Fund for Children is a nonprofit working with children, youth, and community-led organizations. Focus areas include child trafficking, girls’ education, and freedom from violence. The Global Fund launched Spark Fund, a youth-led initiative, in 2021. Youth panelists design the application process, and with flexible, pooled funds, they pick which youth-focused organizations receive grants. During the fund’s first year, youth panels awarded over $1 million to organizations in 13 countries.

Youth empowerment and participation are vital to children’s rights. Too often, children’s voices are dismissed, censored, and disrespected. Despite making up almost ⅓ of the world’s population, children are viewed as less worthy than adults and restricted from speaking up for themselves. Initiatives like the Spark Fund empower children and young people to make decisions, pursue their best interests, and support youth-led projects.

#5. The 100 Million Campaign

The 100 Million Campaign is an initiative led by youth and students. Launched in India in 2016, the campaign began with 6,000 young people supported by the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation. The campaign now works in over 40 countries. Through youth-led actions and partnerships, the 100 Million Campaign supports young people who want to end child labor, violence against children, discrimination, and poverty.

The 100 Million Campaign has several action methods, including mobilizations, research and policy, and youth, student, and survivor representations with entities like the Global Student Forum. With students at the campaign’s heart, the 100 Million Campaign works to center the most marginalized youth people, build support for intersectional action, and advance human rights.

#6. The US Department of Health & Human Services’ Children’s Bureau

The United States Department of Health & Human Services is a branch of the United States federal government. It focuses on the health of Americans with services like the Administration for Children & Families. Within this department is the Children’s Bureau, an agency responsible for improving the lives of kids. First launched in 1912, the agency’s mandate encompasses child abuse, neglect, child labor, and adoption and foster care.

Having a dedicated agency for children is an important part of a government’s responsibility to kids. When agencies like the Children’s Bureau work well, kids are protected from abuse and neglect, provided with the resources they need to thrive, and raised in healthy families. Government initiatives also help with the coordination and efficiency of national, state, and local programs.

#7. The DHS Blue Lightning Initiative

Under the umbrella of The Department of Homeland Security, an agency of the United States, the US government runs the Blue Lightning Initiative. Blue Lightning trains aviation personnel to recognize and report potential human traffickers and victims. Blue Lightning is part of the Blue Campaign, a national public awareness campaign that educates the public, law enforcement, and industry partners on human trafficking.

Human trafficking is a global issue affecting millions of people. While trafficking statistics are notoriously difficult to track, the United Nations estimates that around 20% of global trafficking are children. In some places (like parts of Africa and the Mekong region), children make up most trafficking victims. Aviation personnel, who have close contact with millions of travelers daily, can play a key role in addressing child trafficking.

#8. KidsRights Foundation’s Action Program

The KidsRights Foundation is an international NGO supporting children’s rights. Through advocacy, research, and action, the organization empowers children to take action and make the world a better place. The Action Program is an initiative that gives power to supporters and kids by letting them establish their own State of Youth Chapter. Toolkits and training resources are available, so members can join as individuals or groups.

Participation is crucial for children’s rights. With the proper respect and guidance, kids can become some of the world’s most effective and powerful activists. Initiatives like the Action Program provide the education, funding, and networks needed to support and harness the intelligence, creativity, and dedication of kids.

#9. UNICEF’s Child Friendly City Initiative

UNICEF is the UN agency dedicated to children’s rights. In 1996, UNICEF and UN-Habitat launched the Child Friendly Initiatives (CFI). This initiative supports municipal governments that want to protect children’s rights. CFI is also a network of governments, civil society actors, academic institutions, and youth-led organizations that want cities and communities to be safer for kids.

Why do child-friendly cities matter? Children matter just as much as adults, so cities should protect, support, and improve the lives of kids. That means creating child-friendly environments, fighting discrimination in public services, improving living conditions, reducing environmental pollution, and much more.

#10. Children’s Environmental Rights Initiative

The Children’s Environmental Rights Initiative (CERI) is a network of activists, policymakers, technical experts, and youth fighting for the right to a safe and healthy environment. CERI is associated with the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Environments and has partners like Save the Children, UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and others. CERI works on empowering children, raising awareness, building government capacity, and identifying best human rights practices.

Children are uniquely vulnerable to environmental issues like pollution and climate change. In 2012, environmental issues killed 1.7 million children under five, according to the WHO. In 2021, a UNICEF report found that 1 in 3 children worldwide live in areas at a high risk of climate change impacts like flooding, wildfires, water scarcity, and more. Initiates focused on a child’s right to a healthy environment are now more important than ever.

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Human trafficking is the capture, recruitment, transfer, or receipt of people by force, fraud, or manipulation to exploit them for money, according to the United Nations. Men, women, children, and people of all genders can be trafficked. While numbers are difficult to track, the U.S. Department of State believes there are at least 27.6 million victims worldwide. What can end human trafficking? It’s a complex issue, so initiatives addressing poverty, gender equality, education, children’s rights, housing, and more are necessary. Here are 10 initiatives working to stop trafficking:

#1. Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline

The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, a charity, operates it. That means the hotline is not a government agency, a law enforcement group, an investigative group, or an immigration agency. It uses a victim-centered, confidential, and multilingual approach. Callers get connected to emergency services, transition, long-term support, or law enforcement when needed.

Since launching in 2019, the hotline has identified 1,500 human trafficking cases. Over 2,000 victims and survivors were supported. In Canada, most human trafficking discovered by the hotline between 2019 and 2022 occurred in urban areas, according to the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking. Trafficking in Canada disproportionately affects women and girls, especially girls who face social and/or economic marginalization.

#2. U.S. Department of Justice’s National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking

The U.S. Department of Justice is the United States federal agency responsible for enforcing federal laws, including laws addressing human trafficking. The agency has several initiatives tackling this issue, including the National Action Plan To Combat Human Trafficking (NAP). This plan focuses on American and global anti-trafficking actions including prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships. It’s a collaborative effort with federal anti-trafficking experts and survivors.

It’s unknown how many trafficking victims are in the United States; in 2021, the national hotline reported over 16,500 individual victims, but the numbers are likely much higher. Laws like the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, the country’s first comprehensive federal trafficking law, define “severe forms of trafficking in persons” as labor trafficking and sex trafficking. Government initiatives like the National Action Plan have goals like investigating and prosecuting traffickers, improving services for trafficking victims, enhancing training, and promoting public awareness.

#3. The EU’s Anti-Trafficking Strategy

The EU is a group of European countries working on issues affecting the region, such as human trafficking. Article 5 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights bans trafficking, saying that no one shall be held in “slavery or servitude,” and that no one should be forced to perform labor. In 2011, the EU adopted an anti-trafficking directive. In 2024, the EU added the exploitation of surrogacy, forced marriage, and illegal adoption under the trafficking umbrella.

Trafficking in Europe has been increasing in recent years. According to 2022 data, there was a 41% rise compared to 2021. Reasons could include more awareness and better victim identification, but there might be more victims, too. Most are women and girls. Labor trafficking has also increased, so it’s almost as frequent as sex trafficking. Because many EU countries are home to migration ports, the EU’s initiative is important.

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#4. John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies ‘ Human Trafficking Initiative

The School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Europe manages a human trafficking initiative at its Italian campus. With its independent platform for practitioners and academics in Europe and the world at large, the initiative is a combination of academic research and practice. Italy is a good place to study since it’s a major immigration entry point for Europe. When students attend, they’re close to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Because it’s done in the shadows, human trafficking is difficult to study, which makes research institutes like SAIS vital to ending the practice.

Human trafficking is a complex global problem. A school like the School of Advanced International Studies, which educates students on international relations, diplomacy, public policy, and more, is a good place to study trafficking. The human trafficking initiative is also housed within the Bologna Institute for Policy Research, which uses a problem-solving, interdisciplinary research approach informed by a network of SAIS faculty, scholars, and students.

#5. United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking

The United Nations has a responsibility to tackle the world’s worst problems and promote human rights. The United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN. GIFT) was launched in 2007 to promote anti-trafficking actions. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) works with other agencies like the ILO and UNICEF. Civil society organizations, governments, and companies are important partners in the initiative, as well.

The UNODC is the UN agency responsible for tackling drugs, terrorism, and organized crime. It works in all regions with other UN agencies and stakeholders. Human trafficking is both a human rights violation and a crime, so the UNODC does a lot of work addressing trafficking.

#6. Administration for Children & Families’ ATLIS Project

The Administration for Children & Families is a division of the United States Department of Health & Human Services. It funds local, state, territory, and tribal organizations that provide welfare, child support, childcare, and other programs. Children are vulnerable to human trafficking, so the ACF has a stake in the issue. The Anti-Trafficking Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability (ATLIS) Project provides specialized training, technical expertise, and capacity-building support to anti-trafficking organizations. The project focuses on survivor-led organizations, collaborations, and community groups.

To receive funds from the initiative, eligible organizations should submit a new approach or action that prevents trafficking or protects survivors and those vulnerable to trafficking. ATLIS is especially interested in projects that advance equity, improve community education and outreach, recognize the intersections of labor and sex trafficking, and enhance digital literacy.

#7. AU-Horn of Africa Initiative on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling

The AU-Horn of Africa Initiative on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling (AU HoAI) was founded in 2012. It serves as a forum for countries from the Horn of Africa region. Representatives work together on preventing and addressing human trafficking and migrant smuggling in their regions. Its goals include promoting dialogue, improving cooperation between countries, and enhancing protections.

Migration and internal displacement increase the risk of trafficking. Both are prevalent in the Horn of Africa. There are over 20 million migrating or internally displaced people in these areas, according to the European Union. These groups are vulnerable to multiple human violations, including gender-based violence, exploitation, sexual abuse, child labor, and more. Initiatives like more protective services, which the UNHCR recommends, are crucial for trafficking survivors.

#8. Marriott International’s HotelHelp

In 2024, Marriott International, a hotel provider, announced the pilot launch of HotelHelp. This initiative is a room donation program for survivors of human trafficking. With participating Marriott locations and care providers, HotelHelp organizes short-term emergency stays for survivors. The initiative launched in five U.S. cities with plans for expansion globally and with other hotel companies.

Marriott International has a history of human trafficking initiatives. In 2023, its CEO acknowledged that a lot of trafficking activity happens in hotels, which is why years earlier in 2016, the chain created a human trafficking awareness program for employees. The hotel hopes to have all on-property staff in 138 countries fully trained by 2025.

#9. Futures Without Violence’s PEOST Project

Futures Without Violence is a US-based nonprofit working to end domestic and sexual violence. It focuses on community-based programs, public policy, and education. It addresses human trafficking through its Promoting Employment Opportunities for Survivors of Trafficking (PEOST) Training and Technical Assistance Projection. Through this program, Futures works to provide resources, training, and technical assistance to victim service providers, so survivors can access more educational and employment opportunities.

Trafficking survivors struggle with accessing good education and jobs. According to the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center, this is because trafficking survivors often have limited education and work history. Criminal records associated with trafficking make it even harder to find consistent, well-paid work. Initiatives that empower survivors with education and employment help are vital to ending trafficking.

#10. Covenant House’s Latin America Program

Covenant House is a nonprofit that provides support and housing to young people experiencing homelessness. This includes young people at a high risk of human trafficking. Its Latin America program in Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico assists kids and adolescents who’ve been trafficked, abandoned, abused, or exploited. In 2022, Covenant House opened a safe house in Guatemala for boys, which made it the first male survivor program in Central America. The program combines direct care services with prevention programs, public education, and policy work.

Historically, Latin America has struggled to address human trafficking. High levels of corruption, the pandemic, and criminal organizations made things harder. Mexico’s location as a “transit country” for victims from Central America also complicates the issue. Covenant House’s work in prevention and direct care are both essential.

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In 2024, the World Economic Forum released its annual Global Gender Index Report. Of the 146 economies surveyed, no country achieved full parity, but 97% of the surveyed areas had closed more than 60% of their gender gap. At the current rate, it will take 134 years for the world to achieve full gender equality. Initiatives like awareness campaigns, pay equality policies, mentorship programs, and research projects are essential to progress. In this article, we’ll explore 10 initiatives from international bodies, nonprofits, industry partnerships, and others.

#1. Equal Pay Today

Equal Pay Today, a project at Equal Rights Advocates, is an initiative fighting unequal pay in the United States. Its goals focus on long-standing issues such as less pay for the same job, gendered job segregation, retaliation against employees who discuss pay, wage theft, and pay reduction for people who become pregnant or have caregiving responsibilities. Through policy reform, litigation, education, and outreach, Equal Pay Today seeks to end unfair pay practices.

How bad is the gender pay gap? According to research, women who work full-time earn around 85% of what men do. The gap persists even with education; on average, a woman with an advanced degree still earns less than a man with a bachelor’s degree. Race matters, as well. While the gap between men and white and Asian women has narrowed, pay increases for Black and Latina women have stalled.

#2. The Spotlight Initiative

The Spotlight Initiative is a multi-year partnership between the European Union and the United Nations. It focuses on eliminating violence against women and girls. Agencies like UN Women, UNDP, and UNFPA support the initiative’s goals. The campaign released an impact report covering 2017-2023, revealing that 540+ laws and policies were passed, 3 million women accessed gender-based violence services, and 8 million young people joined gender equality programs.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the biggest obstacles to gender equality. The European Union defines GBV as a human rights violation and a form of discrimination that results in (or is likely to result in) physical harm, sexual harm, psychological harm, economic harm, or other suffering. Globally, almost 1 in 3 women have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both during their lifetime.

#3. Johns Hopkins University’s Data for Health (D4H) Gender Equity Mentorship Program

The D4H Gender Equity Mentorship Program equips public health practitioners and researchers with the expertise to integrate gender equity into their work. Over a year, mentees will grow their knowledge and expertise in “gender transformative processes, policies, and outcomes” with gender-equitable data. The Gender Equity Unit, which is based at the John Hopkins University, manages this internship. To apply, mentees must be an affiliate of D4H or a D4H-supported organization/institution. Mentors must have at least three years of gender equity experience. Applications for mentees and mentors are accepted on a rolling basis.

Gender equity in health data is vital to advancing equality in healthcare. Historically, gender bias has infected research and data collection, leading to unfair and fatal health outcomes. One study of archaeological sites found that bias goes back centuries. Integrating gender equity into health data produces better and more beneficial work.

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#4. The Global Equality Fund

The Global Equality Fund is a public-private partnership of governments and private sector actors. Administered by the U.S. Department of State, the program focuses on human rights and the rights of LGBTQ+ people around the world. Members of the GEF work together to support local initiatives and provide resources, including emergency aid, to human rights activists, and civil society organizations. The GEF has a presence in over 100 countries.

Gender equality and the rights of LGBTQ+ people are closely linked. According to Amnesty International, discriminatory treatment includes discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. Transgender people, who are people whose gender identity differs from what they were assigned at birth, are more than 4 times more likely to experience violence than their cisgender peers. Initiatives like the Global Equality Fund can help promote equality and protection.

#5. Equal Pay International Coalition

Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) is an initiative led by the International Labour Organisation, UN Women, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Through advocacy, capacity-building, and more, EPIC supports governments, employers, workers, and others who want to achieve pay equality. Coalition members can submit their pay equity tools and measures for assessment to the EPIC Secretariat.

Pay equity varies across the world, but according to a 2018/19 ILO report, women earn around 20% less than men on a global level. Factors include differences in education, gendered job segregation, and discrimination. Women and girls also perform an unfair amount of unpaid work; according to Oxfam, women do ¾ of unpaid care work like cooking and cleaning.

#6. He for She

He for She is a gender equality initiative spearheaded by the United Nations. It’s described as an “invitation for men and people of all genders” to stand with women for gender equality. In the ten years since the initiative’s launch, He for She has gathered 2 million activists and 600 million citizens represented by global partners. Its campaigns focus on topics like sexism in the entertainment business, sexism in corporate settings, and everyday misogyny among men.

Gender equality work is often seen as the responsibility of women and girls, but men and people of all genders benefit. According to research, men raised with rigid patriarchal values, such as power over women, self-reliance, pursuit of status, and risk-taking, may experience poorer mental health outcomes. Inequality like the gender pay gap backfires on men, too; with the women in their lives earning less, men with families face pressure to make up the difference.

#7. Women in Animation Mentorship

Launched in 2015, the WIA Mentorship Program pairs women, nonbinary, and trans creatives with veteran professionals. Mentees from all over the world get learning opportunities and tools that help them advance their careers in animation. In support of its global mission, the mentorship is held virtually. One mentor works with a cohort of 6-10 mentees. Two 4-month sessions are held – one in the spring and one in autumn. To apply, you must be a student in your final year of study, which includes a Bachelor’s degree, online course, Master’s program, etc. Self-taught applicants qualify if they’re ready to apply for a job within the next 6-12 months.

The billion-dollar animation industry is mostly male. According to WIA, while over 70% of animation and art school students are women, they only hold 34% of the creative jobs. Only 3% of directors identify as women, while 9% are writers. Through its mentorship program, WIA hopes to change that 34% to 50%.

#8. INSEAD’s Gender Initiative

INSEAD is a nonprofit graduate business school with campuses in France, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. It has a strategic alliance with The Wharton School and is associated with Sorbonne University. Its Gender Initiative is a social science research center working to provide insights and guidance for the future of diversity and inclusion. The initiative also offers programs designed by Women Leadership and Diversity & Inclusion faculty.

According to data from the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report, hiring rates of women in leadership stalled, leading to a significant drop in entry-level, C-suite, and STEM roles. Things improved in 2024, but women still make up only 42% of the global workforce and 31.7% of senior leadership. Initiatives from business-focused organizations like INSEAD can provide the research and guidance needed to empower women’s economic participation.

#9. Human Rights Campaign’s Trans Justice Initiative

The Human Rights Campaign is the US’ largest organization for LGBTQ+ rights. As an advocacy group, HRC informs and mobilizes millions of supporters to act on policies, legislation, and awareness campaigns. Through the HRC Foundation, the organization manages the Trans Justice Initiative, which addresses the needs of the trans community. It runs several leadership programs, including Elevate, an annual fellowship, and Motivate, a program advancing the leadership of BIPOC transmen and transmasculine nonbinary people.

In the US (and globally), trans people face severe discrimination. A 2022 survey, which polled over 92,000 people ages 16 and older, found that 40% of people considered moving because of the discrimination they faced. 10% said they’d already moved. Over a third experienced online harassment and 30% reported verbal harassment. Trans people also reported negative experiences with police and the healthcare system. Achieving gender equality means addressing discrimination against trans people.

#10. The Center for American Progress’ Women’s Initiative

The Center for American Progress is an American policy institute advocating for progressive ideas, strong leadership, and action. Research areas include abortion rights, housing, climate change, the economy, and more. The Women’s Initiative strives to put women at the center of its policy agendas. Women’s economic security, women’s leadership, and women’s health are its three priorities.

The economy, political leadership, and health are interwoven, and intersectional approaches are the best way to address gender equality. What’s intersectionality? It’s a framework that recognizes multiple forms of oppression, privilege, social identities, and experiences. It means that to address gender inequality, initiatives should also address racism, classism, homophobia, ageism, and other forms of discrimination.

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In every society, certain groups have more wealth, education, job opportunities, access to healthcare and other advantages. This creates inequality on a local, national and global scale. Inequality is like a spider’s web touching every part of society – from gender equality to housing to conflict – and when one strand is plucked, the effects reverberate through institutions, communities and the lives of individuals. In this article, we’ll explore 13 of the most significant ways inequality affects society:

#1. Gender

Inequality has a significant effect on how people of different genders get treated. According to UNICEF, discrimination can start as soon as girls go through puberty. Adolescent girls do more unpaid labor, experience more sexual and gender-based violence and receive fewer educational opportunities. As discrimination and human rights abuses increase around the world, women and girls suffer the most. According to the UN, legal equality for women could take 300 years to achieve if progress doesn’t speed up. While inequality affects women and girls to a significant degree, trans and gender-diverse people face challenges, too. Research shows that trans and gender-diverse people experience stigma, discrimination and violence in a variety of settings, including housing and employment.

Gender inequality manifests in many ways. Here are 15 examples of everyday inequality.

#2. Race

Race is a social and political construct, but unscientific and hateful views about its definition have led to rampant inequality. According to stats from the United Nations, racial discrimination is one of the most common forms of discrimination worldwide. Both men and women experience racial discrimination, along with related discrimination based on color, language and ethnicity. Racial inequality affects every sphere of society, such as employment, education and public health. Inequality can also fuel racism. For example, systemic inequalities that impoverish certain groups can encourage untrue beliefs about their intelligence, abilities and willingness to work. This stigma then reinforces inequalities, creating a vicious cycle.

#3. Poverty

Inequalities of all kinds affect poverty. Income and wealth inequality are the two big causes. According to a 2023 Oxfam report, the wealth of the world’s richest billionaires increased by a massive $2.7 billion every day while at least 1.7 billion workers lived in countries where inflation grew faster than wages. Over two years, the richest 1% hoarded almost twice as much wealth as the rest of the world combined. This kind of inequality fuels poverty. In 2022, 712 million people were living in extreme poverty, which is 23 million more than in 2019. Inflation inequality matters, too. When prices rise faster for those on the bottom of the income ladder, it increases the number of people living in poverty.

#4. Education

Inequality and education have a reinforcing relationship. According to the Economic Policy Institute, research names social class a significant predictor of a child’s educational success in the United States. In the report’s words, “children who start behind stay behind.” It’s not that these kids are less intelligent. Their schools get less funding. The Urban Institute found that in nearly half of US states, students from low-income families got less state and local funding than their higher-income peers. Globally, gender inequality impacts education. 122 million girls are out of school compared to 128 boys. Of the 763 million adults who don’t have literacy skills, almost ⅔ are women.

#5. Employment

Inequalities based on gender, race, wealth and more affect employment. Let’s take a closer look at gender. The International Labour Organization calculated that while 72% of men participate in the labor force, just under 47% of women do. This isn’t because women don’t want to work. Many do work, but they work in the informal economy, which isn’t regulated by the government. In South Asia, 80% of women who don’t work in agriculture work in the informal economy, while 74% work there in sub-Saharan Africa and 54% in Latin America and the Caribbean. These jobs often pay much less than formal employment and lack legal protections. Women also face higher risks of sexual harassment and exploitation in informal and formal employment. While gender inequality is just one factor in employment, it has a global effect.

#6. Health equity

“Health equity” is the absence of unjust and avoidable health differences between groups. Discrimination based on gender, race, class and other characteristics threatens health equity, and while some discrimination is unintentional, it still impacts millions of people every day. For example, a 2021 systematic review found that trans and non-binary people experience “erasure” when they seek healthcare. The CDC also states that due to factors like lower-quality healthcare, Black women in the US are three times more likely than white women to die from a pregnancy-related cause.

Inequality breaks down into numbers and statistics, but it can be seen with the naked eye, too. In my town, there’s a cluster of lower-income apartments. Renters struggle to get the owner to fix dishwashers and clean up mold. Just a few blocks away, there are pristine, brand-new houses selling for millions of dollars. If you open your eyes, inequality is never far from sight.   

#7. Disease burden

Inequality doesn’t only affect access to healthcare; it also affects who is more likely to get sick. Consider income inequality. According to one study, low-income and middle-income countries have around double the burden of infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases. Gender plays a role, too. That same study found an association between gender inequality and that double disease burden. Another study found that low-income and middle-income countries have around triple the rates of people living with hypertension compared to high-income countries. Several factors contribute to who gets sick and who doesn’t, but various inequalities drive a lot of those differences.

#8. Mental health

According to the World Health Organization, around 970 million people lived with a mental health condition in 2019. Mental health is complex, but research shows that inequality plays a part. One review of studies suggested a link between income inequality and mental health issues, especially depression, while another study found links between racial discrimination and depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health conditions. Considering how poverty, a lack of education and discrimination affect a person’s opportunities and daily life, it’s no surprise inequality would also impact their short and long-term mental health.

#9. Housing

Housing is a human right, but the world is facing a crisis. Around 1.6 billion people can’t access decent housing and basic services, and if things don’t change, 3 billion people could be in crisis by 2030. Housing prices are rising faster compared to income. In the United States, the median home cost rose 30% while incomes rose just 11% in the last 10 years. Unequal income increases make the situation even worse. According to Inequality.org, the average income of America’s richest 1% grew 17 times faster between 1979 and 2020 compared to the income of the bottom 20%. This makes it much easier for wealthy families to buy houses, which drives up prices and reinforces inequality.

#10. Economic growth

What happens to the economy when there’s inequality? According to the International Monetary Fund, inequality between the highest and lowest income classes can ‘directly hurt short- and long-term growth.” An Economic Policy Institute report found that the rise in American income inequality between 1979 and 2019 reduced growth in aggregate demand. This measures the total amount of demand for finished goods and services. As the report describes, inequality shifts income from lower-income households (who spend more money to pay for living expenses) to higher-income families (who save more money). When people don’t spend as much, it hurts economic growth.

To learn more about fighting inequality and discrimination, here’s our list of 10 online courses. 

#11. Climate change effects

Inequality determines who gets hit hardest by climate change. According to the World Economic Forum, while the lowest-income countries generate just 1/10 of all greenhouse gas emissions, they endure the worst climate change effects. Other inequalities play a role, too. According to one paper, things like gender and racial inequality put certain groups in the path of climate change, which in turn worsens existing inequality. It’s a “vicious cycle,” as the paper’s authors put it. As an example, women fill 43% of the jobs in agriculture, which is impacted by climate change effects like flooding, drought, hot temperatures and more. Women, who already endure more gender discrimination than men, suffer worse inequality thanks to climate change.

#12. Immigration

According to the International Organization for Migration, global inequalities reflect migration. Wage and job inequality are the most obvious reasons. When people can’t find decent work that pays well, they’re more likely to migrate somewhere within their home country or beyond it. Discrimination and a lack of access to justice can also increase migration. Unfortunately, many migrants face inequality no matter where they go. In the United States, which has more immigrants than any other country, people move into a system infected with gender, racial and income inequality. Inequality and immigration reinforce each other.

#13. Conflict

The drivers of conflict are varied and complex, but while there’s rarely one cause, inequality plays a big role. According to the International Monetary Fund, inequality can damage trust and social cohesion, which are key to preventing conflict. Consider wealth inequality. When there are wide gaps between classes in society, the wealthy enjoy unfair advantages like more political influence, land, natural resources and basic services. That creates a recipe for polarization and discontent. When crises develop, it’s much harder for an unequal society to come together to solve anything.

The post 13 Ways Inequality Affects Society appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

International Transgender Day of Visibility takes place every year on March 31. As the Human Rights Campaign describes, it’s a day to celebrate the joy and strength of trans and non-binary people around the world. In the US alone, there are over 1.6 million trans, non-binary and gender-expansive young people and adults. Historically, these groups have been underrepresented, misunderstood and attacked. The Transgender Day of Visibility is an important opportunity to celebrate, advocate for and learn more about trans people. Here are 15 inspiring quotes:

“We have to be visible. We are not ashamed of who we are.” – Sylvia Rivera

Sylvia Rivera (1951-2002) was a trans activist and major figure in the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprising. After meeting Marsha P. Johnson, Riviera became more involved in trans rights and often clashed with other gay leaders reluctant to include transgender people. She died in 2002, but her activism continues through the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, which is a legal aid organization that serves low-income people and people of color who are trans, intersex and/or gender non-conforming.

“Trans people are extraordinary, strong, intelligent, persistent and resilient. We have to be. And we will not stand for the picking and choosing of rights. We still have hope.”- Sage Grace Dolan-Sandrino

Sage Grace Dolan-Sandrino was Teen Vogue’s first trans youth journalist, as well as a teen ambassador to the White House while Barack Obama was president. When Dolan-Sandrino was outed to her school at just 13 years old, she decided to live as her authentic self, despite the risks. Her story was chronicled in the Disney+ show “Growing Up.” In 2020, Dolan-Sandrino founded a creative studio and digital zine. The quote above, which comes from an interview with the Washington Post, celebrates the strength of trans people in the face of oppression.

“I genuinely hope that… anti-trans folks someday experience the joy and liberation of being comfortable in your own skin enough to know that the liberation of others is no threat to you. Equality is not a pie; there is more than enough for everyone.” – Charlotte Clymer

Charlotte Clymer is a writer, military veteran, transgender activist and communications consultant. She previously served as the Press Secretary for Rapid Response at Human Rights Campaign, the United States’ largest civil rights organization focused on LGBTQ+ equality. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post and other outlets. The quote above emphasizes how there are no limits on equality; giving equal rights to trans people doesn’t take away rights from anyone else.

“When I was younger, I wish I would have been told more often that I was right and nothing was wrong with me, that I was deserving of everything this world has to offer, and that my visions for my future were worthy of pursuit.” – Janet Mock

Janet Mock is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, director and advocate. In 2018, she became the first trans woman of color to write and direct a TV show episode. She also became the first openly trans woman of color to sign a deal with a major content company (Netflix). Her first book, Redefining Realness, was the first biography written from a young trans person’s perspective. Mock’s quote above summarizes why Transgender Day of Visibility is so important. Young trans people need to hear that there’s nothing wrong with them, that they deserve equality and that their dreams matter.

Interested in learning more about trans rights? Here’s our Trans Rights 101 guide.

“There isn’t a trans moment….It’s just a presence where there was an absence. We deserve so much more.” – Hari Nef

Hari Nef is an actor and model who’s been featured in Vogue, the Amazon show Transparent, and the blockbuster Barbie. She was the first openly trans model to sign with the agency IMG. Her quote responds to frequent proclamations that the world is having a “trans moment.” This phrasing can imply the moment will pass or that trans people haven’t always been around. The reality is there’s just increased invisibility. Trans people deserve so much more than “a moment.”

“Each step forwards to become the person we are makes it harder to go backwards, to return to the shadowy, private world of closed doors and shuttered windows. The experience, the awakening of one’s true self, after being so long suppressed, can never be adequately explained with language.” -Lili Elbe

Lili Elbe (1882-1931) was a Danish artist. She was also one of the first people to receive gender-affirming surgery. Before transitioning, Elbe painted landscapes and posed for her wife’s paintings, but after transitioning, Elbe stopped painting. The novel The Danish Girl and a film of the same name loosely adapt her life. The quote above gives just a glimpse of what many trans people must feel after deciding to live as themselves.

“The more I hold myself close and fully embrace who I am, the more I thrive.” – Elliot Page

Elliot Page is an actor and writer who’s appeared in films like Hard Candy, Juno and Inception, as well as the TV show The Umbrella Academy. He came out as transgender in 2020 and became the first openly trans man to appear on the cover of Time Magazine a year later. His memoir Pageboy is an intimate portrait of the actor’s career and decision to embrace who he truly is. Many people can relate to the power of being true to yourself; it’s how we thrive.

“Let’s destroy all hierarchies and create the space for gender, sexual, social and political self-determination for everyone.” – Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore

Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore is an author, editor, filmmaker, artist and activist. Her anthology – Between Certain Death and a Possible Future – was one of BookRiot’s 100 Most Influential Queer Books of All Time. She also has bylines in publications like The New York Times Book Review, The Baffler, Literary Hub and much more. Her papers are archived at the San Francisco Public Library.

“The most radical thing that any of us can do is to stop projecting our beliefs about gender onto other people’s behaviors and bodies.” – Julia Serano

Julia Serano is a writer and activist best known for Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity, which is considered a groundbreaking and must-read text for anyone interested in transgender rights and politics. Serano is also a spoken word artist, musician and former researcher at UC Berkeley.

“There’s magic in being seen by people who understand—it gives you permission to keep going.” – Alok Vaid-Menon

Alok is a poet, public speaker, actor and comedian. They’re also the author of Beyond the Gender Binary, Femme in Public, and Your Wound/My Garden. The Advocate Magazine selected them as a 2023 “Advocate of the Year.” The quote above comes from Beyond the Gender Binary, which “deconstructs, demystifies and reimagines the gender binary.”

“But when you hear the same stories over and over again, from people from all over the world, you start realizing that transgender is not an anomaly. It’s a part of the spectrum of people’s realities. Then you stop wondering about the cause and you start realizing it’s a part of reality.” – Susan Kuklin

Susan Kuklin is an American photographer and acclaimed writer of children’s and teen’s books. In Beyond Magenta, which the quote above is from, Kuklin interviewed and photographed six transgender teens. In 2022, the book was banned in 11 school districts and is frequently on lists of most challenged books. Books like Beyond Magenta are vital as they share stories that are often ignored.

“As long as we are living in a culture where one has to prove their womanhood or manhood, we are not living in a free culture.” – Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is an actor and activist. She was the first openly trans person nominated for an Emmy for her role in Netflix’s Orange is the New Black. She’s continued to act and speak out as an advocate for trans rights and racial justice. The quote above challenges the idea that people have to “prove” their identities. As long as society has these standards, no one can be truly free.

“Your sexuality or gender is as natural as your eye color, and you should never be ashamed of it.”- Juno Dawson

Juno Dawson is a bestselling author, screenwriter, journalist and columnist. She’s best known for This Book is Gay, a young adult nonfiction book that explores sexuality and gender. Dawson has also published bestselling novels. The quote above, which comes from This Book is Gay, encourages people to embrace their sexuality and gender as natural and not something shameful.

“We are pitted against each other in order to keep us from seeing each other as allies. Genuine bonds of solidarity can be forged between people who respect each other’s differences and are willing to fight their enemy together. We are the class that does the work of the world, and can revolutionize it. We can win true liberation.” – Leslie Feinberg

Leslie Feinberg (1949-2014) was, in hir words, an “antiracist, white, secular Jewish, working-class, transgender, butch lesbian female.” Throughout their life, Feinberg worked to connect the LGBTQ+ movement to other liberation movements. Through expansive pronoun use and helping to shift language from “transsexual” and “transvestite” to “transgender,” Feinberg is one of the most important activists of her time. The quote above encapsulates Feinberg’s mission to unite movements and strengthen solidarity.

“As I pondered a pronoun change, I began to think of gender less as a scale and more as a landscape. Some people are born in the mountains, while others are born by the sea. Some people are happy to live in the place they were born, while others must make a journey to reach the climate in which they can flourish and grow. Between the ocean and the mountains is a wild forest. That is where I want to make my home.” – Maia Kobabe

Maia Kobabe is a nonbinary queer author and illustrator. Kobabe’s best-known work is Gender Queer: A Memoir, a graphic-novel style nonfiction book that explores eir younger years, identity and coming out to loved ones. In the quote above, which is from Gender Queer, Kobabe describes the expansive opportunities for gender, pronouns and self-discovery.

The post 15 Inspiring Quotes for Transgender Day of Visibility appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

For centuries, children were not considered worthy of respect, personal autonomy, or basic rights. Today, the United Nations, UNICEF, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child establish the rights all children are owed, regardless of their country of origin, gender, race, religion, and so on. Everyone under 18 deserves protection, food, shelter, healthcare, education, access to justice, and every other right that ensures their safety and healthy development. Unfortunately, children’s rights face serious threats as kids are more vulnerable to exploitation and neglect. If you want to start a career protecting children’s rights, here are 10 paid internships:

#1. Save the Children

Pay: Hourly wage/unlisted

Save the Children is an international NGO improving children’s lives and protecting their rights through healthcare, food, shelter, education, and child protection services. The organization has a fellowship program and a year-round internship. Interns and fellows are paid an hourly wage (the organization’s website does not list the rate), but some internships are unpaid, so double-check before applying. Internships run from January-April, June-August, and September-December.

Internships and fellowships can be remote or based in one of the organization’s offices in Washington, D.C., Kentucky, or Connecticut. During the semester-long program, interns work 16-24 hours a week under direct supervision from a staff member. For the internship, you must be pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Graduate degree, or have graduated within 6 months of the internship’s start date. For fellows, you’ll need to be a graduate or post-graduate student, or have graduated within 6 months of the start date. Housing and relocation aren’t provided, and you must be eligible to work in the USA.

#2. Child Rights Connect

Pay: CHF 1,200/month

Child Rights Connect is a global network of child rights organizations that reaches millions of kids in 185 countries. It works to make children’s rights mainstream in the United Nations human rights system by monitoring human rights at the UN, coordinating defenders, providing assistance and capacity-building, and advocating for a children’s rights approach. Child Rights Connect offers 6-month internships in Geneva, where the NGO is based. Eligible interns should be university students interested in international children’s rights.

At the time of writing, the NGO was hiring a full-time, in-person program intern. Interns work 36 hours a week. They should also have Swiss citizenship, EU/EFTA citizenship, or a Swiss/EU work permit. Placements are available for university students enrolled in either the last year of an undergraduate/Bachelor program or a graduate/Master’s program studying international human rights law, political science, international relations, or a related field. Fluency in English and competency in French or Spanish is desired. Program interns help with planning and organizing the Child Rights Connect network, preparing and monitoring sessions, and supporting other activities. The monthly stipend is CHF 1,200 with Swiss social charges deducted from that amount.

#3. National Partnerships for Women & Families

Pay: D.C. minimum wage ($17.50/hour in 2024)

The National Partnership for Women & Families is a policy organization focused on American women and families. They work to improve gender equality in every area of society, including the workplace, the doctor’s office, and at home. Policies that help women and families also help kids, so this organization is a good choice for people interested in children’s rights. According to its website, the National Partnership offers a few paid internships during the year in communications, economic justice, health justice, development, and congressional relations.

If accepted to the internship program, you’ll receive the D.C. minimum wage. Full-time interns work for 10 weeks while part-time interns work up to 375 hours. All interns are paid even if receiving academic credit or compensation from a third party. If you’re not allowed to receive payment from the National Partnership (some third parties have restrictions), the organization will still accept you.

#4. UNICEF

Pay: $17.00/hour

UNICEF is a UN agency. It provides humanitarian and development aid to kids in over 190 countries and territories. Focus areas include child protection and inclusion, child survival, education, social policy, health, gender inequality, research, and more. While most UN internships are unpaid, UNICEF is the rare agency that does pay its interns. Openings are listed among the regular job postings. Currently, all interns work from the United States.

Internship programs take place in the spring, summer, and fall. Summer interns work 30 hours a week, while spring and fall interns work up to 20 hours per week. Internships are 13 weeks and can be remote or hybrid. UNICEF can give interns course credit. Interns are paid $17.00 an hour. As an intern, you’ll join a cohort, attend intern-specific events and workshops, and work with a manager/mentor.

#5. Compassion International

Pay: Unlisted

Compassion International is a Christian charity addressing children’s poverty. Programs focus on medical care, family food packs, hygiene kits, disaster relief, and other needs. Compassion is also a child sponsorship organization. Kids are sponsored up to 18 or 22 years old, depending on the country.

Compassion International offers spring and summer internship programs. The salary isn’t listed, but it’s described as a “competitive hourly wage.” Interns are responsible for getting to Colorado Springs, Colorado. You must have US citizenship or a valid US work visa. Interns are placed in departments that need help, such as finance/accounting, global programs, IT, social media, UX design, video production, and more.

#6. Children’s Defense Fund

Pay: Unlisted

Children’s Defense Fund is an American charity working to give kids shelter, healthcare, food, education, safety, and access to the resources and opportunities they need. All kids deserve rights, but because of systemic inequality, CDF focuses on poor children, children of color, and children with disabilities. With Congress and local governments, CDF advocates for policies that advance children’s rights.

It’s unclear if CDF’s regular interns are paid, but it launched a paid fellowship in 2023 in partnership with the NBA Foundation. For three years, the CDF will manage the NBA HCU Fellowship Program, which provides opportunities in the basketball business for undergraduate and graduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. NBA teams select the fellows, who work within departments like ticket sales, corporate partnerships, legal, and more. Interns, who must be at least 18 years old, work for 10 weeks during the summer. You must also prove you’re legally allowed to work in the US and that you’re a current or previous HBCU student.

#7. Saferworld

Pay: Unlisted

Saferworld is an international organization working with and for people affected by conflict. Through research and analysis, Saferworld promotes peace-building policies and practices. The organization doesn’t offer generic internships, so available positions are posted on the website. The number of available internships depends on capacity and management time.

According to the Saferworld website, usually two interns are employed at any given time. Programs last at least 6 months and no longer than a year. Intern salaries are set at “an appropriate level.” During the program, you’ll gain practical work experience and help develop young professionals committed to safety, peace-building, and conflict prevention. Foreign nationals are considered on a case-by-case basis.

#8. Doctors Without Borders

Pay: $17.00/hour

Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) is an international medical and humanitarian charity. It responds to conflict, disease outbreaks, and other crises in 70 countries. Focus areas include climate change, natural disasters, displacement, outbreaks, women’s health, and children’s health. Because children’s immune systems are still developing, they’re especially vulnerable to disease, bacteria, and other health emergencies, making MSF’s work vital to children’s rights.

According to the charity’s website, MSF has spring, summer, and fall internships. Candidates must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship; international candidates are responsible for their work permits. All interns are responsible for their relocation and housing. In 2023, interns were paid $17.00. If you don’t live in New York, Washington, D.C., or Northern California, MSF wants you to note this in your cover letter.

#9. World Food Programme

Pay: $1,000/month

The World Food Programme, a UN agency, is the world’s largest humanitarian organization using food assistance for peace, stability, and prosperity. With 23,000 staff members, the WFP works in over 120 countries and territories. Partners include other UN entities, governments, NGOs, and private companies. When food security is threatened, children face the most immediate threats. According to a 2024 UNICEF report, 1 in 4 kids under five worldwide are experiencing severe food poverty.

WFP internships don’t pay a lot, but they offer a stipend of up to $1,000 a month. Payment depends on the specific duty station you’re assigned to. To apply for a program, you must be currently enrolled in a recognized university (with at least two years of undergraduate studies completed) or within six months of your graduation date. A working knowledge of English is required, while the agency likes candidates with other UN language proficiency. Internships last between 2-8 months.

#10. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Pay: $17.00-$22.00/hour

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is an American research, policy, and advocacy institute advancing federal and state policies on equality. Its goal is to ensure all people, including children, get the resources they need to thrive. Focus areas include healthcare, housing, employment, education, and structural barriers. Full-time (and sometimes part-time) internships for undergraduate and graduate students are offered in Communications, Government Affairs, Housing Policy, Food Assistance, Family Income Support, and more.

Internships take place in the fall, summer, and spring. Most internships last 10-12 weeks. The Center wants candidates with research, writing, analytical, and fact-gathering skills. International students can apply, although the Center can’t provide financial sponsorship for visas or work permits. Interns are paid based on their educational level: undergrads get $17.00 an hour, students with a bachelor’s degree get $18.00, graduate students get $19.00, and students with a master’s or law degree get $20.00. Doctoral students get between $18.00-$22.00 an hour depending on factors like relevant coursework, research, and progress toward finishing their degree requirements.

The post 10 Paid Internships in Children’s Rights appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Freedom of expression protects everyone’s right to seek out information, form their own opinions, and share ideas freely through conversation, social media, books, radio, TV, and all other media. It’s so important, it’s listed as a human right in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. What does freedom of expression look like? In this article, we’ll explore what freedom of expression is, provide five examples, and discuss why and when freedom of expression can be limited.

What is the definition of freedom of expression?

Freedom of expression is the right to pursue, hold, and share information, ideas, and opinions. Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights describes it this way:

Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.

That includes information, ideas, and opinions that others may find offensive. Because freedom of expression is a human right, everyone is entitled to free expression. As the preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights describes, human rights are established “without distinction of any kind,” meaning all people – regardless of race, color, sex, language, religion, politics, nationality, or another status – are entitled to human rights. Like all human rights, freedom of expression is universal, indivisible, and interdependent on other rights.

Author perspective: Freedom of expression does not equal freedom from social consequences. While Article 19 wants to protect information and ideas from state censorship, it doesn’t protect people from the reactions of others. It’s not a human rights violation when an opinion upsets a person’s friends, family, private businesses, or other non-state entities. Actions, including speech, always have consequences.

What are five examples of the right to freedom of expression?

Freedom of expression is often assumed to mean sharing your opinion out loud, but its scope applies to communications like writing and reading, too. As the world becomes more connected thanks to technology, the right to freely express information, thoughts, and ideas has evolved. Here are five examples of freedom of expression in action:

#1. Criticizing the government 

Criticizing government policies, actions, and politicians is one of the most vital uses of freedom of expression. In a world where human rights are respected, everyone should have the ability to share information and their opinions on the systems and laws that govern their lives. Unfortunately, many governments violate Article 19 when criticized. They use vague laws to justify their actions. For example, in 2022, Tunisia passed a cybercrime law that human rights advocates warned could be used to punish the president’s critics. That’s exactly what happened in 2023 and 2023 when at least 40 journalists, lawyers, and advocates were charged with disseminating “fake news,” which was in fact criticism of the government. In May, two journalists received year-long prison sentences. The Tunisian president has also faced outrage for suspending parliament and changing the constitution, showing the link between violations of freedom of expression and other rights.

#2. Posting on social media

Social media platforms are fairly new in humanity’s history, but people have the same right to freedom of expression as they do through older forms of media. While private social media companies can establish terms of service, governments and state actors should not punish people for the information, ideas, opinions, thoughts, or art they share on platforms. In many countries, governments are not respecting freedom of expression on social media. In 2020, an Egyptian court fined and sentenced five young female social media influencers to two years in prison for “indecent videos” they posted on TikTok, a video app. This reflects a trend in Egypt where the charge of “inciting debauchery” frequently targets women who challenge the government’s views on morality. The advocacy group Amnesty International believes Egypt goes after social media influencers for how they dress, talk, and dance, which violates the right to free expression.

#3. Protesting in public

Public protests and nonviolent assembly are forms of free expression. It doesn’t matter if there’s just one person or a million people; everyone has the right to share opinions, express grievances, and raise awareness of their cause. In the United States, the First Amendment protects the right to protest, which the ACLU says is “crucial to a functioning democracy.” The US has a long history of public protest, but the rights of protesters are frequently threatened. In 2023 and 2024, students held protests against Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza across college campuses, including Columbia University. Article 19, an international human rights organization, summarizes what happened next. The university suspended pro-Palestinian organizations, allowed police to assault and arrest peaceful protestors, and evicted students with due process. Free expression advocates and other experts worry that these unnecessarily harsh actions threaten freedom of expression at colleges.

#4. Reading books, including ones that may be offensive

Did you know reading a book is a form of free expression? As Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights explains, freedom of expression includes the freedom to “seek, receive, and impart information and ideas…in writing or in print.” When reading a book, you seek and receive information and ideas. When governments censor what you can read, it’s threatening your right to free expression. According to the National Coalition Against Censorship, many American prisons have strict and unreasonable rules on what books their inmates can access. As the NCAC’s blog describes, bans on sexual content and nudity mean books like The Color Purple and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings are banned, while books with figure drawings, classical art, and even human anatomy are also not allowed. While some rules are necessary for safety, broad book bans violate incarcerated peoples’ right to free expression.

#5. Listening to the radio and watching TV

Radio and TV have existed for a long time, and sharing freely through these media forms falls within freedom of expression. Radio, especially traditional radio, remains one of the world’s most important forms of communication. According to Statista, radio listeners are expected to top 3.2 billion by 2029. Thanks to radio and TV, people can follow the news, hear expert analysis, get exposed to new ideas and art, and much more. Authoritarian governments know that radio and TV-facilitated free expression threatens their control. In North Korea, only one media news source is allowed: The Korean Central News Agency. Independent journalism is prohibited. According to a 2011 BBC article, TV sets and radio are even pre-tuned and must be registered with the police. Authoritarian governments like North Korea understand the power of radio and TV, and by restricting free expression, they hope to squash new ideas that lead to rebellion.

Are there limitations on freedom of expression?

Does freedom of expression protect everyone’s right to say whatever they want all the time? Are any ideas or opinions too offensive or too dangerous to share? Freedom of expression can be limited, meaning not every restriction is a human rights violation. Article 19 of the International Covenant lays out the situations in which governments can restrict free expression:

It [free expression] may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary:

(a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others;
(b) For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals.

For example, Article 19 does not protect a person’s right to defame another person. Defamation is false information that hurts someone’s reputation. According to Cornell Law School’s definition, it includes libel (written statements) and slander (spoken statements). Proving defamation is very difficult, especially in countries like the United States that tend to prioritize the right to free speech. To win in court, a person must prove that the false statement was presented as fact, that the statement was published or communicated to a third party, that the entity sharing the statement was at least negligent, and that the statement caused harm.

To avoid violating human rights, governments must meet a high bar when restricting expression, but they must also be able to limit hateful and inciteful speech, which is why Article 19 provides some wiggle room. As we’ve described in our examples, however, governments frequently violate free expression for other agendas. Peaceful assembly, criticism of the government, and other protected forms of free expression are often relabeled as threats to security, order, and public health. These do not represent reasonable restrictions and should be called out for what they are: violations of human rights.

Further resources on freedom of expression

Interested in learning more about freedom of expression? Here are five resources:

• Speaking Out for Freedom of Expression Amnesty International course (20 minutes)
• Freedom of Expression – A Fundamental Right Amnesty International course (10 hours)
• Hate Speech Explained: Where Does It Start? (2022) Video from UN Story (About 6 minutes)
• Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech for All (2020) Book by Suzanne Nossel
• The Free Speech Century (2018) Book edited by Lee C. Bollinger and Geoffrey R. Stone

The post Freedom of Expression 101: Definition, Examples, Limitations appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

According to organizations like UNICEF, 333 million children lived on less than $2.15 a day in 2022. 1.43 billion live on less than $6.85 a day. While kids are only 31% of the global population, they make up more than half of those living in extreme poverty. The impacts of poverty on kids can’t be dismissed. It stunts their development, makes them more vulnerable to disease, increases their risk for violence, and shortens their expected lifespans. Here are 15 trusted charities focused on eliminating child poverty and empowering kids and their families.

#1. Global Fund for Children

Founded in 1993, the Global Fund for Children is a grassroots NGO that supports community-based organizations helping children. The Fund identifies what partners need before providing flexible funding and capacity-building services. Since its founding, the organization has helped 11 million kids and worked with over 1,000 grassroots partners in 20+ countries. Initiatives include emergency response, post-pandemic education, youth-led change, education for girls, and much more.

The Global Fund for Children accepts one-time and monthly donations, as well as cryptocurrency gifts.

#2. Save the Children

In 1919, Eglantyne Jebb saw the catastrophic effects WWI had on European children. She founded the Save the Children Fund, and in the years since the organization expanded to other countries. The nonprofit aims to alleviate suffering and empower the most vulnerable children through health programs, education, emergency response, and policy and advocacy. You can find Save the Children working in the United States, Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. 86% of every donated dollar goes to Save the Children’s mission.

People can support Save the Children in a few ways. Examples include one-time or monthly donations through credit card or PayPal, crypto or NFT proceeds, a gift box, or stock donations.

#3. ChildFund International

ChildFund International is a development organization working in 23 countries, including Kenya, Brazil, India, the United States, and Senegal. Priorities include healthy food, clean water, healthcare, protection from violence, education, and other essential rights. As a community development group, ChildFund International supports local grassroots organizations with funding, training, and resources. ChildFund also uses a child sponsorship model, so kids are matched with supporters who make monthly donations, send gifts, and write letters. In 2023, ChildFund reached 14.8 million kids and families.

ChildFund International accepts online donations, as well as corporate giving, matching gifts, planned giving, and more. You can also choose a child to sponsor. Your gift is pooled with other donations, so the nonprofit can support the entire community.

#4. UNICEF

UNICEF is the UN agency responsible for protecting children’s rights. It conducts research and provides services in areas like child survival, education, gender equality, emergencies, and more in 190 countries. Founded in 1946 after WWII, UNICEF was established to help children all over the world, regardless of the actions of their home countries. The INGO’s mandate is based on universal human rights for children.

UNICEF receives funding from governments, NGOs, foundations, corporations and individuals. You can donate once on the online portal or set up a monthly recurring donation.

#5. Children’s Defense Fund

The children’s Defense Fund (CDF) is an American nonprofit founded by Marian Wright Edelman, a Civil Rights leader and lawyer. Today, the organization advocates for the rights of all children, including marginalized children. Its policy and advocacy branch focuses on children’s health, early learning and development, family stability, and youth leadership. CDF also runs the Freedom Schools program, which helps improve reading, language skills, and relationships; increase access to social services; and strengthen families.

CDF welcomes a variety of donation options, such as online donations, stock or mutual fund donations, vehicle donations, employee matching gifts, and more.

#6. Children International

For almost 90 years, Children International has worked to end poverty. It has reached over 1 million kids and built 67 community centers in 10 countries, including India, the Philippines, Zambia, Ecuador, Mexico, and the United States. Programs focus on health, education, empowerment, and employment. Like many organizations of its kind, Children International offers a child sponsorship program. $39 a month provides medical care, educational support, life skills courses, job training, and more. Community centers also provide libraries, computer labs, playgrounds, and other services.

In addition to the standard one-time or monthly online donations, Children International lets donors choose specific campaigns like the Into Employment program, the community center fund, or the Christmas fund. You can also support with matching gifts, cryptocurrency, estate planning, and more.

#7. Oxfam

Oxfam began in 1942 when supporters sent food to women and children in Greece after WWII. In the decades since, Oxfam expanded its work into different countries while responding to poverty, conflict, and inequality. Today, Oxfam works in 80 countries on economic justice, women’s rights, climate action, and more. While the organization isn’t exclusively focused on child poverty, Oxfam prioritizes issues that affect kids. As a confederation, Oxfam has 21 “sister” organizations; the secretariat office is in Kenya.

Oxfam accepts one-time and monthly donations online, by mail, or by phone. Other options include gifts through a Donor Advised Fund, from your IRA, or through your workplace.

Poverty affects children disproportionately for a few reasons, but “childism” is an important factor. Developed by psychiatrists in the 1970s, the term “childism” refers to the discriminatory belief that kids are inferior to adults and therefore not owed the same rights or respect. It can take the form of spanking kids, sharing photos online of a child without their consent, and underfunding services that focus on kids. Like racism and sexism, childism has layers of oppression based on characteristics like gender, class, disability, and age. To end child poverty, systemic childism must be addressed.

#8. CARE

With a presence in 109 countries, CARE has worked in service of women, girls, and economic security since after WWII. In 2023, the organization reached 167 million with 1,600 projects. Focus areas include food and water, health, education, work, climate, equality, and crisis. 90% of expenses go to program services. In addition to humanitarian aid, CARE runs CARE Action, which lobbies the U.S. Congress on issues like global hunger, foreign assistance, and the rights of women and girls.

CARE accepts a variety of donation methods by phone, mail, or online. You can give cash, stocks, or mutual funds, through a Donor Advised Fund, through an IRA, or in other ways. CARE also accepts vehicle donations and airline miles through Delta’s SkyWish program.

#9. Ayuda en Acción (Action Aid Mexico)

Established in 1981, Ayuda en Acción (which translates to Help in Action in English) has been a nonprofit since 2014 and a sister organization of ActionAid International. It empowers vulnerable communities in countries like Mexico, Spain, Columbia, Peru, and Ecuador. Programs focus on education, employment, entrepreneurship, child protection, humanitarian aid, and more. The nonprofit also runs a child sponsorship program. Individuals and companies can sponsor kids. 250 pesos buys an oral hygiene kit and instructions on proper tooth brushing.

You can donate online. According to the organization’s website, 86% of each donation goes to projects.

#10. Child Foundation

Child Foundation is a charity focused on children experiencing poverty. Since 1994, the organization has worked to empower kids with education, basic necessities, and other services. When kids get a good education, they’re better protected from rights violations like child labor and child marriage. Child Foundation is based in the United States with affiliation offices in Australia, Germany, and Switzerland, and a presence in countries like Iran, Indonesia, and Nepal. In 2023, 10,800 children were sponsored each month, 965 students started university and over 40,000 families received support.

Child Foundation accepts several donation methods. You can sponsor a child or donate to a specific campaign. The charity also accepts company matching, legacy gifts, and gala and event sponsorship.

#11. Smile Foundation

Smile Foundation is an Indian charity working in 25 states across the country. Programs focus on education, healthcare, disaster response, women’s empowerment, and more. Since the charity’s founding in 2002, it’s reached more than 300,000 kids with education, provided over 2 million people with healthcare, and trained 65,000 youth with vocational education. The Smile Foundation also produces documentaries and short films that raise awareness about poverty’s societal effects and the need for education.

The Smile Foundation accepts donations online. It can accept donations in USD and pounds through checks, drafts, or online payment.

#12. So They Can

So They Can is a children’s organization registered in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. It works with governments and local communities, so every child in Africa can access good education. Its projects focus on student well-being, teacher training, school infrastructure, community and stakeholder participation, government partnerships, and school board management and development. It also has a child and youth development project, a women’s empowerment project, and a community health project.

So They Can offers individuals and businesses several ways to support the charity’s work. As an individual, you can volunteer, fundraise, donate, or sponsor a student, school, or family. Businesses can get involved through workplace giving, sponsorship, and business or philanthropic partnerships.

#13. Children of the Mekong

In 1958, a dentist asked French blanket manufacturers to donate to a boarding school in Laos. The company sent blankets and 100 francs, which led to the founding of The Association of Friends of St. Joseph’s School, now called Children of the Mekong. Today, the charity also works in Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Focus areas include education for girls, early childhood education, and programs for ethnic minorities, refugees, and people with disabilities. The charity works on development projects, education centers, career development, and child sponsorship.

Children of the Mekong welcomes sponsors from around the world, including the UK, USA, Hong Kong, and Singapore. You can sponsor one child or a group of children.

#14. Plan International

Plan International is a UK-based humanitarian and development organization. With a presence in over 80 countries, the charity focuses on children, especially girls. In 2023, Plan reached over 22 million girls with services and programs in education, protection from violence, youth empowerment, sexual and reproductive health rights, and early childhood development. The charity also responds to emergencies like conflict and climate change.

You can support Plan International by donating to a specific appeal, such as its hunger appeal, the Gaza/Middle East appeal, the Sudan appeal, and so on. You can also give a general donation or sponsor a child.

#15. Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos

Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, which means “our little brothers and sisters,” is a Catholic charity organization working across Latin America and the Caribbean. Since its founding in 1954, the organization has helped over 20,000 children thanks to its residential care facility program. It also provides daycare centers, food kitchens, family reintegration programs, healthcare, education, vocational training, and much more. In 2023, the charity supported over 2,300 kids.

Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos runs a child sponsorship program and accepts donations online. Supporters can choose specific programs to donate to, such as meal programs, dental care, or a special needs program.

The post 15 Trusted Charities Addressing Child Poverty appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

For centuries, women and girls have battled discrimination, violence, and other injustices that threaten their political power, their human rights, and their lives. While the state of women’s rights has improved, the fight for equality continues. In remarks to the United States, Secretary-General António Guterres recently said, “Patriarchy is far from vanquished; it is regaining ground.” If progress doesn’t accelerate, it could take another 131 years to reach global gender equality. Trusted charities like the 15 on this list want to achieve equality sooner for all women and girls.

#1. MADRE

MADRE, which was founded in 1983, is an international feminist and human rights organization. Through its partnerships with grassroots movements in 40+ countries, MADRE works on goals like achieving global peace and climate justice, ending gender violence, and protecting reproductive rights. Activities include policy, grantmaking, capacity-bridging, and legal advocacy. Since its founding, MADRE has provided over $52 million in grants and in-kind support.

MADRE accepts several donation options, including cash, check, stock, or Donor Advised Funds. The organization’s website also hosts an Action Center where supporters can access free reports, toolkits, policy papers, and shareable graphics.

#2. Women’s Earth Alliance

The Women’s Earth Alliance (WEA) is a grassroots collective that believes women are key to solving the climate crisis. Founded in 2006 with 30 women from 26 countries, the organization funds, trains, and supports women leaders working to reverse climate change. WEA collaborates with regional Program Leads in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and its Cross Regional program. Issue areas include economics, conservation, energy, education, water, and much more. In 2023, WEA reached 2.9 million people and provided grants to over 1,400 women-led climate groups.

Supporters can donate to WEA online, by check, by stock, by crypto, or with other methods. WEA also hosts an online Marketplace where it partners with vetted companies who donate a percentage of proceeds to the NGO.

#3. The Equality Fund

The Equality Fund is a Canada-based grantmaking organization focused on feminist organizations. Grantmaking has historically been unsustainable for gender equality organizations, so the Equality Fund uses different strategies like investments and philanthropy. It funds feminist organizations around the world, especially in the Global South. In 2023, the Equality Fund resourced 654 organizations, funded movements in 90 countries, and saw a 134% increase in grantmaking from 2022, according to its annual report.

The Equality Fund welcomes one-time, monthly, and quarterly donations online. You can also give bequest and legacy gifts, stocks or securities, and life insurance. Americans can donate online through CAF America.

#4. The Wonder Foundation

The Wonder Foundation is a UK charity that partners with organizations working to empower women, girls, and their communities. Programs focus on quality education, family engagement, mentoring, sustainable employment, empowering spaces, and more. Partners are chosen based on their experience and expertise in education. You can find the Wonder Foundation working in places like Brazil, Guatemala, India, Uganda, the UK, Europe, and other countries. Since its founding in 2012, the charity has reached 120,000 women and girls.

If you want to support the Wonder Foundation, you can set up a one-time or monthly donation on its website. The charity also works with corporate partners and accepts cryptocurrency, legacy gifts, and more.

#5. Center for Reproductive Rights

The Center for Reproductive Rights protects reproductive rights around the world. With its team of lawyers and advocates, the charity has programs for litigation, legal policy, and advocacy work. Accomplishments include winning cases before human rights bodies, participating in major U.S. Supreme Court abortion cases, and strengthening reproductive laws across five continents. Focus areas include abortion, assisted reproduction, humanitarian settings, maternal health, and contraception.

The Center for Reproductive Rights accepts donations online by card, bank account, and PayPal. You can also give through a Donor Advised Fund, stock, or an employee matching program. If you want to help the charity’s goals in other ways, you can find ideas on the website.

#6. Global Fund for Women

For over 30 years, the Global Fund for Women has provided funds to gender justice organizations, movements, and initiatives around the world. 84% of grants go to groups working in repressive societies while 79% of program funds are long-term. During its years of operation, the Fund has provided almost $184 million to organizations in 176 countries. The Fund also supports local, gender-sensitive response, rebuilding, and resiliency for organizations facing health crises, political emergencies, and climate disasters.

If you want to donate to the Global Fund for Women, check out your options on the website. The charity accepts online giving, Donor Advised Funds, legacy gifts, corporate giving, and cause marketing.

#7. ActionAid

ActionAid International is a global federation committed to ending poverty and injustice. It focuses on emergencies, land rights, politics and economics, and other women’s issues. With its sister organizations, ActionAid works in regions like Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. In 2023, ActionAid USA supported over 4,000 women and kids in Gaza, reached 1,000 women with safety leaflets in Morocco, and spent 42% of its program expenses for the year on women’s rights.

ActionAid International’s website lets you choose a country office, so you can give through the correct donation portal. Once you’ve found your portal, you can make a one-time, monthly, or yearly donation by credit card or bank account.

#8. Malala Fund

The Malala Fund is an education-focused organization focused on access, equality, and sustainability. It funds education advocates and activists in places like Afghanistan, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, and other countries where it’s hard for girls to get the education they deserve. Since the Malala Fund’s establishment, it has given $47 million and supported 102 education champions in 9 countries. The charity also operates an online research library supporting local, national, and global advocacy for girls’ education. In 2023, the Fund reached over 21 million students and distributed $6.5 million in grants, according to its annual report.

Supporters can give one-time or monthly donations via the Malala Fund’s website. The portal can accept 40+ currencies through PayPal. Other donation options include corporate giving, planned giving, and cryptocurrency.

#9. Pro Mujer

Pro Mujer is a social enterprise working to end gender inequality in Latin America. In its 33 years of operation, the organization has impacted 2.5 million people, provided 10+ million health services, and distributed $4.4 billion in microloans. Three areas are targeted: health and well-being, financial inclusion, and skilling opportunities. Specific programs include primary care services, breast cancer support programs, digital financial platforms, financial education programs, and business and entrepreneurship skill programs. Pro Mujer is headquartered in New York but has offices in Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.

Pro Mujer accepts one-time and monthly donations by credit card, bank account, or PayPal. It also has a consulting arm – the Gender Knowledge Lab – that guides NGOs on gender, diversity, and inclusion policies.

#10. One Girl

One Girl is a grassroots gender equality charity working in Sierra Leone. It provides accessible education and resources that make communities safer for girls. One Girl does this by giving girls what they need for school (school uniforms, shoes, textbooks, lunch money, etc), providing safe spaces for discussions on reproductive health, financial literacy, and more, and working with field officers and teachers. In 2022, One Girl’s Girls in School Program in Sierra Leone supported 196 girls in 27 schools.

Supporters of One Girl can give donations online. A $20 monthly donation can fund lunch for two girls for the month, while $84 can pay for everything a girl needs for school and outside support for a month. One Girl also welcomes ambassadors committed to advocacy and fundraising for the charity.

#11. Sakhi for South Asian Survivors

Since 1989, New York-based Sakhi for South Asian Survivors has represented members of the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean diaspora who need support after experiencing violence. Its services include a helpline, counseling, housing assistance, and programs for anti-violence, sexual assault, food justice, and youth empowerment. In 2023, the charity distributed over $1 million in housing assistance and worked with 523 survivors. Visitors to the website can also access the Learn Library, which compiles resources on gender-based violence.

You can give tax-deductible donations to Sakhi for South Asian Survivors through their online portal. You can also give by check, stock, wire transfer, life insurance, and more.

#12. Girls Not Brides

Child marriage may be less common than it used to be many years ago, but every year, 12 million girls get married before they’re 18. Girls Not Brides is a global network of 1,400+ civil society organizations from over 100 countries. The network wants to raise awareness of the impacts of child marriage, amplify the voices of girls at risk of child marriage, and end child marriage. 82% of the member organizations work in communities, while 40% identify as youth-led organizations. The network works across many fields including health, education, and human rights, which makes its impact holistic.

Supporters can donate to individual members of Girls Not Brides on the online portal. If you’re getting married soon and want to support the charity, you can dedicate your wedding by donating, starting a fundraiser, or registering with VOW, a partner organization using the power of the wedding industry to end child marriage.

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Most people believe children should be protected from dangerous work, but that wasn’t always the case. For centuries, it wasn’t strange for children to work alongside adults doing dangerous tasks in harsh conditions. That began to change in the 20th century, and in 1946, the United Nations established an agency for protecting children. While UNICEF at first focused on kids affected by WWII, its mandate expanded to protect all children. Over the years, the international community realized how serious child labor was. In 1992, the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour was established. How is child labor defined? Where is it happening? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and many others.

#1. Organizations like UNICEF and the ILO define child labor

Child labor has a specific definition. Organizations like UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children’s rights, and The International Labour Organization (ILO) are two essential authorities on child labor and the protection of children. According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, an international human rights treaty, kids deserve protection from economic exploitation and work that harms their physical health, mental health, and “spiritual, moral, or social” development. In Convention C182, the ILO defines the worst forms of child labor, which include trafficking, debt bondage, serfdom, forced labor, prostitution, and the use of kids in armed conflict. Defining child labor in precise terms is essential to ending it.

#2. 160 million kids are in child labor

Child labor can be hard to track, but organizations like the International Labour Organization and UNICEF give us a vague picture. Based on UNICEF data published in 2021, 160 million kids are in child labor. That’s an increase of 8.4 million children since 2017. Those numbers also mean that progress on ending child labor stalled for the first time in two decades. Why? The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on economies played a role. Millions of people lost their jobs, schools closed, and households lost primary income earners to death or disability. Many governments failed to assist people experiencing poverty, and so out of desperation, poor families sent their kids to work. The ILO and UNICEF have yet to publish more recent estimates, so it remains to be seen if child labor has steadied, risen, or declined.

#3. Child labor happens everywhere, but rates are highest in Africa

Africa, which has almost 1.5 billion people, experiences some of the worst child labor rates in the world. According to UNICEF, more than 1 in 4 children from sub-Saharan between the ages of 5 and 17 are working. In West, Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa, the percentage is 26%. Despite policies that target child labor, progress has been slow. Between 2012-2016, child labor in sub-Saharan Africa went up. Around 61.4 million kids work in agriculture, the largest industry for child labor in Africa and around the world. Things aren’t great in Asia, either. About 12% of South Asian kids between 5 and 14 years old work in fields, mines, fisheries, factories, and other dangerous industries.

#4. Child labor has severe physical and emotional effects on kids

Children deserve safety, a good education, time to play, and other rights that help them develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Child labor disrupts this development and can impact a child for the rest of their life. One literature review found that child labor can cause issues like malnutrition, illness, and emotional and behavioral disorders. Not getting an education has lifelong consequences, too. According to UNICEF, a lack of education makes it harder for people to find good-paying jobs, which keeps families in poverty and raises the risk of more kids participating in child labor.

#5. Child labor can be fatal 

Child labor puts kids at risk for all kinds of injuries and diseases, but it can cost them their lives, too. Around 22,000 children die at work every year, according to the International Labour Organization. The true numbers are likely higher since a lot of child labor is hidden. Death tends to be an outcome of dangerous work. For example, in 2023, a 16-year-old died at a sawmill in Wisconsin, USA, while trying to unjam a machine. Another was killed at a Mississippi poultry plant where he got stuck in a piece of equipment. Working with such dangerous machines is a violation of the law, but around the world, child laborers are exposed to heavy tools, toxic chemicals, extreme heat, and other potentially fatal work conditions.

#6. Most child laborers work for their families

In popular media, child labor is often portrayed as the result of abductions and trafficking, and while that does happen, most child laborers work for family farms and businesses. According to UNICEF, 72% of child labor happens within families. That doesn’t make child labor any safer, however. Why are families putting their own children to work? The ILO says poverty is the “greatest single force” behind child labor. When the income earned from one or two parents isn’t enough to sustain a household or pay for other workers, kids are more likely to work at the expense of their education, safety, and development.

#7. Girls are more likely to be sexually exploited

Child labor affects children of all genders, but girls are more likely to experience sexual exploitation. According to research in the Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, gender norms put girls at a higher risk of trafficking and sexual exploitation compared to boys. This makes them vulnerable to unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV, all three of which cause serious health issues and even death. While most trafficked kids are girls, boys are sexually exploited, too. The numbers are likely much higher than reported. One study suggests it’s because boys are both less likely to identify sexual abuse and less likely to be viewed as “victims” by other people.

#8. Not all work done by children exploits them

Forcing children to miss school and work in dangerous environments is a clear violation of their rights, but is there any work that’s appropriate for kids? The International Labour Organization believes there is. Children and adolescents “above the minimum age of admission” can participate in work as long as it doesn’t harm their health, personal development, or education. Some work can even benefit children. For example, one study found that work programs for Black youth from rural communities helped kids access more local resources, develop valuable skills, and find more employment opportunities. Creating more paid opportunities for teens can also narrow wage gaps in the future. A child’s age, how many hours they work, the type of work, and work conditions are key when determining whether work is good for kids or exploitative.

#9. Child labor is a major issue in the cocoa industry

By 2029, the cocoa and chocolate industry is expected to hit USD 63.58 billion, according to Market Data Forecast. Billions of people enjoy chocolate, but 70% of the world’s cocoa comes from Ghana and the Ivory Coast where child laborers work in brutal conditions. In 2020, around 2.1 million kids (some as young as 5 years old) worked up to 14 hours every day using dangerous tools like chainsaws and machetes. Around 30% of these kids weren’t in school. While countries like the Ivory Coast are trying to combat child labor, millions of family farms still rely on children because they have no money to pay other workers. According to one report (which did not include rates of forced labor or slavery), 78% of “economically active” kids in Ghana and the Ivory Coast worked for their families. Addressing poverty is key to ending this type of child labor.

#10. The fashion industry has some of the worst child labor

The fashion industry depends on fields, factories, and labor. Many of those workers are children. According to UNICEF, more than 100 million kids are affected by the garment and footwear industry, which means they’re either workers, the children of workers, or they live near farms and factories. The cotton industry is especially harmful to kids. In at least six of the seven top cotton producers, you can find children hand-picking cotton, being exposed to pesticides, being beaten, and experiencing other hardships. Some places have taken action. In Uzbekistan, around 2 million people are recruited every year to harvest cotton. In the past, children as young as nine were forced to work. Thanks to reforms, systemic forced labor and child labor were eradicated in the 2021 production cycle.

#11. Economic competition can encourage child labor

Businesses compete with each other to make the most money, and if left to their own devices, many companies exploit workers to grasp as much profit as possible. To companies consumed with greed, child labor can be appealing. As the Borgen Project describes, competition in China has led companies to seek out children who are paid less (if at all) and who are easy to manipulate. Employment agencies may trick or even abduct kids, especially from families experiencing poverty. While China has made some progress in eliminating child labor, kids from rural areas are still vulnerable to businesses eager for cheap labor.

#12. Child labor is used to produce fruit, coffee, and fish 

Children work in industries all over the world, which means millions of people use products touched by child workers as young as five years old. The Bureau of International Labor Affairs, which is a US agency, keeps a list of products likely to be made with forced or child labor. It includes fruit like acai berries from Brazil, blueberries, bananas, and citrus. Coffee from several South American and African countries is also on the list. Child labor is prevalent in the fishing sector, as well. According to the list, kids are fishing in Brazil, China, Ghana, and several other countries.

#13. Child labor powers some of our most common technologies

Without cobalt, we couldn’t make the lithium-ion batteries that power cell phones, laptops, tools, and electric vehicles. 75% of the world’s cobalt is dug up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Chinese companies control around 80% of the supply. Mines exploit at least 25,000 children, although true numbers are likely much higher. In Cobalt Red: How the Blood of Congo Powers Our Lives, author Siddharth Kara describes meeting a 16-year-old miner whose cobalt earned him only $2 per sack. In 2018, the boy fell while climbing from a 19-foot pit. His family drained their savings to pay for medical treatment, but they had to bring him home before he was healed. Another 16-year-old was hit in the head with a rock, and his hands were permanently damaged. If you own a cell phone, laptop, or any device with a lithium-ion battery, there’s a very high chance a child laborer has touched it.

Learn more about child rights and child protection with online courses.

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Humans need clean air, fresh water, healthy soil, and protection from hazards like chemicals, radiation, and toxic waste. Unfortunately, industries like agriculture, construction, chemical production, and others cause severe harm to the environment. According to the World Health Organization, 99% of Earth’s population breathes unhealthy air. In the United States alone, thousands of oil spills pollute the ocean, rivers, and lakes. Who is affected most by these environmental hazards? Research shows communities of color get hit the hardest; this is known as environmental racism. In this article, we’ll define environmental racism, give three examples, and discuss ways to take action.

What is environmental racism?

Environmental racism is a form of racism where health hazards (like polluted air and contaminated water) disproportionately affect ethnic minorities and communities of color. Building landfills, chemical plants, and oil refineries near and in majority Black communities and refusing to address harmful consequences is just one example. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., a civil rights leader, coined the term “environmental racism.” He created it after noticing how often polluting and waste facilities were built in communities of low-income Black Americans, Indigenous people, Hispanic people, and Asian Americans.

Years of research show that environmental hazards affect communities of color more severely than their white peers. Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans are exposed to more pollution from every single type of pollution, including industry, residential sources, construction, agriculture, and industry. Income doesn’t always matter! According to one study, higher-income Black people still had a greater health risk from particle pollution than their white counterparts. Global climate change has a racial dimension, too, as marginalized groups experience the worst impacts.

What are examples of environmental racism?

Environmental racism occurs around the world. Here are three examples from the United States, Nigeria, and Canada:

Lead poisoning in Flint, Michigan

Lead is a naturally occurring element in the Earth’s crust, but it’s been used in paint, pipes, batteries, and cosmetics. When exposure is too high, it can lead to serious health issues, especially in kids six years old and younger. Effects of lead poisoning in kids include slowed growth, anemia, behavioral and learning difficulties, and lower IQs. Pregnant women and adults are at risk of miscarriage, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and reproductive problems. According to A Terrible Thing To Waste: Environmental Racism and Its Assault on the American Mind, almost 2 out of 5 African-American homes have lead-based paint, even though scientists have known the dangers of lead paint and plumbing since the 1880s.

The story of Flint, Michigan, showcases the devastation of lead poisoning on Black Americans. For years, water issues plagued the Michigan city, which is 56.3% Black. In 2013, the real trouble began when the city began pumping water from the Flint River. The river water was corrosive, but officials didn’t treat it correctly. As the flow rushed through Flint’s lead pipes, it led to a massive leaching of lead into the water people used for drinking, cooking, and bathing. According to A Terrible Thing To Waste, the lead levels put Flint’s water into the EPA’s classification for hazardous waste. After years of denying the lead poisoning, the city finally agreed to replace the pipes, but in March of 2024, a federal court held the city in contempt for violating its required milestones.

Oil contamination in Nigeria’s Niger Delta

The Niger Delta sits on the Gulf of Guinea in Nigeria. According to a 2024 paper, the delta is afflicted by several environmental issues, such as pollution, deforestation, oil spillage, and the destruction of plants and animals. Multinational oil companies are to blame. The paper’s author argues this environmental degradation should be seen as environmental racism. In Western countries, companies would not be allowed to pollute with such abandon without serious consequences.

What happened in the Niger Delta? In the 1950s, oil was discovered. For the next half-century, oil spills, natural gas flaring, and other crises caused severe harm to the Ogoni people, the area’s ethnic minority group. In 2011, the UN Environmental Programme released a report showing that the 50+ years of oil operations and contamination was “widespread and severely impacting many components of the environment.” The Shell oil company was the primary culprit and they were urged to clean the area. However, by 2020, clean-up had begun on only 11% of polluted sites and none were completely clean, according to Amnesty International. The contamination in Ogoniland is a clear example of huge corporations trampling on the rights of ethnic minorities for profit.

Toxic air in Chemical Valley, Sarnia

Sarnia, Ontario is the largest city on the banks of Lake Huron in Canada. Known for its successful production industry, the city created chemicals used in plastics, gasoline, fertilizer, pesticides, and more. Most of those plants and refineries were built within a 15-mile radius known as “Chemical Valley.” Production kicked off during WWII when the Allies needed synthetic rubber, but by the 1970s, more companies and chemical industries arrived. Today, production has slowed, but the effects are undeniable: the air is toxic.

Generations of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation have suffered from Chemical Valley’s pollution. The air often smells like sulfur and industrial emergencies like explosions, chemical releases, and flaring events are not uncommon. People are also exposed to frightening levels of benzene, a toxic air pollutant. Benzene causes severe health issues like myeloma and leukemia. Local Canadian officials have consistently failed to take significant action, and in 2020, Aamjiwnaang leaders issued a notice to one of the polluting companies demanding changes. In 2024, Aamjiwnaang First Nation declared a state of emergency due to spiked chemical releases. This was not the first emergency, and if pollution continues, it won’t be the last.

How do we take action against environmental racism?

Like all forms of systemic racism, environmental racism is deeply entrenched. Here are three ways to take action:

#1. Advocate for legislation that advances environmental justice

In 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Environmental racism is a violation of that human right, and it’s up to all of us to advocate for legislation that advances environmental justice on a local, national, and international level. What does this look like? Here are some examples:

• If you live in a country with a representative democracy, contact your representative about the importance of bills that protect the air, water, soil, and all parts of the environment.
• Find organizations that work on legislation and see if they’re committed to environmental protection. If they are, get involved in any way you can, and if they aren’t, talk to them about why environmental racism is a serious issue.
• Volunteer for organizations, grassroots coalitions, and other groups raising awareness of environmental racism.
• Advocate for “green amendments” to local and national constitutions that protect the right to a healthy environment. The nonprofit Green Amendment for the Generations works on this issue. Read The Green Amendment: The People’s Fight for a Clean, Safe, and Healthy Environment for more information.

#2. Give Indigenous people more control over land management

Research shows that Indigenous peoples and local communities do an excellent job conserving land and protecting biodiversity. While their work is often ignored in the modern conservation movement, Indigenous people have made environmental protection a part of their identity for thousands of years. In places like Australia, Brazil, and Canada, land managed by Indigenous people had more vertebrae species than other protected areas. Native-led land management techniques include:

• Traditional fire management practices that suppress large wildfires and control available fire fuel, preventing more severe and dangerous fires later in the year
• Diverse farming systems, like intercropping, which is when farmers plant more than one complementary plant together to enhance productivity, protect against diseases, and keep soil healthy
• Agroforestry, which mixes trees, shrugs, and hedges with crops to improve soil health, provide habitats for animals, protect livestock, and improve food production
• Recovering and protecting wetlands, which have traditionally been used for farming in places like Hawaii and Mexico

#3. Environmental organizations need to put racial justice at the forefront

As a movement, environmentalism has a racist past. Many of the movement’s most important figures and groups advocated for “untouched wildernesses” while ignoring or outright calling for the elimination of the Indigenous people, poor people, and other marginalized communities who depend on the land. For example, John Muir, the founder of The Sierra Club, held derogatory views about Black and Indigenous people. While communities of color have always fought for their right to a healthy environment, their work is often dismissed. Today, environmental organizations need to ensure they’re prioritizing the end of environmental racism. Here are some ideas on how to do that:

• Identify who benefits from your organization’s programs and assess whether you’re reaching the people who need help the most.
• Distribute funds and grants with equity as a primary goal; endowments to BIPOC-led organizations are almost 4 times smaller than white-led organizations.
• Provide technical assistance and expertise to grassroots groups working on environmental justice free of charge.
• Make environmental justice and anti-racism a core part of the organization’s work and not just a snappy buzzword with no action behind it. Bring in experts and consultants who can help develop impactful strategies that work.

The post Environmental Racism 101: Definition, Examples, Ways to Take Action appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Since its birth in 1776, the United States has claimed to be a land of freedom, democracy, and equality for all. History shows the emptiness of that claim. Chattel slavery, gender inequality, state violence, and discrimination all stain the image of the United States. When people recognize the problems, we can work to make the promises of freedom and equality a reality. Here are 11 examples of the systemic injustices America must face:

#1. Police misconduct against people of color

Police violence against people of color – especially Black people – is one of the most persistent examples of systemic injustice in the US. According to data from late 2019 and early 2020, the Prison Policy Initiative found that Black people were almost 12 times more likely than white people to report experiencing police misconduct, like racial slurs and bias. Police are also more likely to kill Black people. In a Lancet study that examined fatal police violence by race and state from 1980-2019, researchers found that police disproportionately killed Black people at a 3.5 times higher rate than white people. In 2019, more Black men died from police violence than from things like environmental heat and cold exposure, Hodgkin lymphoma, and testicular cancer. Police also killed Hispanic and Indigenous people at a disproportionate rate.

#2. Gender disparities in healthcare

In the United States, gender plays a role in healthcare discrimination and disparity. There are a few reasons why, such as cost. According to KFF, women are more likely than men to skip or delay healthcare because of the cost (28% vs. 21%), while another report found that women paid about 20% more than men on annual out-of-pocket expenses. Issues that affect female bodies have also been historically under-researched. Women were rarely included in clinical trials until 1993. Race plays a role, too. In medical settings, Black women are more likely to experience discrimination and dismissal, which can lead to worse health outcomes and even death.

#3. Disproportionate school discipline against Black students 

When students misbehave, schools are responsible for disciplining them, but in the US, discipline disproportionately and unjustly affects Black children. According to Ballard Brief, Black students are 4 times more likely to experience suspension than their white peers, which can harm their future opportunities. Black students are not misbehaving in a way that explains this difference. In Ohio, Black students are suspended more often for low-level infractions (like dress code violations and being loud in class) compared to their white peers. We see more evidence of bias when we factor in gender. According to a 2015 report, Black girls were suspended 6 times more often than white girls and faced excessive discipline, such as being threatened with expulsion and criminal charges after writing “Hi” on a wall.

#4. Hunger

The United States is the 9th richest country in the world, but according to a 2024 Feeding America report, every county in the US has food insecurity. In some places, child insecurity is at 50%. Rural countries have the highest burden; 9 out of 10 counties with high food insecurity are rural. What does hunger in the US look like? According to a USDA report, around 7 million households had to skip meals in 2022, while almost all households experiencing hunger could not afford nutritious, balanced meals. In some households, even kids had to go entire days without food. Current rules about SNAP benefits are making things worse. According to the 2024 Feeding America report mentioned earlier, around 50% of people experiencing food insecurity may not qualify for help.

#5. Highest incarceration rate in the world

The United States has the highest rate of incarceration of any independent democracy. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, around 2 million are in prison at any given time, which means out of every 100,000 people, 614 are incarcerated. The country’s response to crime is responsible. 70% of convictions lead to confinement, which is more than other developed nations with similar crime rates. Once a person has been incarcerated, their human rights are very likely to be violated. Prisons are violent places where inmates are frequently denied medical care, addiction treatment, and suicide prevention. Inmates are also regularly exploited through what’s essentially slavery. According to the ACLU, non-industry jobs pay incarcerated workers an average of only 13 to 52 cents an hour.

As an American, I’m used to hearing that I should move somewhere else if I don’t like how the country is doing. The author James Baldwin has some wise words on this topic, writing, “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”

#6. Criminalization of immigration

The poem on the Statue of Liberty reads, “Give me your tired, your poor,” but the United States has a long history of criminalizing immigration. It began in 1882 with the Chinese Inclusion Act, the country’s first significant immigration law. This law banned Chinese laborers from entering the United States for 10 years. In the almost 150 years since, the US has continued to use the law and violence to restrict and punish immigration. According to a report from the National Immigrant Justice Center, the government has prosecuted more migration-related offenses than any other type of federal offense in the last 20 years. Harsh policies, like separating families, denying refugees their right to asylum, and stoking racist rhetoric against migrants, reinforce the criminalization of immigration.

#7. Criminalization of homelessness

While no law outright says, “It’s illegal to be homeless,” the United States criminalizes homelessness in several ways. The National Coalition for the Homeless lists acts like sweeping camps, taking personal property, making panhandling illegal, punishing loitering, making it illegal to share food in public spaces, and enforcing ordinances around hygiene. In 2024, the Supreme Court issued a judgment that opened the door to further criminalization. Cities can now punish people living outside even when they have nowhere else to go. Justice Sotomayer dissented, writing in her opinion, “The City of Grants Pass jails and fines those people for sleeping anywhere in public at any time, including in their cars, if they use as little as a blanket to keep warm or a rolled-up shirt as a pillow. For people with no access to shelter, that punishes them for being homeless.”

#8. LGBTQ+ discrimination

While members of the LGBTQ+ community are safer in the United States than in many other countries, systemic injustice persists. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, LGBTQ+ people are four times more likely to experience violence than their straight peers and more likely to experience housing discrimination, employment discrimination, and poverty. In recent years, attacks on trans people have escalated significantly. In 2024, 600 in-progress bills are trying to block healthcare, education, legal recognition, and other rights. While at the time of writing, just 46 laws have passed, each one has devastating impacts.

#9. Gender pay gap

Women have more rights than they used to in decades past, but the gender pay gap endures. How bad is it? According to Census Bureau research, women make just 71 cents on the dollar compared to men even when they both have a postsecondary certificate or a graduate degree from a great university. This applies at the highest levels of power; women working in the White House earned 80 cents for every $1 earned by a male peer. Race has an impact. At the current rate of progress, the gender pay gap for white women will close in 50 years, while it will take 350 years for Black women and 432 years for Latina women. How much a person earns affects every area of their life, including where they live, what kind of healthcare they get, how healthy their kids are, and even their lifespan.

#10. Environmental racism

Everyone deserves to live in a healthy, safe environment, but in the United States, people experience more pollution and other hazards based on their race. “Environmental racism” refers to the fact that communities of color experience more exposure to pollutants like toxic dust, ash, and soot than white people, which increases their risk of serious health problems. Environmental racism has been an issue for almost 100 years, and today, Black Americans are 75% more likely to live near facilities that produce waste. The Black residents of “Cancer Alley,” a stretch of Louisiana afflicted by fossil fuel and chemical pollutants, face extremely high risks of cancer. In some parts, residents have the highest cancer risk in the entire United States.

#11. Gerrymandering

The Equal Justice Initiative defines gerrymandering as “the drawing of political boundaries to favor one racial or political group.” This is done by splitting voters across multiple districts or clumping them together to create “supermajority” districts. While gerrymandering on racial lines is illegal, partisan gerrymandering still happens. It often ends up disenfranchising racial minorities. Recently, South Carolina’s Republican legislators created district maps that weakened the impact of Black voters. Allegations of racist gerrymandering went all the way to the Supreme Court, which ruled in the legislator’s favor. Decisions like this are weakening the right to vote, which is one of the most essential tools in addressing all systemic injustices in the US.

The post 11 Examples of Systemic Injustices in the US appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Women’s rights are the political, legal, economic and social rights every woman and girl deserves by nature of being human. Without women’s rights, a gender-equal society is not possible. Historically, women’s rights have not been as protected as men’s rights, leading to persistent and systemic discrimination and inequality around the world. In this article, we’ll explore the history of women’s rights, give examples and describe some of the most influential women’s rights activists.

Women’s rights are the political, legal, economic and social rights granted to women. Rights cover an array of issues such as the right to vote, the right to equal education, the right to equal pay for equal work, reproductive rights and freedom of movement. 

The history of women’s rights

The history of women’s rights is long and complex, but when distilled down, the story can be broken into three must-know parts: women’s rights in ancient times, the birth of the women’s rights movement and the waves of feminism.

Women’s rights in ancient times

Ancient civilizations varied in their views on women’s rights, but many places treated women fairly well. In Mesopotamia, women could buy and sell land, own businesses, initiate a divorce and live alone. They were still seen as inferior to men, however, which was a common belief in other ancient civilizations. In ancient Greece, women had significantly fewer financial rights and were not allowed to inherit property, although they could engage in trade. In ancient Rome, freeborn Roman women enjoyed the most rights as they were allowed to divorce, buy property and inherit wealth. Globally, women in the ancient world enjoyed a few rights, which were often taken away or given back depending on who was in charge, but full equality was very rare.

The birth of the women’s rights movement

Many credit the 1848 Seneca Falls convention as the birth of the women’s rights movement, but activists had been working on women’s rights for years before. The convention is still a major milestone as it was the first women’s rights convention in the United States. Around 300 people attended. During the meeting, 11 resolutions on women’s rights were passed, including resolutions that said “woman is man’s equal” and that “the women of this country ought to be enlightened in regard to the laws under which they leave.” The ninth resolution, which resolved to give women the right to vote, only passed after Frederick Douglass, a formerly enslaved man and abolitionist, urged its passage. The convention’s attendees and other activists campaigned for decades, winning small victories, until in 1920, women won the right to vote through the Nineteenth Amendment. Racial discrimination, which was present in the women’s rights movement from the very beginning, was not formally addressed until the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed voter discrimination based on race.

What about the women’s rights movement in countries outside the United States? According to Pew Research, at least 19 countries gave women the right to vote before the United States. New Zealand was the first in 1893. More than half of the countries and territories surveyed by Pew achieved universal suffrage before 1960, while at least 19 nations at first restricted the right to vote for women based on factors like age, education, marital status or race.

The waves of feminism 

The women’s rights movement and the feminist movement have a close relationship. While feminism is complex and ever-evolving, the movement can be distilled into a series of “waves.” The first wave focused primarily on the right to vote for women, while the second included more discussions on gender roles, workplace discrimination, reproductive freedom and the tensions between white-led feminist organizations, Black women and other women of color. The third wave, which kicked off in the 1990s, continued to prioritize workplace protections, representation in politics and positions of power, individuality and intersectional feminism. Many believe we’re in the fourth wave now, so it’s more difficult to define. Intersectionality continues to be key to the women’s rights movement, as do persistent issues like the gender pay gap, racial discrimination, labor rights and reproductive justice.

Learn more about intersectional feminism here.

Examples of women’s rights

The UN defines human rights as “rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.” This means all genders are entitled to equal rights. Here are five examples of rights women have fought for and continue to fight for:

The right to vote

The right to vote, also known as suffrage, is the right to vote in public political elections and referendums without restrictions based on factors like gender, age, education and race. The early women’s movement focused on the right to vote as a core tenet. Why is this right so important? It’s essential to democracy as it ensures representation, holds politicians accountable to voters and encourages social change. As members of society, women deserve the right to make their voices heard. Universal suffrage has often moved slowly with women first gaining the right to vote in local elections, and then national ones. In 2015, Saudi Arabia became the most recent country to grant the vote to women. Despite legal changes, women often face systemic barriers when voting.

The right to education

Historically, only men were allowed to get an education, as women were expected to be wives, mothers or domestic laborers. While certain places evolved their thinking on gender roles, discrimination remains prevalent. As an example, in the United States, women in the 1960s were not protected in educational institutions, even after the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As National Geographic describes, girls weren’t allowed to perform tasks like running projectors, while they were required to take home economics classes. At higher education levels, schools went so far as to ban women outright or limit how many female students they accepted. In 1972, the passage of Title IX banned sex-based discrimination at any school or program that receives federal funding. Globally, the gender gap in education is steadily closing, but according to the World Bank, around 129 million girls are not in school due to factors like poverty, gender bias and violence.

The right to equal pay (and equal work)

The gender pay gap remains one of the most persistent issues facing women today. According to UN Women, women make just 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. Disparities are present everywhere and across all sectors. Work traditionally dominated by women is undervalued, while the biggest gaps exist between men and women of color, immigrant women and mothers. The gender pay gap is one of the reasons why most of the world’s poorest people are women. According to Oxfam, there are 700 million fewer women than men in paid work, and at the current rate of progress, it’ll take 170 years to reach equality. Women also perform at least twice (and sometimes up to 10 times as much) unpaid work. Achieving gender equality in the economy would equal around $9 trillion a year.

The right to reproductive freedom

According to Human Rights Watch, reproductive rights include prenatal services, safe childbirth, access to contraception, and access to safe, legal abortion. In 2021, the UN World Population Fund estimated that around half of the women in 57 developing countries lacked bodily autonomy. They weren’t given a choice about whether to have sex with their partners, use contraception or access healthcare. When reproductive rights are threatened, women’s rights to privacy, freedom from violence, to family, health and more are threatened, as well.

The right to freedom of movement

Freedom of movement is the right to travel within a country, out of the country and to return to the country. This is one of the most basic human rights, but women have often faced restrictions. In the United States, passports didn’t start to become standardized until the 1800s, and while single women could get a passport, married women were listed on their husband’s passports. This triggered a battle over a married woman’s right to choose her name, and in 1925, the first passport without this “wife” designation was issued under the woman’s preferred name. Today, many countries in North Africa and the Middle East don’t allow women to travel at all without a male guardian. Even when women are allowed to travel by themselves, they face increased threats to their rights.

Interested in working on women’s rights? Check our guide on women’s rights jobs.

Women’s rights activists

Activists have fought for women’s rights for centuries even in the face of harassment, imprisonment and even death. Here are five examples:

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797)

Mary Wollstonecraft was a women’s rights activist best known for Vindication of the Rights of Woman, which was released in 1792. It’s considered the first and most important document advocating for gender equality. Wollstonecraft was born in England, where she educated herself and founded a girl’s school in London. In Vindication, Wollstonecraft argued that reason and rationality weren’t traits exclusive to men, and so women should be allowed to participate and contribute to society equally. Only by educating women would society progress. Wollstonecraft died soon after the birth of her daughter, Mary, who would go on to write Frankenstein at age 19.

Lucretia Mott (1793-1880)

Lucretia Mott was one of America’s most famous suffragettes and abolitionists. Born in Massachusetts, Mott’s Quaker faith taught her to view all people as equal under God. These values led her to join the abolitionist cause with the Anti-Slavery Society in the 1830s, but she quickly experienced sexism. When she did not get to participate in the World Anti-Slavery Convention equally, Mott met Elizabeth Cady Stanton and became involved in the women’s rights movement. With Stanton, Mott organized the Seneca Falls Convention. She continued to actively participate in the abolitionist movement, as she believed both causes were important.

Fannie Lou Hammer (1917-1977)

Fannie Lou Hammer was a voting rights advocate, women’s rights activist and prominent civil rights leader. She was born to sharecroppers in Mississippi, where she grew up to work as a sharecropper herself for almost 20 years. In 1962, she tried to register to vote (which was technically legal at the time), but when her boss and landlord heard about it, he fired her and forced her to leave. Hammer faced other threats to her safety, including a brutal assault that partially blinded her. She continued to fight for voting rights, gender equality, economic rights and more. While the suffragettes of the 19th century focused on voting rights for white women, activists like Fannie Lou Hammer fought for Black women and other people of color.

Malala Yousafzai (1997-)

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistan-born advocate for girls’ education. Her father is also an advocate for education, so Malala received more schooling access than many other girls. When the Taliban gained power, they destroyed hundreds of schools and banned girls from receiving an education. Malala began writing a blog where she criticized the Taliban and advocated for equal education. By age 15, she was famous throughout the country. In 2012, a Taliban member boarded her school bus and shot her in the head. She recovered in England, where she still lives. In 2014, she won the Nobel Peace Prize at 17 years old. Today, she runs the Malala Fund, which invests in education for girls.

Tarana Burke (1973-)

Tarana Burke is a community organizer and activist known for starting the “Me Too” movement, which is a global social movement that raises awareness about sexual violence. Born in New York, Burke began community organizing at a young age. She created initiatives around racial discrimination, economic justice and housing inequality. After moving to Alabama, she began meeting survivors of sexual violence. As a survivor herself, Burke realized young survivors – especially Black women – didn’t have the resources and support they needed. This led her to harness the phrase “me too” to promote what she calls “empowerment through empathy.” When the phrase went viral on Twitter in 2017, Burke became internationally recognized.

The post Women’s Rights 101: History, Examples, Activists appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Children deserve the same rights as adults, like the right to shelter, food, and medicine. However, children need more support because of their vulnerability. As the Convention on the Rights of the Child says, “childhood is entitled to special care and assistance.” Globally, children face severe threats such as child labor, high levels of food insecurity, exploitation during migration, violence, disease, and more.

Are you passionate about helping children? A job in child rights might be the right fit. In this article, we’ll go through what jobs are available, where child rights professionals work, and how to prepare for a career empowering children.

What child rights jobs are available?

Child rights professionals work in any field that impacts children, including education, social services, healthcare, and the legal system. Professionals may focus on issues like poverty, violence against children, food insecurity, gender inequality, conflict, immigration, housing, and much more. Here are six job examples:

Child rights lawyer

Average salary (USA): $63,708

Child rights lawyers represent children and/or work on issues related to children’s interactions with the legal system. Harvard Law School has a career guide for children’s rights lawyers, describing responsibilities such as protecting children’s rights when they encounter the criminal legal system, helping kids who need state protection, and ensuring kids get education and healthcare. Working with kids differs from working with adults, so child rights lawyers face unique challenges. The job is a great fit for people pursuing law who’ve worked with kids, taken coursework involving children’s issues, and built a passion for helping kids through the legal system.

The tasks of child rights lawyers include:

• Advocating for kids whose primary caregivers are neglecting or abusing them
• Representing kids with disabilities who aren’t receiving the special care they need at school
• Working with children under 18 years old who’ve been accused of crimes
• Conducting conflict mediation in divorce proceedings and child custody cases
• Consulting with therapists, doctors, and other professionals working with the child

Paralegal  

Average salary (USA): $60,063

Paralegals focused on children’s rights work alongside child rights lawyers, but they perform a more supportive role. They help the lawyers and other team members stay organized, professional, and updated on changes to the child’s circumstances or court proceedings. Because paralegals don’t need a law degree, it’s a good choice for people who are passionate about the law, but don’t want to become lawyers. Career pathways vary, but my local school – Portland Community College – offers a Paralegal program through a two-year degree or a post-degree certificate.

Potential tasks for a paralegal include:

• Doing client intake, including children and family members
• Drafting and preparing documents for the children’s legal team
• Managing files on the child’s case
• Conducting legal research
• Making sure everything is performed ethically and with the child’s best interest at heart

Financial officer

Average salary (USA): $85,237

Governments, children’s rights nonprofits, and other organizations need financial officers. Without these employees, programs and organizations would descend into chaos, violate tax laws, and run out of money. Financial officers who work in children’s rights need the same education and skills as financial officers from any organization, but a passion for children’s rights also matters. Unlike some child rights jobs, financial officers do not typically work face-to-face with children.

Responsibilities for financial officers include:

• Creating and managing the organization’s budget
• Maintaining records of all financial transactions
• Ensuring financial compliance
• Making sure the organization’s cash flow is sustainable
• Analyzing financial data and using financial software

Pediatric dietitian

Average salary (USA): $79,375

Pediatric dietitians are experts in the nutritional needs of kids and adolescents. They work in clinics, pediatric hospitals, schools, and private practices. According to the World Health Organization, undernutrition is responsible for about 50% of deaths of kids under 5 years old, which makes the work of pediatric dietitians essential, especially for kids in low to middle-income countries. Pediatric dietitians work directly with kids and their families.

Pediatric dietitians perform tasks such as:

• Creating meal plans for kids based on their unique needs
• Helping children with complex diseases
• Assessing a child’s nutritional needs and health conditions
• Advising families on proper feeding and nutrition
• Monitoring the success of a nutritional plan and adjusting as needed

Communications manager

Average salary (USA): $72,826

Communications managers are similar to marketers. Within organizations like children’s rights nonprofits, a communications manager promotes the organization’s mission, programs, and other services. As representatives of the organization, these professionals also attend conferences, organize workshops, attend community events, and perform other outreach activities. Communications managers engage with stakeholders, so they may work directly with kids and families. The salary above reflects the average pay for nonprofit communications professionals.

Responsibilities can include:

• Leading educational and awareness-building campaigns
• Developing and managing branding for the organization
• Designing and launching marketing materials, like flyers, digital ad campaigns, and more
• Writing press releases and engaging in public relations
• Networking and collaborating within the child rights world

Child protection social worker

Average salary (USA): $63,032

Child protection social workers support children and families through complex and painful challenges. Social workers are especially important during child abuse and neglect investigations. They talk to everyone involved, listen to children, compile information, write reports, and ensure the children are safe. Child protection social workers often work for the government, but they can end up at different types of organizations, especially once they’ve gotten a few years of experience.

Social workers can perform tasks like:

• Assessing a child’s needs, resources, and support networks
• Creating and maintaining records on child protection cases
• Advocating for a child’s best interests in court, school, and other settings
• Compiling resources for children and families
• Monitoring progress on cases

Where can you find child rights jobs?

Careers focused on kids can be found within intergovernmental bodies, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We’ve included examples for informational purposes; they are not endorsements:

Intergovernmental organizations

Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) are groups of two or more nations working together on common interests. Examples of IGOs that help kids include UNICEF, the UN agency on children’s rights; the World Food Programme, which is the world’s largest food assistance organization; and the International Labour Organization, which addresses child labor violations.

Governments

All governments have at least one agency focused on families and children. They often contract with NGOs and private businesses, which can affect the quality of services children receive. Funding can be an issue, too, as governments often neglect the rights of children. Governments are a challenging, but important place for child rights professionals. Government agencies focused on kids include the Administration for Children and Families in the United States; The Department of Education in the UK; and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan.

NGOs

Countless NGOs work to provide kids with resources and empower them as rights-holders. You can find child rights organizations working on international, national, and local levels. Major examples include Save the Children, which works in 120 countries; the Global Fund for Children, which funds child rights organizations; and Defence for Children, a child protection organization focused on armed conflict, trafficking, and other abuses.

How do you prepare for a job in child rights?

Every job has different requirements, but if you want a career in child rights, there are three things to pursue and build upon: education, experience, and valuable skills.

Education

Most child rights organizations want candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree, while higher-level jobs look for law degrees, master’s degrees, and sometimes doctoral degrees. Indeed.com has a list of degrees that fit well with child rights, such as early education, counseling, nonprofit management, public health, social work, psychology, and nursing. That said, just about any degree can work with a career in children’s rights because every area of society impacts children one way or another. No matter what program you’re studying, try to take as many courses involving children and children’s rights as you can. This sharpens your expertise, helps you network, and builds a good foundation for future jobs.

Experience

In many cases, experience is as (if not more) valuable than a specific educational background. While you’re studying, pair your time sitting in class with as much real-world or research experience as possible. For many students, that means applying for internships. Organizations like Save the Children, Defence for Children, Children’s Rights, and UNICEF welcome interns. Unfortunately, many organizations don’t pay their interns, which limits who can apply. Other experiences are still valuable, such as volunteering with an organization and/or getting an entry-level job involving children or children’s issues. One challenge with job-hunting is applying past experiences to the job you want. If you’re early in your career, that means using experiences from your entire life, even if they seem unrelated. If you’re transitioning careers, you’ll need to reframe formal work experience to fit the job. We explore this process in more depth in our ebook.

Valuable skills

The specific skills a job wants depend on the organization, job role, and job level. For example, paralegals use different skills than dietitians, while executive-level professionals are expected to have different skills than employees at the entry-level. When considering a career, browse job descriptions and postings to learn what organizations prioritize the most. Certain “soft” skills will always be in demand, like excellent organization, time management, communication, analytical thinking, and flexibility. The majority of child rights professionals also need to have empathy, compassion, empathy, and at least a general knowledge of child development. Even if you’re not working directly with children, your work affects kids and families, and organizations want compassionate, passionate, and patient people.

The post Child Rights Jobs: Our Short Guide appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Activism is any intentional effort to change society, politics, the economy, culture, the environment and so on. While most people use activism and social activism interchangeably, social activism refers to activism focused on social issues, like gender equality, racial justice, human rights and much more. In this article, we’ll dig into several forms of social activism, the kinds of issues social activists focus on and real-world examples of social activism.

Social activism refers to efforts that address social issues like gender equality, racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, child welfare and more. Activism includes marches, strikes, letter-writing campaigns, boycotts and community organizing. 

What are the forms of social activism?

There’s more than one way to get involved in social activism. A person’s interests, abilities and opportunities vary, which can affect which forms of activism they engage with. Here are seven of the main efforts:

Marches

Marches are public demonstrations where people gather and walk to draw awareness of a social justice issue. Marches often include signs, banners, music, speeches and other elements that advocate for the group’s message.

Strikes

Workers and employers often negotiate wages and benefits, but if negotiations stall, workers may go on strike and not return to work. Labor unions often organize strikes, while supporters can help by donating funds, protesting with workers and pressuring the company to meet the worker’s demands.

Sit-ins

During sit-ins, people occupy a space and refuse to leave until certain demands are met or until a designated time. Protesters may sit in a business, a government building, a park or other areas. Die-ins are similar but involve participants pretending to be dead. Sit-ins and die-ins draw attention to social issues like human rights violations, public health crises, state violence and so on.

Petitions and letters

Individuals and activist groups use petitions and letters to raise awareness of an issue and express their concerns and requests to governments and other relevant parties. Petitions require signatures from supporters, while letters can either be pre-written and signed, or crafted by individuals.

Boycotts

When a company or country engages in unethical or harmful practices, activists may call for a boycott. Supporters refrain from buying or using products from that company or country. The hope is that a boycott’s financial pressure will force the company/country to change its practices.

Digital activism

Digital activism involves the use of technologies like social media, email, online videos, digital investigations and more for social activism efforts. Digital activism is a newer form of activism with many pros (it can mobilize supporters from around the world) and cons (it can encourage passivity).

Community organizing

Community organizing empowers and mobilizes community members to take direct action on social issues. Things like neighborhood associations, tenant unions, labor unions, mutual aid organizations and art and culture collectives all count as community organizing. Community organizers seek to address inequalities, improve people’s well-being and bridge divides within communities.

Interested in learning more about activism’s different forms? Check out our article on 13 types of activism.

What issues do social activists focus on?

Social activism encompasses a huge variety of concerns in the political, economic, cultural and religious spheres. Anything that impacts individuals, communities and society as a whole can be considered a “social issue.” Here are seven examples:

Gender equality

Gender equality is achieved when all genders get equal rights, opportunities and treatment. Gender discrimination holds society back from equality, so social activists work on ensuring everyone gets access to public resources, education, healthcare and everything else they deserve.

Racial equality

While “race” is not a genetic reality, people’s access to privileges, opportunities and equal treatment are still affected by their race. Activists seek to end racial discrimination in all its forms, including racial injustice in policing, housing, healthcare, employment and more.

Environmental justice

The state of the environment has a major impact on the well-being of humans as well as animals and plants. Environmental justice focuses on this impact, which tends to affect marginalized communities the most. Environmental justice activists address issues like indigenous land rights, the disposal of hazardous waste, air pollution and more.

LGBTQ+ rights

LGBTQ+ rights are human rights with a focus on members of the LGBTQ+ community. Activists work to end discrimination and ensure equal treatment, which includes the legal recognition of same-sex relationships, employment and legal protections, healthcare protections and the right to safety.

Child welfare

Child welfare focuses on children’s rights, including the right to education, healthcare and safety. Social activists focused on child welfare advocate for services and programs that empower and protect kids’ well-being, as well as the well-being of their families.

Public health

Public health refers to efforts to promote and protect the health of communities. It’s an organized effort between all sectors of society, like researchers, governments, healthcare organizations, community groups and others. Activists work to improve healthcare access, address health disparities and empower communities.

Housing affordability

Everyone has a right to safe, decent housing, but affordability is a persistent issue. When social activists address housing affordability, they focus on issues like costs, housing shortages, discriminatory policies, unsafe building practices, income inequality and so on.

To learn more about social issues, check out our article on 40 top-rated social issues courses. 

What does social activism look like in the real world?

There are countless examples of social activism throughout history, and while many are famous, there are just as many smaller acts that never get recorded in history books. While we’re going to focus on more well-known case studies, it’s important to recognize that social activism happens every day:

Marches

Marches have been an effective strategy for many years. One of the most famous occurred in 1930, but the roots began in 1882. The British government, which controlled India, made it illegal for Indians to collect or sell their own salt. This forced Indians to buy from the British, who charged a high tax. Decades after this unjust law, Mahatma Gandhi and allies organized the “satyagraha,” a series of non-violent actions. In 1930, he and his followers walked for 24 days to the sea, speaking to thousands of people and encouraging others to join his march. The Salt March represented a powerful act of resistance, and in 1947, India gained independence from Great Britain.

Strikes

On October 24, 1975, 90% of the women in Iceland went on strike. It wasn’t just a strike from work; women also went on strike from house chores and childcare. The event was called “Women’s Day Off.” Thousands of women went into the streets calling for equal rights with men. Banks, factories, schools, nurseries and stores had to close, while men were forced to experience just how important the women in their lives were. Five years later, Iceland elected its first female president. Progress continued with more women in politics and more progressive policies. Today, Iceland is the world’s most gender-equal country.

Sit-ins

In 1960, four Black college students tried to buy a hot dog at a lunch counter in North Carolina, but they were refused service because the counter was “whites only.” They came back and sat at the counter until the store closed. Soon, more students joined the protest, and the sit-in movement began. It spread across the segregated South, and soon, stores began to change their segregation policies. In 1964, President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, which outlawed segregation in businesses.

Petitions and letters 

Apartheid was a formalized system of racial segregation in South Africa beginning in 1948. Social movements against apartheid soon arose within South Africa and then spread internationally. Supporters of the anti-apartheid movement often wrote petitions and letters. The Anti-Apartheid Movement in England wrote to their government calling for policy changes, support of Nelson Mandela and other interventions. In Michigan, USA, many students and faculty wrote letters to the University of Michigan urging the school to divest. Apartheid ended in 1990.

Boycotts

In the 1970s, Nestle, a massive Swiss-based food corporation, marketed its formula to women in the Global South as the most nutritious option for their children. However, as Corporate Accountability describes, mothers in these areas didn’t always have the proper sterilization tools or clean water that ensured the formula’s safety. By not considering these factors and pushing the product, Nestle engaged in unethical marketing practices. In 1977, activists and church groups organized a boycott of infant formula makers, especially Nestle. It went on for 6 ½ years until Nestle finally agreed to comply with the World Health Organization’s infant formula sales code. Boycotts against Nestle have continued over its formula, as well as its practices regarding palm oil, cocoa, water extraction and human rights violations.

Digital activism

Activists use social media to post videos, share graphics, and educate followers on every conceivable social issue. People with advanced technological expertise can also harness their skills for digital activism. Watchdog group Citizen Lab conducted investigations into customers of the NSO Group, an Israeli cyber-intelligence firm. Citizen’s Lab reports found NSO Group-created spyware on the devices of human rights activists and journalists across the globe. Without this digital activism, it would be impossible to know what human rights abuses occur thanks to technology.

Community organizing

Mutual aid is a common form of community organizing. The Black Panthers in the United States are a good example. In 1966, Huey Newton and Bobby Seale founded the Black Panther Party for Self Defense, which focused on police brutality against Black people in Oakland, California. Seeing how hunger afflicted Black children, the group started the Free Breakfast Program in 1969. That year, they fed over 20,000 children, and in a Senate hearing, a state official had to acknowledge that the Panthers fed more kids than California did. The program eventually had to close after the FBI targeted the Black Panthers, leading to raids, arrests and murders, but the Free Breakfast Program remains a model for community organizing.

The post What is Social Activism? appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Progress doesn’t happen without activism. Every cultural, political and social change occurs because people decide they want to impact the world. The risks are often very high. Activists have been financially ruined, ostracized, imprisoned and killed for standing up for what they believe in. Activists also inspire millions of people for generations after them, and while they may not always see the outcome of their activism, they are part of the work that secures a better future. In this article, we’ll explore 15 inspiring movies about activism and the people who’ve risked everything for the greater good:

Note: Streaming availability is subject to change

#1. Selma (2014)

Director: Ava DuVernay

In 1956, civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and 25,000 other activists and supporters marched from Selma to Montgomery for equal voting rights. The film “Selma,” which received excellent reviews, explores the events that inspired the march, the challenges and violence faced by the activists, and what the march ultimately led to. The film was nominated for several major awards, including Best Picture at the 2015 Academy Awards. It won Best Original Song.

Streaming availability (United States): Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV, Google Play, Paramount+.

#2. I Am Greta (2020)

Director: Nathan Grossman

When she was 15 years old, Greta Thunberg started skipping school to protest outside the Swedish Parliament. Her goal? Get the politicians to take stronger action on climate change. Others joined her, and in 2018, Thunberg addressed the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Weekly student climate strike protests began occurring on Friday all around the world. Thunberg soon became an internationally recognized activist. The documentary “I Am Greta” explores her campaign for climate action, her beliefs and her seemingly boundless passion for climate justice and human rights.

Streaming availability (United States): Hulu, Amazon

#3. 5 Broken Cameras (2011)

Director: Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi

In 2005, Palestinian farmer Emad Burnat bought his first camera so he could record his fourth son’s birth. According to the Wikipedia summary of the film, Burnat then turned his camera on Bil’in, his village. Israelis started bulldozing olive groves to build a barrier separating Bil’in from the Israeli settlement. Villagers protested as this barrier cut off farmland. While Burnat films and takes photos, his cameras are destroyed, which is where the film’s title comes from. In 2009, Israeli filmmaker Guy Davidi joined the project. “5 Broken Cameras” was nominated for a 2013 Academy Award.

Streaming availability (United States): Tubi, Plex

#4. The Janes (2022)

Director: Tia Lessin and Emma Pildes

Before Roe v. Wade in 1973, people seeking abortions had to have the right connections and resources. In Chicago, a group of women organized a network that performed around 11,000 abortions between 1968 and the Roe decision. “The Janes” details the risky activism these women undertook, interviews several members and puts the history of secret abortions into context. The movie is now more relevant than ever. It was released just months before the US Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade and ushered in a new era of illegal, secret abortions.

Streaming availability (United States): Max, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video

#5. Gasland Part I and II (2010/2013)

Director: Josh Fox

When “Gasland” came out in 2010, it became essential to the anti-fracking movement. Director Josh Fox focuses on the impacts of natural gas drilling activity and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on communities around the United States. Fox’s interest is personal: in 2008, he received a letter from a gas company offering him almost $100,000 to lease his family’s land for drilling. Gasland Part I and II, which came out three years later in 2013, exposes the environmental and social impact of fracking on peoples’ homes, land, water and health. It’s not necessary to watch Gasland I before Gasland II.

Streaming availability (United States): Amazon (Gasland I), Max, Hulu, Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon Video

#6. Dark Waters (2019)

Director: Todd Haynes

Based on a 2016 article, “Dark Waters” is a legal thriller focused on lawyer Robert Bilott’s twenty-year battle against Dupont, one of the most powerful chemical manufacturing corporations in the world. “Dark Waters” begins in 1998 when corporate defense lawyer Billott (played by Mark Ruffalo) gets a visit from a farmer asking him to investigate unexplained animal deaths in a West Virginia town. Bilott soon learns Dupont has dumped thousands of tons of toxic chemicals, including one not regulated by the EPA, into the town. The film follows Bilott’s quest for justice, which changes his life and the lives of those affected by Dupont forever.

Streaming availability (United States): Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV, YouTube

Check out our article here for more movies about human rights lawyers.

#7. How To Blow Up A Pipeline (2022)

Director: Daniel Goldhaber

Based on Andreas Malm’s 2021 nonfiction book How To Blow Up A Pipeline, this film creates a fictional group of eight young environmentalists. In California, the friends experience the deadly impacts of climate change; one of them loses their mother during a heat wave, while another is diagnosed with cancer. The environmentalists decide to take on more radical action and begin planning to blow up an oil pipeline. Like the book, the movie explores ethical questions surrounding extreme activist tactics, the meaning of terrorism, the history of social justice and more.

Streaming availability (United States): Hulu, YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

#8. Just Mercy (2019)

Director: Destin Daniel Cretton

“Just Mercy,” which stars Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx, is based on attorney Bryan Stevenson’s memoir of the same time. It follows Bryan Stevenson early in his career as he establishes the Equal Justice Initiative, which represents death row inmates who can’t afford legal aid. Walter McMillian, a man wrongfully convicted of murder, is the film’s focus. As he works to achieve justice, Stevenson encounters numerous obstacles, including overt racism from the court system.

Streaming availability (United States): Max, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Peacock

#9. The Hate U Give (2018)

Director: George Tillman Jr.

Based on the 2017 young adult novel of the same name by Angie Thomas, “The Hate U Give” follows the story of Starr Carter, a 16-year-old who sees police shoot her unarmed best friend. While her identity as a witness is kept private at first, Starr eventually takes on a public role and becomes an activist. The film was acclaimed for its writing (screenwriter Audrey Wells died the day before the film’s release) and performances, especially the performance of Amandla Stenberg, who plays Starr.

Streaming availability (United States): Hulu, YouTube, Sling TV, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu

#10. How To Survive A Plague (2012)

Director: David France

When the AIDS epidemic first erupted, the institutions in power did very little. It was activists who demanded action and did the hard, unforgiving work of raising awareness and pushing the FDA to approve treatments. “How to Survive A Plague” covers the work of groups like ACT UP and TAG through archived footage, interviews and recordings of meetings, demonstrations and other materials collected by ACT UP members. The film’s director, journalist David France, covered AIDS from its earliest days. He dedicated the movie to his partner who died of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1992.

Streaming availability (United States): Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video

#11. Navalny (2022)

Director: Daniel Roher

Alexei Navalny was a Russian opposition leader. In 2020, he was hospitalized and nearly died. His sickness was soon attributed to a nerve agent, which Navalny blamed on Russian president Vladimir Putin. The film follows the activist, as well as a journalist from Bellingcat and an investigator from Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, as they uncover the plot to silence Navalny. The film received universal acclaim and won Best Documentary Feature at the 95th Academy Awards. Navalny survived his poisoning but returned to Russia, where he was soon imprisoned. On February 16th, 2024, he died in a Western Siberian prison.

Streaming availability (United States): Max, Max Amazon Channel

#12. Malcolm X (1992)

Director: Spike Lee

“Malcolm X” (sometimes written as just “X”) is based on Alex Haley’s 1965 book The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Several events in Malcolm X’s life and career are explored, including his past, his incarceration, his conversion to Islam, his work as an activist and his assassination. The film received two Oscar nominations for Best Actor for Denzel Washington, who plays Malcolm X, and Best Costume Design for Ruth E. Carter. The United States National Film Registry also selected the film for preservation in 2010.

Streaming availability (United States): Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, Max, YouTube

Interested in learning more about activism? Here’s our article on Activism 101: Types, Examples and Learning Opportunities.

#13. Rustin (2023)

Director: George C. Wolfe

Bayard Rustin played a pivotal role in the March on Washington in 1963. He was also a close advisor to Martin Luther King Jr and an activist for racial equality, human rights and democracy around the world. However, as an openly gay Black man with radical beliefs, Bayard Rustin was not as recognized as other activists in the Civil Rights movement. “Rustin” received several award nominations, including Best Actor in a Leading Role for Colman Domingo.

Streaming availability (United States): Netflix

#14. Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom (2013)

Director: Justin Chadwick

Nelson Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist and politician who became the first president of South Africa in 1994. He was the nation’s first Black head of state and the first to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. During his time in government, he focused on racial reconciliation and undoing the devastating impacts of apartheid. “Mandela,” which stars Idris Elba as Mandela, follows the South African activist through his early life, education, and nearly three decades in prison leading up to the end of apartheid. It is based on the 1994 autobiography Long Walk To Freedom by Nelson Mandela. The film received generally good reviews.

Streaming availability (United States): Tubi, Plex

#15. Hunger (2008)

Director: Steve McQueen

“The Troubles” were a violent conflict from 1968-1998 in Northern Ireland between Protestant loyalists, who wanted Northern Ireland to stay part of the United Kingdom, and the Roman Catholic republicans, who wanted the area to be part of the Republic of Ireland. In 1981, the British government revoked the political status of convicted paramilitary prisoners, which revoked certain privileges. In protest, republican prisoners engaged in a series of hunger strikes. In “Hunger,” Michael Fassbender stars as Bobby Sands, who led the second IRA hunger strike. His protest raised awareness of prisoner treatment and the IRA’s mission.

Streaming availability (United States): Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel, Tubi, PLEX, YouTube, AMC+

The post 15 Inspiring Movies about Activism appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Civil disobedience is the refusal to obey certain laws for moral reasons.

What do you do when you live under laws or policies you consider unjust? Many people grit their teeth and obey, but others take on what can be life-threatening risks to break the law. Made famous by activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, civil disobedience is the non-violent refusal to obey laws the protester believes to be unjust. What does civil disobedience look like? In this article, we’ll describe 15 examples supported by real-world case studies.

#1 Making salt

Acts of civil disobedience involve breaking unjust laws. In 1882, the British Empire made it illegal for Indians to collect or sell salt. Instead, Indian citizens had to buy the heavily taxed mineral from their British rulers. Not shockingly, taxes oppressed Indians living in poverty. In 1930, activist and lawyer Mahatma Gandhi launched an act of civil disobedience known as the Salt March. With supporters, he walked 240 miles to a coastal town to make salt from seawater. While Gandhi was arrested, activists continued to break the law, and in 1947, India won its independence.

#2 Burning draft cards

In the 1960s and 1970s, the United States and Australia had a draft for the Vietnam War. The war was unpopular, and protests were common. The burning of draft cards became a frequent form of protest, and in August of 1965, President Johnson made destroying or mutilating a draft card a federal crime. In October, pacifist David Miller burned his card publicly and was sentenced to three years in prison. Knowing the risks, anti-war protesters continued to burn their cards. Miller was released after two years. In 1973, President Nixon ended the draft and military service became voluntary.

#3 Refusing to give up a bus seat

In 1955, the city of Montgomery, Alabama was racially segregated, like all cities in the South thanks to the Jim Crow Laws. On city buses, the first 10 seats were reserved for white passengers. Seamstress Rosa Parks sat in the first row behind these seats, but when the bus filled up, the driver told her and the other Black passengers to move back. Rosa Parks refused. She was arrested and charged with “refusing to obey orders of bus driver.” This act of civil disobedience is credited as the beginning of the Civil Rights movement.

#4 Boycotting products

When a company or country engages in human rights violations or other unsavory actions, it can be the target of a boycott, which is when people stop buying from them. According to the Anti-Apartheid Movement Archives, a 35-year-long consumer boycott was “at the heart of anti-apartheid campaigns.” Consumers were asked to avoid goods like South African fruit, sherry and cigarettes until the end of apartheid. One poll found that in 1986, 27% of British shoppers were boycotting South African products. The boycott didn’t end until 1993 when the country began the process for democratic elections.

#5 Refusing to leave a business until served

In many countries, businesses have the right to refuse service to anyone as long as they aren’t discriminating against a protected class. During the era of racial segregation in the American South, no such caveat existed. Racial discrimination was legal. In Greensboro, North Carolina in 1960, four Black students went into a drugstore and sat at a segregated lunch counter, waiting to be served. They refused to leave until the store closed for the night. This triggered a massive protest of segregated lunch counters. Protesters were harassed, spat on, hit with eggs and more. Despite opposition, the sit-ins were ultimately successful in raising awareness and, at many stores, forcing integration.

#6 Walking off a job

Labor strikes, which involve walking off a job, are a common form of civil disobedience. The strikers aim to not return to work unless certain demands are met. The Wave Hill Walk-Off, which began as a strike, helped jumpstart Australia’s First Nations land rights movement. For centuries, companies and the government exploited First Nations people for cheap labor. In 1966, the Gurindji community working at Wave Hill Station, home of a meat-packing company, walked off the job in protest of unfair wages. The dispute lasted seven years, but eventually, a small portion of the land was given back to the Gurindji people. In 2020, the Gurindji’s claim to the Wave Hill station was granted.

#7 Skipping school

Students can engage in civil disobedience by skipping school. While students aren’t typically arrested for leaving school, they are breaking their school’s policies and risking punishment. In 2018, 15-year-old Great Thunberg began skipping school to sit outside the Swedish Parliament and demand climate action. Others joined her, leading to the creation of Fridays for Future (FFF), a youth-led global climate strike movement. The group encourages students to skip school on Fridays to protest outside government buildings and call for action on climate change.

#8 Refusing to disperse when ordered

People can gather in public spaces, but when governments and police tell protesters to disperse, it becomes civil disobedience when they refuse to leave. In 1989, a huge group of mostly students gathered in Tiananmen Square to call for government talks with Communist Party leaders. On May 20, the Chinese government declared martial law, but for weeks, hundreds of thousands continued to protest in the streets. The military cracked down, leading to a massacre with no official death toll. The story of Tiananmen Square reveals just how dangerous civil disobedience can be.

#9 Tree sitting

Environmental activists have used tree sitting as a strategy for years. It involves sitting in a tree to protect it from destruction. Supporters typically visit the sitter with food, water and other supplies. In 1997, 23-year-old Julia “Butterfly” Hill climbed a thousand-year-old redwood to protect it from loggers. She stayed there for 738 days through storms, logger harassment and a record-breaking winter. She eventually reached an agreement with the logging company and the tree was saved.

#10 Blocking roads

Roadblocks are a risky form of civil disobedience. People can get hit by cars, while police brutality is also common. In December of 2023, Extinction Rebellion climate activists blocked part of a main highway in Amsterdam in protest of a bank’s financing of fossil fuels. Police detained dozens of the protesters, who also blocked one of the main roads into the Hague earlier that year. In the United States, many states let people block roads to protest, but only with a permit. As soon as activists block without permission, it’s an act of civil disobedience.

#11 Hunger strikes

A hunger strike is a non-violent protest where a person fasts until a certain policy change or demand is met. Hunger strikes are often undertaken alongside other acts of civil disobedience that break laws or policies, but not always. In 2013, detainees at Guantanamo Bay began fasting in response to the military searching their Qurans. At one point, most of the detainees were on hunger strike, while many were being force-fed. This was one of a handful of hunger strikes that occurred at the prison.

#12 Voting

Many people think of voting as a right, but for many groups, it’s something that has to be fought for. When it was illegal, voting was a form of civil disobedience. In 1872, women in the United States did not have the right to vote. Susan B. Anthony, a leader in the suffragette movement, cast a ballot in Rochester, New York. She was arrested and convicted for voting illegally. She had to pay a $100 fee and court costs. Women did not get the right to vote until 1920 when the 19th Amendment passed.

#13 Selling alcohol

The making and selling of alcohol has a complicated history. Throughout the world, people have often broken alcohol laws they believed were unjust. In the United States, the manufacture, sale and transportation of alcohol was illegal from 1920 to 1933. Millions of people still made and sold alcohol during the Prohibition Era, and while making alcohol purely for profit wasn’t necessarily civil disobedience, there were plenty of people breaking what they believed was an oppressive and unjust law.

#14 Burning a flag

The burning of flags is controversial, but when done in the context of non-violent resistance, it can be civil disobedience. The United States has an interesting history of flag burning. In response to more flag burnings during the Vietnam War, almost every state made it illegal to “desecrate” the US Flag. In 1984, a young protester was arrested for burning the American flag outside the Republican National Convention. In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled that burning the flag was protected speech. According to a 2016 article, at least 40 states still have flag-desecration laws on the books, while some Southern states even extend protections to Confederate flags. Burning a flag in these places is still civil disobedience.

#15 Making street art

Setting up signs or painting graffiti is illegal in many places. Many graffiti artists use blank walls and streets to express their creativity, but many use these canvases to raise awareness of social justice issues. Banksy, an anonymous artist, is arguably the world’s most famous graffiti artist and while he earns money from his work, he often breaks the law. Many of his works comment on social justice and political topics, such as police brutality, poverty, capitalism and more.

The post 15 Examples of Civil Disobedience appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

From the United Nations to non-governmental organizations like CARE International and Physicians for Human Rights, numerous institutions offer early-level programs and positions tailored to young professionals who are eager to make a difference. In the list below we outline 17 International Organizations that offer early career opportunities to recent graduates. Please note that entry requirements may change over time. Always check the official websites to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

#1 UN Young Professionals Programme

For those seeking to enter the UN system, the Young Professionals Programme is a great opportunity. Catered for early-career professionals, the programme provides entry-level positions within the United Nations and is accessible to individuals from countries considered unrepresented or underrepresented at the UN. Annually, the Office of the Secretariat releases a list of participating countries. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, be under 32 years of age, and possess fluency in either French or English. Successful candidates also need to pass a qualifying examination.

To learn more, see the UN YPP website.

#2 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

If you are an early-career professional, committed to sustainable development, passionate about democratic governance and peacebuilding, or interested in climate and disaster resilience, UNDP might be a place for you. This department of the United Nations offers numerous entry-level opportunities, as well as a Young Professional Officer (JPO) and Specialist Development Programme (SDP) –  young talent programmes. Experience requirements for entry-level positions range from 0 to 3 years depending on the education requirements. While not all positions require a Master’s degree, most necessitate a degree in international development, international affairs, social work, or a related field, unless the opportunity is specific to a job skill such as communications or human resources. Fluency in another language is often a requirement.

Read about the programme here.

#3 European Union (EU)

The European Union (EU), a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe facilitates cooperation and coordination among its members in various areas, including trade, security and governance. The EU offers various programs for early-career professionals. Two notable programs are: Blue Book Traineeship: This program offers recent graduates the opportunity to intern in EU institutions and gain first-hand experience in their field of interest. The traineeship typically lasts for about five months. Junior Professional in Delegation (JPD) Program: Aimed at young professionals, this program offers placements in EU delegations worldwide. It provides an opportunity to work on EU development projects and gain insights into diplomatic and international cooperation activities. These programs are excellent entry points for those interested in contributing to the EU’s multifaceted initiatives.

For more information and application details, visit the Blue Book Traineeship and JPD Program websites.

#4 Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

OSCE provides diverse opportunities for early-career professionals to engage in diplomatic, security, and cooperative efforts on the European stage. The OSCE, as an international organisation, operates across the realms of politics, military, economics, environment, human development, and other critical security and development issues. Spanning 57 participating member states from Europe, North America, and Asia, its primary focus lies in Southeastern Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. For young professionals, the OSCE extends numerous entry-level opportunities, particularly in human security, communications, program development, and program monitoring. While some positions are on a contractual basis, the majority require a bachelor’s degree coupled with work experience or a Master’s degree with up to two years of relevant experience. Certain roles may require specific expertise in professions such as policing, travel coordination, or media. Accessibility to most positions is based on nationality, either to member states or specific countries. Fluency in additional languages is often a prerequisite. Job openings are regularly posted on the OSCE website through their dedicated employment portal.

Explore the OSCE Junior Professional Officer Programme

#5 International Organization for Migration (IOM)

As an intergovernmental organisation, IOM collaborates with governmental, inter-governmental, and non-governmental entities to address migration-related issues in countries and communities worldwide. The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) program is an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into international development and acquire practical experience in the realm of migration. JPO assignments can be fulfilled in IOM country offices worldwide or at the organisation’s headquarters in Geneva. The program serves a dual purpose: it provides international organisations with skilled personnel for two years, while also allowing young, qualified professionals to get valuable work experience enhancing their job prospects. Typically ranging between 28 and 35 years of age, JPOs are recruited as professional staff members at the P-2 level by their respective governments, which act as sponsors for their positions within the Organization.

Learn more about the JPO Program at the IOM Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Program

#6 European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)

FRA is an independent centre of reference and excellence for promoting and protecting fundamental human rights in the EU. The traineeship scheme at FRA targets recent university graduates, aiming to provide them with practical experience and understanding of the agency’s role in upholding fundamental rights across the EU. It offers opportunities to work in a diverse environment, promoting mutual understanding and European values. Trainees are encouraged to apply their knowledge and skills acquired during their studies, introducing them to the professional world while contributing to the agency’s mission of ensuring fundamental rights for all in the EU. To be eligible for a traineeship, you must have completed your most recent studies no more than three years before the deadline for applications.

For more information, consult the FRA Traineeship page.

#7 World Health Organization (WHO)

The WHO provides internships and the Young Professionals Program for those interested in global health and development. The Young Professionals Program assigns individuals to regular WHO positions, offering immersion in technical work, career support, networking, mentoring, and tailored learning opportunities. The program aims to increase representation from Least Developed Countries, developing capacity through a structured curriculum.

Information about the programme is available on the WHO YPP website.

#8 African Development Bank (AfDB)

The African Development Bank (AfDB) aims to support sustainable economic development and social progress in African countries. Comprising the AfDB, the African Development Fund (ADF), and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF), the AfDB Group focuses on five strategic priorities: feeding Africa, electrifying and powering Africa, industrializing Africa, integrating Africa, and enhancing the quality of life for the continent’s people.AfDB’s Young Professionals Program and Internship Program cater to individuals passionate about driving development in Africa. Aspiring professionals interested in contributing to Africa’s development can explore the Young Professionals Program and Internship opportunities at the AfDB. These programs provide a platform for individuals committed to positive global change.

For detailed information and current opportunities, visit the AfDB YPP page.

#9 Amnesty International

Amnesty International, with its global and vocal presence in human rights advocacy, offers internships, entry-level positions, and volunteer opportunities. The organisation regularly employs human rights professionals in various capacities, such as campaigners, researchers, communication officers, or coordinators. Amnesty International’s job board categorises vacancies into Global Fundraising and Engagement, Global Operations, International Law and Policy, People and Services, and Research. Entry-level positions typically require a minimum of one or two years of professional experience.

Check the Amnesty International Careers page for the latest opportunities.

#10 Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch, known for its impactful human rights-related work, offers fellowship programs, internships, and entry-level positions. The organisation broadly categorises vacancies as Professional/Managerial, Early Career, Fellowship, and Internship/Volunteering. Entry-level positions typically require 1 to 2 years of related experience. Human Rights Watch also offers fellowship programs each year, providing hands-on experience and training for new human rights professionals.

Explore opportunities on the Human Rights Watch Jobs page.

#11 International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)

ISHR’s Human Rights Defender Advocacy Program, internships, and fellowships are designed for early-career professionals dedicated to human rights causes. ISHR offers programs that provide hands-on experience and advocacy opportunities for individuals passionate about human rights. Whether through internships, fellowships, or specific programs, ISHR’s initiatives aim to empower early-career professionals in the field of human rights.

Explore opportunities on the ISHR Human Rights Defender Advocacy Program page.

#12 CARE International

CARE International, working globally to save lives and achieve social justice, offers opportunities in human rights and humanitarian work. With a focus on defeating poverty and achieving social justice, CARE International provides a platform for individuals committed to positive global change.

Explore opportunities on the CARE International Job Search page for positions in human rights and humanitarian work.

#13 Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), operating for over 30 years, employs science and medicine to expose mass atrocities and severe human rights abuses. Recognized with a Nobel Peace Prize for its role in banning landmines, PHR believes health professionals possess unique skills to advocate against such violations. Through a network of forensic and public health experts, PHR documents atrocities, safeguards persecuted health workers and facilities, prevents torture, and holds perpetrators accountable. Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) has been at the forefront of leveraging science and medicine for over 30 years to document and draw attention to mass atrocities and severe human rights violations.

PHR offers a range of opportunities, including internships, fellowships, and entry-level positions, for individuals with a background in health and human rights. To explore these opportunities, visit the PHR Jobs page.

#14 United Nations Economic, Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)

The United Nations Economic, Social and Cultural Organisation offers the Junior Professional Officer program for individuals who have recently graduated from college and for young professionals who wish to begin working in civil service. Participants receive contracts for 2 to 3 years to work at the headquarters of the United Nations Economic, Social and Cultural Organisation or in a regional office. To be considered for a position, individuals must be under 32 years of age and have at least a bachelor’s degree in education, culture, science, social and human sciences or communications. Fluency in English or French and being a resident of a donor country is also required.

Visit the Junior Professional Officer website.

The United Nations Economic, Social and Cultural Organisation offers the Young Professionals Program to allow individuals from non-United Nations member states and under-represented member states to gain entry-level employment in civil service. Every year, the UN publishes a list of qualifying countries. Applicants must be at most 32 years of age and hold a graduate-level degree in management, education, culture, science, social and human sciences or communication. Fluency in English or French is required. Individuals who have previous work experience and who are also fluent in Spanish, Russian, Arabic or Chinese will have an advantage.

Visit the Young Professionals Program website.

#15 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees offers the Junior Professional Officer Program for individuals interested in working in civil service at the United Nations refugee agency. To be considered for a position, individuals must be between 25 and 35 years of age and have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field that relates to the specific opening for which they are applying. Those with a master’s degree must also have 2 years of relevant work experience. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree must have 4 years of related work experience. Fluency in English is required. Applicants who are also fluent in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish are preferred. Candidates must also be from one of the countries that donate to the agency.

Read more on the UNHCR JPO website.

#16 United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund offers the Junior Professional Officers program for young people who are interested in working in a non-profit. Initially, individuals in the program receive 1-to-2-year contracts with the chance for renewal. About half of all participants advance to other positions with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. Most applicants accepted are between 28 and 35 years of age and have advanced university degrees. To be considered for a position, individuals must be from one of the fund’s donor countries.

See the UNICEF Junior Professional Officer website.

#17 World Food Program (WFP)

The World Food Program offers the Junior Professional Officer Program to allow young professionals the opportunity to gain work experience in civil service. Candidates must be less than 32 to 35 years of age, depending on what country they are from. A master’s degree in a relevant field and 3 to 4 years of professional work experience are also required. Applicants must also be fluent in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish. A noteworthy outcome is that a significant number of JPO staff who serve with IOM continue their engagement with the organisation beyond the completion of their JPO assignment.

For more information consult the WFP Junior Professional Officer page.

The post 17 International Organizations Offering Early-Career Opportunities appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Learn how to protect children from violence, exploitation and trauma in courses from leading universities around the world.

In places where human rights are neglected or oppressed, children often suffer the most. They are especially vulnerable to hazards during times of crises. Human rights professionals recognize the need for protection of minors. They raise awareness on child rights violations, press governments to change harmful policies, assist children during humanitarian emergencies, and use human rights laws to bring perpetrators to justice. More than 1 billion children are estimated to experience physical, sexual or emotional violence every year. Millions of children have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and wars.

To defend the rights of children, it’s essential to know them. We have compiled a list of online courses, that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to defend, promote and protect the rights of children. All courses are free to audit. You can opt-in for a verified certificate for an extra fee.

#1 Child Protection: Children’s Rights in Theory and Practice (Harvard University)
#2 Children’s Human Rights – An Interdisciplinary Introduction (University of Geneva)
#3 Resilience in Children Exposed to Trauma, Disaster and War (University of Minnesota)
#4 Protecting Children in Humanitarian Settings (Columbia University)
#5 Child Protection for Teachers (Queensland University of Technology)
#6 Caring for Vulnerable Children (University of Strathclyde)
#7 International Women’s Health and Human Rights (Stanford University)

#1 Child Protection: Children’s Rights in Theory and Practice (Harvard University)

In this online course you will learn how child protection is enshrined in international human rights law. You will analyze case studies on pressing child rights issues and learn to apply international human rights standards to a variety of contexts. Beyond the legal framework, you will study the impact violence, exploitation and abuse have on children, and what you can do to protect children from these harms. In the final week of the course you will learn how to assess a child protection system and what you can do to strengthen it.

Taught by Jacqueline Bhabha, the Research Director of the Harvard Center for Health and Human Rights, this course will be useful to human rights professionals, child rights advocates, lawyers, educators, law enforcement officers, social workers and everyone else who wants to take action on the rights of children. The self-paced course will take roughly 16 weeks to complete with an estimated commitment of 2-5 hours per week. There are no prerequisites to this course. Everyone is welcome to join and become an agent of change for children’s rights.

REGISTER HERE

#2 Children’s Human Rights – An Interdisciplinary Introduction (University of Geneva)

Taking a multi-disciplinary approach with contributions from law, psychology, sociology, history, education and other disciplines, this course offers a well-rounded primer to the human rights of children. Participants of the course will analyze critical issues affecting the rights of children around the world. Starting with an introduction to international and regional standards and monitoring systems, participants of this course will take an in-depth look at the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This essential treaty sets out legally binding civil, political, economic, social, health and cultural rights of children. Whilst the course provides an overview on Children’s Human Rights in general, dedicated chapters will focus on health, participation and freedom from violence. Going beyond the theory, the course will also discuss international and regional judicial and quasi-judicial bodies that were tasked with the implementation of these essential rights. This course will also take a look at human rights programs that promote child rights and analyze why some of them were successes or failures.

This course is taught by three leading experts from University of Geneva’s Centre for Children’s Rights Studies, namely Philip D. Jaffé, Roberta Ruggiero and Jean Zermatten. The entire course takes 11 hours to complete. There are no prerequisites for enrollment. Upon completion, learners who opted-in, can download the paid certificate and add it to their CV. The course is a great asset for everyone who wishes to strengthen their understanding of children’s rights, but students who seek a career in child protection will find it especially useful.

REGISTER HERE

#3 Resilience in Children Exposed to Trauma, Disaster and War (University of Minnesota)

Children are especially vulnerable to harms during times of humanitarian emergencies fueled by wars and disaster. Child soldiers, children who were raped, and children who had been forcibly displaced are most at risk to develop long-term emotional distress. This course will explore what can be done to protect children at risk and how you can support them in their recovery. During this course, you will learn strategies to foster resilience in children and gain insights into key take-aways from 50 years of resilience research. You will also study and analyze interventions that promote and nurture resilience in children, and you will have the opportunity to discuss with other practitioners working with children at risk around the world.

This course is offered by University of Minnesota. It takes approximately 20 hours to complete. Videos contain subtitles in Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish and Hungarian. The course is taught by Ann Masten from the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota. The course draws on the research Ann Masten conducted with children and families who have experienced homelessness, war, migration, disaster, as well as poverty or family violence.

REGISTER HERE

#4 Protecting Children in Humanitarian Settings (Columbia University)

More than 60 million children are affected by humanitarian crises globally. Children are among the most vulnerable during humanitarian crises. They face grave risk from violence, abduction, gender-based violence and recruitment into belligerent groups. Effective responses are required. Drawing on the experiences of child protection practitioners from around the world, this course equips you with the skills to better protect the wellbeing of children in humanitarian contexts. Whilst you will explore international and regional child protection systems, you will also learn how to establish and design successful child protection interventions.

The course is ideal for child rights practitioners and a great asset for everyone who aims for a career in children’s rights. While the course contents are available for free, you may opt-in for a verified certification issued by Columbia University for an extra fee. The course takes approximately 12 weeks to complete with a weekly commitment of 2-3 hours per week but learners are welcome to take the course at their own pace.

REGISTER HERE

#5 Child Protection for Teachers (Queensland University of Technology)

This course aims to empower teachers and educators to recognize signs of abuse and neglect. Whilst you will learn about the different types of neglect, you will also study key aspects of relevant child protection legislation and policy. The course will help clarify the role of teachers and other professionals in reporting suspected cases of child abuse and neglect, and outline the characteristics of effective prevention programs at school. Throughout the course you will have the option to engage with other teachers and educators, and to reflect on your own role to improve child protection at your school.

This course is a great option for teachers, educators, and education leaders who want to improve their professional practice but it will also be useful to everyone else who participates in educational systems that include children. The course is taught by Kerryann Walsh, Professor in Education at Queensland University of Technology and specialisation in child protection and child maltreatment prevention.

REGISTER HERE

#6 Caring for Vulnerable Children (University of Strathclyde)

In partnership with the Centre for Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection, University of Strathclyde is offering a course on caring for vulnerable children in the light of child poverty and increasing budget cuts to childcare systems. In this course you will explore concepts of vulnerability, risk, attachment, containment, child development and parenting. Whilst the course will help you assess when vulnerable and at risk children should be removed from their family homes, the course will also enable you to choose from other meaningful and supportive means of intervention.

With a weekly dedication of 4 hours the course takes roughly 6 weeks to complete. More than 100,000 learners have taken the course already and rated it 4.8 out of 5. The course is taught by Senior Teaching Fellow Graham McPheat, who is also the course leader of the international MSc in Child and Youth Care Studies at University of Strathclyde. The course is ideal for everyone working in child care or planning to become a childcare professional in the future.

REGISTER HERE

#7 International Women’s Health and Human Rights (Stanford University)

Women’s sexual and reproductive health is heavily intertwined with human rights including the right to life, health, privacy, education and the prohibition of torture and discrimination. Forced sterilization, forced virginity tests, female genital mutilation and early marriage are examples of violations of these rights. UN human rights entities such as the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) fight against these violations. In this course offered by Stanford University, you will learn about women’s health and human rights from child birth to old age.

The course is taught by scholar-activist and non-profit founder Anne Firth Murray, who teaches child rights at Stanford University. The entire course takes roughly 58 hours to complete and can be taken at your own pace. The course is a great asset for everyone who would like to focus their career on women’s sexual and reproductive rights. Learners can audit the course for free or choose to opt-in for a verified certificate for an extra fee.

REGISTER HERE

The post 7 Online Courses on Child Protection and Children’s Rights appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Learn what jobs are available in gender rights, where you can find work in gender rights and how to prepare for these types of careers.

Gender rights are the basic rights and opportunities people deserve regardless of their gender or gender expression. Rights include the right to equal treatment, the right to reproductive freedom and the right to freedom from discrimination and gender-based violence. Women represent the largest group that experiences gender discrimination, but the rights of trans people, two-spirit people, and people with other marginalized genders also need protection. In this guide, we’ll discuss specific jobs in gender rights, where you can find gender rights jobs, how to get a job in gender rights and what salaries are offered.

What jobs are available in gender rights?

Gender rights are a thematic focus, not a specific job. That means there are dozens of careers where you can work on gender rights and gender equality. Here are seven examples:

Educator

Educators conduct research, develop curriculum, manage learning environments, and support student development. Teachers typically work in classrooms teaching young kids, teenagers, and adults. Teacher responsibilities can include creating educational material, meeting one-on-one with students, presenting lessons and helping students develop professional and personal skills. Historically, education has been a site for gender discrimination and inequality. Teachers play a big role in protecting gender rights, whether that’s by educating students on gender discrimination, advocating for gender equality in hiring practices, and taking steps to prevent gender-based violence in educational environments. Educators who spend more time on research can also focus on gender rights.

Doctor

Doctors are medical professionals who work in health facilities, universities, research labs and other settings focused on health and health research. While accessible healthcare is a human right, many people face discrimination and bias based on their gender. As an example, studies show women do not get the same evidence-based care as men in areas like cardiac care and pain management. Transgender people also experience unique challenges, worse health outcomes and other inequalities when it comes to getting health insurance and healthcare. Doctors can play an important role in protecting gender rights by addressing inequalities, specializing in healthcare issues that affect marginalized genders, and advocating for better education and reform.

Lawyer

Women, trans people and people belonging to other marginalized genders face frequent discrimination. They often need legal representation to address inequalities. Legal systems themselves can be biased, so even if the nature of a person’s case doesn’t involve their gender, they can end up marginalized. Lawyers who specialize in gender rights have the same responsibilities as regular lawyers – they interpret laws, research legal issues, advise clients, prepare documents and so on – but they focus on laws, cases and other factors related to gender.

Policy analyst

Policy analysis is a job category related to public policy, political science, statistics, economics, public administration and related fields. Policy analysts study current and potential policies, develop new policy ideas and analyze the impact of policies. They often work for governments, but lobbying groups, universities, advocacy NGOs, consulting firms and similar organizations hire policy analysts. A policy analyst who specializes in gender rights would analyze the impact of policies on different genders, research trends, identify gaps and inequalities, advocate for gender-responsive policies and monitor policies related to gender.

Grant specialist

Grant specialists work in grant management and administration. They often work for NGOs, which depend heavily on grants, but they also work for colleges, research institutions and even individuals. Their responsibilities can include identifying grants for their employer, writing applications, developing budgets, processing grant money and making sure the money is distributed the way it needs to be. Many organizations focused on gender rights need grant specialists to help them find funding for various projects and programs. A specialist needs a thorough understanding of what grants are available for gender rights and what those grants require from candidates.

Consultant

Consultants are experts who work with corporations, governments, NGOs, and any other organizations who want the consultant’s expertise. It’s typically a job for people who have years of experience. Responsibilities can include data collection and analysis of an organization’s gender policies, meetings with stakeholders, help with policy development and marketing, and creating personalized trainings and presentations.

When a consultant specializes in gender rights, they’re usually hired to help an organization achieve gender equality and address issues related to gender discrimination.

Program manager

Program managers work in a variety of industries. In this higher-level role, managers oversee clusters of projects that contribute to the organization’s mission. Their responsibilities can include developing a program’s scope and strategy, managing a team, monitoring a program’s success, and directing communication between a program’s stakeholders. Within gender rights, a program manager could be in charge of an organization’s diversity and gender equality program or work for an organization focused on gender rights.

Interested in jobs focused on gender equality? Here’s our short guide.

Where can you find jobs in gender rights?

Because gender rights aren’t limited to one industry or job type, you can find work at a variety of places. Here are the five main sectors:

Intergovernmental organizations

Intergovernmental organizations are entities that consist of two or more nations who sign a treaty. The United Nations is the best-known IGO. IGOs collaborate on several issues, including gender rights and gender equality. They hire professionals who specialize in gender rights, as well as areas that affect gender equality such as economics, political science, public policy and more. UN Women, which is the UN entity responsible for working for gender equality and women’s empowerment, posts jobs on places like the UNDP job board and its own website.

Governments

Like IGOs, local and national governments work on issues related to gender rights, gender equality, discrimination and so on. There are permanent, temporary and fixed-term jobs at various government agencies, as well as opportunities for consultants who specialize in gender rights. The job platform Gender Jobs has a search category for government jobs at all levels. To work for a government entity, you’ll need to meet all their requirements, which could include citizenship or a right-to-work visa, as well as a security clearance and a background check.

NGOs

NGOs are organizations that are formed independently of a government. They’re usually nonprofits, as well, and tend to focus on humanitarian, international development and social justice issues. Because gender inequality is so widespread, many NGOs focus their work on gender rights, women’s empowerment and related areas. The Malala Fund, Plan International, the Global Fund For Women, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are just five NGOs with jobs available in gender rights. Jobs boards like Idealist.org, Globaljobs.org, and Feminist Jobs can help you find more.

Corporations

Gender equality is good for business, so many corporations are working to improve their gender equality and reduce gender discrimination. Job candidates with the knowledge and motivation to improve gender rights are desirable, while corporations also work with consultants to improve equality in the workplace. Corporations also need lawyers who understand the laws around gender.

Educational and research institutions

Institutions like universities, think tanks, medical research organizations and similar entities perform research on gender rights, discrimination, policies and more. They may be part of intergovernmental organizations, governments, NGOs and corporations, but because they’re focused on research, we’ve included them as their own category. These entities hire researchers, policy analysts, librarians, administrative staff, communications professionals, grant specialists and many others.

Jobs in gender rights deal with gender discrimination. Check out our article on gender discrimination 101.

How do you prepare for a job in gender rights?

The specific job track for a lawyer looks different than for a doctor, but there are three main “must haves” for everyone looking for a job in gender rights: education, experience and skills.

Education

If you want a long career in gender rights, you’ll need a good education. Entry-level jobs typically require at least a bachelor’s degree, while you are likely to need a master’s or even a doctorate for higher-level positions in management. With certain exceptions (like for lawyers and doctors), you likely won’t need one specific degree, but good educational backgrounds include gender studies, sociology, political science, social work, public policy, public health and education. What works best depends on what field you want to go into, i.e. if you want to work as a policy analyst, a degree in public policy is likely your best option.

Experience

Most employers care more about your experience than your area of study or where you went to school. Even entry-level jobs prefer candidates with at least a few years of experience working in the area they’re hiring for. As an example, we found a job for a grants administrator that asked for 3-5 years of similar work, while the experience level in the job description was 0-5 years. Internships, volunteer work, temporary work and part-time work usually count toward your experience, so don’t leave anything off your resume. Education supports your basic knowledge and qualifications, but experience shows employers you can solve problems, work with others, adapt when necessary and complete tasks on time.

Skills

Jobs in gender rights require a variety of skills depending on your chosen field. As an example, a job in policy analysis requires critical thinking, problem-solving, good communication, policy knowledge and excellent research skills. When you look at job descriptions, you may notice how vague some of the required skills are, such as a “willingness to learn from mistakes.” When applying for a job and going through an interview, the challenge is to show this skill in action. Employers don’t want to hear you say, “Yes, I can learn from my mistakes,” they want specific examples that prove you possess this skill.

How much do jobs in gender rights pay?

A job’s salary depends on several factors, such as the job type, job position, where the job is based, your education and your experience. Your salary can also vary based on whether you work for an IGO, NGO, government agency, education institution or corporation. Here’s an average rundown of the United States salaries for the jobs we described in this guide:

Educator (teacher): $68,469 for 2022-2023 school year
Doctor (obstetrician and gynecologist): $239,200 in 2022
Lawyer (labor): $100,626 in 2024
Policy analyst: $81,922 in 2024
Grant specialist: $80,163 in 2024
Consultant: $93,905 in 2024
Program manager (nonprofit): $89,816 in 2023

The post Gender Rights Jobs: Our Short Guide appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Protest encampments have sprung up at university campuses around the world in recent months, calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine and atrocities committed in Gaza. The protests have been sparked by the events following the attack on October 7th, 2023, which led to a severe military response from Israel. This response has been described by many human rights experts and organisations, such as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, as genocidal due to the extensive civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis it has caused in Gaza. In this article, we would like to explain further the reasons behind the protests and what are the aims, as well as share a more detailed journey of the London School of Economics (LSE) solidarity encampment.

Why Are the Students Protesting? The Reasons Behind the Protests

The student protests in the spring of 2024 have sparked over the indirect involvement and complicity of universities in the genocide in Palestine. This wave of activism is driven by a sense of injustice and a demand for accountability from educational institutions that are supporting the violence through financial investments, partnerships, and their deafening silence.

#1 Investments in the Military Industrial Complex

Many universities have significant investments in companies and industries complicit in the ongoing conflict. These include financial institutions, arms manufacturers and corporations that supply weapons and technology used in conflict. Students argue that their tuition fees and donations should not fund violence and oppression. They demand transparency and ethical considerations in the financial dealings of their institutions.

#2 Moral Complicity

Students believe that universities have a moral responsibility to stand against human rights violations. Academia should not only educate but also embody the principles of justice, equality, and human rights. This is why silence in response to such gross injustice is seen as unacceptable, particularly when in case of other global conflicts and crises, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Western universities did not hesitate to speak up and show their support and solidarity with Ukrainians.

#3 Solidarity and Awareness

The protests and encampments also have the goal of raising awareness and showing solidarity with the victims of the conflict. Students encamping at universities see their actions as part of a global movement to bring attention to the atrocities and to push for a peaceful resolution, similar to student movements in the past, such as the one protesting the war in Vietnam or the apartheid in South Africa.

What Are the Objectives of Student Protests?

The primary goal of most student protests is the divestment of universities from supporting Israel’s military actions, however, in each campus the particular aims differ slightly. For example, the solidarity movement at the London School of Economics has outlined its ten demands as follows:

#1 Divest

The university should immediately divest from all companies that are complicit in crimes against the Palestinian people, arms manufacturing, fossil fuel production, and the financing of such activities. This includes making public commitments, releasing information on mutual funds, and dropping certain investment portfolio managers.

#2 Disaffiliate

This demand calls for severing academic and cultural ties with institutions and individuals complicit in crimes against the Palestinian people. This includes banning speaking opportunities for certain representatives, excluding certain companies from careers fairs, and ending research partnerships with complicit firms.

#3 Drop the Silence

This demand calls for the university to release a public statement expressing solidarity with Palestinian liberation, calling for a ceasefire, condemning educational restrictions in Gaza, demanding an arms embargo, and revoking the IHRA definition of antisemitism which conflates antisemitism with anti-Zionism.

#4 Designate

The university is requested to provide scholarships and funding for Palestinian students, extend the Scholars at Risk scheme, offer mental health support, and provide visa support for Palestinian students, similarly as it has to be done towards Ukrainian students.

#5 Dedicate

Finances and logistical support should be allocated for rebuilding Gazan universities and the education system on Palestinian terms, creating a fund and working group to support Palestinian scholarship.

#6 Disengage

The UK Government’s Prevent framework due to its prejudices, should be disengaged from. The university should implement cultural awareness and anti-bias training, and reform the Risk Spotters group to protect students’ rights to free speech and prevent Islamophobia.

#7 Disavow

The university is also faced with the demand to disassociate LSE from Paul Marshall and his financial contributions, rename the Marshall Building for Marshall Bloom, who led the UK’s first student occupation against Rhodesian apartheid in 1967 and abolish the Marshall Institute due to Paul Marshal’s shocking views and controversial associations.

#8 Denounce

The student encampment has also asked for LSE to publicly denounce former LSE Vice Chancellor Minouche Shafik for her repressive tactics against student protests. Additionally, the LSE is requested to apologise for past incidents of harassment and discrimination and condemn actions that endanger students’ wellbeing.

#9 Democratise

The entire student and staff body should be involved in investment decision-making processes, ensuring transparency and accountability in the university’s institutional functioning and investments.

#10 Defend

The encampment demands amnesty for all involved in peaceful pro-Palestinian activism, as well as for the university to protect the job security and well-being of university staff, and ensure that security staff do not violate students’ rights to protest.

Student Protest Journey at LSE

As a student at the LSE, I have found myself at the heart of the action on May 14th, the eve of the 76th Nakba anniversary. This day marked the beginning of our encampment in solidarity with Palestine. After a protest on campus, we have moved into the ground floor of the LSE Marshall Bloom Building (formerly the Marshall Building), with a central demand of divestment from the universities £89 million worth of investments in crimes Against the Palestinian people, the arms trade, fossil fuels, and the financing of such egregious activities.

Contrary to the assertions of LSE’s Senior Management Committee (SMC), the encampment did not emerge spontaneously. It was the culmination of outrage and long-term campaigns following months of witnessing atrocities inflicted on the Gaza population. The occupation represented a strategic and organised response to these events.

Students spent months researching and producing a comprehensive 116-page report “Assets in Apartheid: LSE’s Complicity in Genocide of the Palestinian People, Arms Trade, and Climate Breakdown” which provided a breakdown of LSE’s investment in companies involved in crimes against the Palestinian people. Several LSE student societies have endorsed the report, the LSE UCU branch, and external organisations like the Campaign Against Arms Trade. Peter Frankental, Amnesty International UK’s Economic Affairs Director, stated:

“This report provides a vital wake-up call to LSE to urgently improve the stewardship of its investments, ensuring it’s no longer profiting from corporate activities linked to serious human rights violations and the devastation caused by the climate crisis. With growing calls for universities around the world to clean up their investment portfolios – not least in relation to mounting evidence of war crimes by the Israeli authorities and their racist system of apartheid against the Palestinian people – this report couldn’t have come at a more important time.”

The encampment has received overwhelming support from students, alumni and staff at LSE, as well as from the broader London and international community.

Challenges and University Response

Despite initially meeting with student representatives, the SMC has refused to engage in good-faith negotiations. They have used safety and security concerns as bargaining chips, undermining the students’ well-being. The management has also made unfounded accusations about bullying and discriminatory behaviour by students, which the occupiers deny. The conditions imposed by the university, such as locking toilets, shutting off water taps, and denying access to showers, have limited the capacity of students’ efforts.

The SMC has ordered the removal of posters and set the bounds of the camp with security tape. They have requested that Muslim prayers be kept within the encampment bounds, responding to a public prayer event. Increased securitization and surveillance around the encampment have also been noted. Instead of supporting the right of LSE students to protest and contribute to shaping the processes and integrity of their university, the university has tried to get rid of student protesters on campus, distract and divert with fire safety and increase security control and surveillance. When this failed, the LSE LSE’s School Management Committee (SMC) took the students to court.

A court ruled that LSE could dismantle the pro-Palestinian encampment on its campus, marking the first stage of the legal battle. LSE became the first British university to evict a pro-Palestine student encampment on June 17, 2024. Other UK universities, including Queen Mary University and Birmingham University, are also pursuing court orders to evict their students. This is, however, not the end of the movement. Activists staged an eviction rally to show their compliance with the law, joined by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and activists from other camps at Queen Mary, UCL, and the School of Oriental and African Studies. Corbyn addressed the rally, thanking the students for their “practical demonstration of solidarity” and for being “on the right side of history.”

LSE Says No to Divestment Pleas

History has looked kindly upon students and staff who protest wars and stand up for human rights. As one of the foremost social science universities in the world, LSE should be familiar with this history and summon the courage to heed its lessons. Yet, despite the efforts and dedication of the students at LSE, the university’s council, in a statement released on July 8th, decided against divestment. This decision is not just a setback for the protesters, but a glaring example of the university’s failure to take meaningful action against investments in companies complicit in human rights abuses, fossil fuel extraction, and arms manufacturing. The LSE Council’s response, filled with platitudes about the complexity of their decisions, ignored the ethical imperatives and the pressing moral crisis at hand. Their acknowledgement of the impact of the ongoing violence in Israel and Palestine on the LSE community rings hollow when juxtaposed with their ultimate decision to maintain the status quo.

The LSE Council’s statement highlighted their appreciation for the efforts of the LSE Students’ Union Palestine Society and other involved parties. However, this appreciation did not translate into action. They agreed to some measures, such as:

• Allocating £250,000 for Palestinian scholars at risk.
• Providing £250,000 in scholarships for displaced Palestinian students.
• Supporting an academic program focused on Palestine.
• Implementing cultural awareness training for staff.
• Reviewing event planning processes to ensure unbiased decision-making.

These concessions, while positive, fall far short of the necessary systemic change. Crucially, the Council refused to:

• Take an institutional position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Boycott Israel.
• Publicly condemn specific individuals responsible for perpetuating the violence.

This refusal is a stark reminder of the university’s reluctance to engage in meaningful change and its preference for maintaining a veneer of neutrality that ultimately supports the status quo of oppression and violence.

Global Victories and the Power of the Student Movement

While LSE’s decision was disappointing, the broader movement for divestment and justice has seen victories around the world. Universities and institutions globally have begun to reassess their investments and make more ethical choices. For instance:

• Trinity College Dublin (Ireland): Students organized a protest encampment on Fellow’s Square, leading the university to agree to end its investments in Israeli companies listed on the United Nations Human Rights Council “blacklist.” This included divesting from three of the 13 Israeli companies in the university’s endowment fund.
• University of Copenhagen (Denmark): In response to student protests, the University of Copenhagen announced on May 28 that it would cease investing in companies operating in the occupied West Bank, divesting US$145,810 from Airbnb, Booking.com, and EDreams the following day.
• Goldsmiths University (UK): After students set up encampments in the university’s library, Goldsmiths agreed to a new ethical investment policy. The student group will present their evidence of the university’s complicity with Israel to the finance committee. Additionally, Goldsmiths will name a lecture theatre after Shireen Abu Akleh, an Al Jazeera reporter killed by Israeli forces, and will review the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism.
• Brown University (USA): Protesters agreed to dismantle their encampment after school officials allowed students to present arguments for divesting the university’s endowment from companies profiting from the war in Gaza. Brown’s President Christina Paxson will request an advisory committee to recommend divestment by September 30, with a vote by the school’s governing corporation in October.
• University of Barcelona (Spain): The university’s senate voted to break all institutional and academic ties with Israel, including centres, research institutes, companies, and other institutions, until the genocide stops.
• University of Melbourne (Australia): The University of Melbourne became the first Australian educational institution to agree to some demands of pro-Palestine protesters. The university will make additional disclosures about its research project grant arrangements to improve transparency, starting next month. However, these disclosures will be subject to confidentiality obligations, national security regulations, and laws.

These successes demonstrate the growing power and influence of student-led movements in demanding accountability and ethical practices from their institutions. The global solidarity and pressure have created a ripple effect, pushing universities to consider the broader impacts of their investments and align them with their stated values. While the fight for justice and ethical investment is far from over, the global student movement continues to grow, demonstrating the power of solidarity and collective action. As students, faculty, and supporters remain steadfast in their demands, they keep the pressure on institutions to align their investments with the values of justice, equality, and human rights.

The post Academia in Times of Genocide: Why are Students Across the World Protesting? appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

In recent years, the term “pinkwashing” has gained traction across various social and political discourses. Similarly to “greenwashing,” where environmental concerns are used superficially to project an eco-friendly image, pinkwashing involves the superficial promotion of LGBTQ+ friendliness to distract from negative behaviours, policies, or practices. This article aims to unpack the meaning of this concept, contextualise it within human rights and political discourse, and provide concrete examples of pinkwashing in action.

Pinkwashing, the portmanteau of “pink” and “whitewashing,” is the strategic use of LGBTQ+ rights or imagery to project a progressive and inclusive image, often to deflect criticism or enhance reputations without committing to genuine support for the LGBTQ+ community.

What Does “Pinkwashing” Mean?

The term “pinkwashing,” was coined in activist circles and popularised particularly by the academic and writer Sarah Schulman, in reference to Israel’s strategy of using gay rights to distract from and justify its violent treatment of Palestinians. At its core, pinkwashing is a form of propaganda. It uses the genuine struggle and progress of LGBTQ+ rights to present a facade of inclusivity and progressivism. This facade is often used by entities that otherwise engage in harmful or unethical behaviours, to shift public focus and criticism away from these negative actions by highlighting their supposed commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.

Pinkwashing echoes colonial tactics where imperial powers justified their invasions and occupations by portraying themselves as civilizing forces against the “barbarity” and “backwardness” of colonized regions. Just as colonial powers used narratives of racial and cultural superiority to legitimize their actions, pinkwashing uses narratives of sexual and gender progressivism to distract from other forms of oppression and violence.

Examples of Pinkwashing

While originally associated with Israel, the concept of pinkwashing has been expanded to critique similar strategies in various contexts. For example, in the corporate world, pinkwashing critiques highlight how companies may use LGBTQ+ rights to distract from unethical business practices or labour exploitation.

#1 Brand Israel Campaign 

The term “pinkwashing” was coined in the context of Israel and this case represents one of the most known examples of state pinkwashing campaigns. Following the Second Intifada, Israel faced growing international scrutiny for its settlement expansions and treatment of Palestinians. In response to that concern, the “Brand Israel” campaign was launched in 2006, to improve the nation’s public image. The campaign sought to rebrand Israel from a militaristic state associated with violence and human rights abuses to a “relevant and modern” one, attractive for tourism, economic investment and political support. Under the guise of promoting security, self-defence, and Israel’s reputation as the only democracy in the Middle East, the Brand Israel campaign strategically utilized the LGBTQ+ rights movement to enhance its international perception, with the use of expensive public relations firms. This included initiatives like state-sponsored gay tourism, promoting Tel Aviv as a “gay mecca” and funding trips for influential gay celebrities and bloggers in exchange for positive publicity, but also efforts to reform the Israeli Army to be more open to the LGBTQ+ community.

This campaign has been faced with critique for several important reasons. On one hand, critics have called out the hypocrisy of branding Israel as a progressive gay haven, noting the homophobic far-right politicians widely present in the government, actively working to block equal rights initiatives. On top of that, while gay people enjoy certain civil rights such as recognition of same-sex marriage performed abroad, the practice is still impossible in Israel itself where marriages are legally administered solely by religious courts. Importantly, while Tel Aviv may be inclusive for certain members of the LGBTQ+ community, these freedoms are not extended to Palestinians and other marginalized groups within Israel. As pointed out by Queers Against Israeli Apartheid, “There is no pink door in the apartheid wall.” This means that queer Palestinians face intersecting challenges, experiencing oppression under Israeli apartheid policies alongside discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as specific targeting by Israeli security services.

#2 Corporate Pinkwashing or “Rainbow Capitalism”

During Pride Month in June, many companies adorn their products and logos with rainbow colours as part of their marketing strategy. While some genuinely support the LGBTQ+ community, much of this corporate involvement can be categorized as pinkwashing—superficial support used primarily for profit.

Pride campaigns become problematic when they lack financial contributions to LGBTQ+ communities and activist organizations, when profits from Pride-themed merchandise do not benefit these causes, or when companies discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals in their hiring practices. Especially concerning is when companies support homophobic, transphobic, or queerphobic politicians through funding or endorsements.

Companies that are vocal in their support during June but silent the rest of the year exemplify performative activism. For instance, Marks and Spencer received criticism for its “LGBT Sandwich” (standing for lettuce, guacamole, bacon and tomato) in 2019, which many viewed as trivializing LGBTQ+ issues and devoid of meaning. Another example of pinkwashing has been associated with Bud Light, which tried to cater to the “pink dollar” economy for a while through ads such as “Let’s Grab Beers Tonight, Queens.” However, Bud Light faced backlash when they collaborated with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, who subsequently received transphobic attacks and hateful comments along with calls for a boycott of the brand from the right-wing media and consumers. Bud Light’s lack of response to these incidents or standing up to defend Mulvaney raised questions about their commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals beyond superficial marketing – an issue already visible through their donations to homophobic politicians.

#3 Pinkwashing by Politicians

Pinkwashing also occurs in politics, notably during election campaigns, when politicians may adopt a pro-LGBTQ+ stance to attract voters, or when parties selectively use their LGBTQ+ members as tokens of representation to deflect criticism of their repressive agendas. For instance, during the 2020 campaign, Donald Trump waved a rainbow flag despite rolling back significant LGBTQ+ rights during his previous term. Similarly, French far-right politician Marine Le Pen distanced herself from her party’s traditional homophobic stance by appointing gay advisors Florian Philippot and Sébastien Chenu. She also linked her anti-immigration policies with concerns for LGBTQ+ people; for example, after the Orlando nightclub shooting, which was committed by an ISIS sympathiser, Le Pen expressed concern for LGBTQ+ safety.

An example of the second type of political pinkwashing can be seen in Alice Weidel, a prominent figure in Germany’s far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD). Weidel identifies as a lesbian and is married to a woman, with whom she has two adopted children. The paradox of being in an interracial gay marriage while involved in a party notorious for promoting homophobic, racist, and Islamophobic beliefs has been sarcastically addressed with Weidel, implying that her being in the party must mean that AfD cannot possibly be homophobic. This form of political pinkwashing is concerning, as it exploits LGBTQ+ identity for political gain while diverting attention from policies and actions that perpetuate discrimination.

Implications of Pinkwashing

Pinkwashing has significant implications for both the queer community and broader society, some of which are:

#1 Superficial Allyship

Pinkwashing often leads to a superficial form of allyship that prioritises image over substance. While Pride initially commemorated protests against systemic violence, in many Western liberal countries, it has become a time for performative displays of allyship or “virtue signalling.” This trend can diminish the genuine struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, reducing their rights to mere marketing tools rather than pressing social justice issues requiring substantive support and advocacy.

#2 Commodification of LGBTQ+ Identities

Pinkwashing commodifies LGBTQ+ identities, turning them into a profitable market segment rather than recognising the community’s rights and needs. By reducing LGBTQ+ rights to marketable commodities, pinkwashing perpetuates a consumerist approach to activism, where the purchasing power of LGBTQ+ consumers is exploited without addressing systemic inequalities and discrimination.

#3 Obfuscation of Oppression

By using LGBTQ+ rights to mask other forms of oppression, pinkwashing can divert attention from serious issues. For instance, Israel’s promotion of its LGBTQ+ friendliness diverts attention from its violence against Palestinians, complicating a comprehensive assessment of its human rights record. Similarly, companies with poor records in employee treatment may use superficial support for LGBTQ+ causes to deflect from broader issues like workplace discrimination against queer people, women or migrant workers.

#4 Diversion of Resources

The focus on pinkwashing during Pride Month and other LGBTQ+ visibility events can divert resources and attention away from grassroots organisations and initiatives that are actively working to address systemic issues affecting LGBTQ+ individuals. As large corporations and governments dominate the narrative with superficial gestures, smaller organisations may struggle to secure funding and support for their vital advocacy work.

#5 Impact on Global LGBTQ+ Movements

Pinkwashing practices in Western countries can influence global perceptions and policies regarding LGBTQ+ rights. When powerful nations or multinational corporations promote a sanitised image of LGBTQ+ acceptance, it may overshadow the ongoing struggles for LGBTQ+ rights in less privileged regions. This can perpetuate a hierarchy of visibility and support, where certain LGBTQ+ communities receive more attention and resources than others based on geopolitical or economic considerations.

Pinkwashing – What Can You Do About It?

The struggle against pinkwashing is not a straightforward one, as the problem is rooted in structural forces such as imperialism, racism and capitalism. However, there are actions you can take to be more mindful, such as educating yourself and broadening your understanding of the issue, demanding transparency and accountability from companies and importantly, listening to marginalised queer voices. Here are some suggestions of actions you can take to not fall for pinkwashing tactics and champion solidarity instead of mere sympathy.

#1 Research and Scrutinise

Firstly, be vigilant about pinkwashing tactics. Companies often adopt a supportive stance towards LGBTQ+ communities for popularity without substantive commitments. Research beyond surface gestures to assess their actual LGBTQ+ advocacy, employee policies, and community engagement. Evaluate whether their Pride-themed initiatives translate into real benefits for LGBTQ+ communities. Support initiatives that prioritise meaningful actions over symbolic gestures.

#2 Call It Out and Spread Awareness

Educate your circle—friends, family, and peers—about pinkwashing and its implications. Encourage critical thinking and informed consumer choices when supporting brands and participating in Pride events. Advocate for inclusive policies in workplaces, schools, and community spaces that genuinely support LGBTQ+ individuals.

#3 Demand Transparency and Accountability

Engage directly with companies and organisations. Inquire about their LGBTQ+ policies, diversity initiatives, and ongoing actions beyond Pride Month. Direct your support towards businesses that consistently demonstrate meaningful support for LGBTQ+ communities throughout the year. Choose to support businesses and brands that have transparent and ethical practices towards LGBTQ+ employees and communities. Consider boycotting companies that engage in pinkwashing or fail to uphold LGBTQ+ rights.

#4 Amplify Authentic Voices

Elevate the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals from marginalised communities, including people of colour, transgender and non-binary people, and those facing intersecting forms of discrimination. Prioritise supporting grassroots LGBTQ+ organisations and initiatives that actively address systemic issues and advocate for meaningful social change.

#5 Embrace Intersectionality

As Audre Lorde aptly put it, “There is no hierarchy of oppression. I cannot afford the luxury of fighting one form of oppression only.” Recognise and address the interconnected nature of social justice issues, advocating for inclusive approaches that uplift all marginalised communities.

Further Learning

To explore the concept of pinkwashing in greater depth, we recommend the following books:

Sarah Schulman, Israel/Palestine and the Queer International (2012)
Jasbir Puar, Terrorist Assemblages: Homonationalism in Queer Times (2007)
Laurie Marhoefer, Racism and the Making of Gay Rights: A Sexologist, His Student, and the Empire of Queer Love(2022)
Elias Jahshan, This Arab is Queer: An Anthology by LGBTQ+ Arab Writers (2022) 

The post Pinkwashing 101: Definition, History, Examples appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

In the United States, Black History Month is recognized every February. Its goal is to celebrate the history and heritage of Black Americans. Historian Carter G. Woodson, who is known as the “father of Black history,” first promoted a week-long celebration in 1926. By the late 1960s, the week expanded into a month, and in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month. This doesn’t mean Black history should only be celebrated one month of the year, but it’s a good opportunity to learn more about people and stories that may not be as well-known. Black History Month is also celebrated in Canada in February. The UK and Ireland celebrate in October. Here are 15 inspiring quotes that are perfect for Black History Month and every other time of the year:

“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.” – John Lewis

John Lewis (1940-2020) was a prominent civil rights activist and congressman. During the Civil Rights Movement, he organized sit-ins and participated in the Freedom Rides of 1961, which brought Black and white activists together on bus trips into the segregated South. Lewis was beaten, arrested and harassed for his activism. During his long career as a congressman representing Georgia, he worked for civil rights, equality and human rights.

“There are two things I’ve got a right to, and these are, Death or Liberty – one or the other I mean to have. No one will take me back alive; I shall fight for my liberty, and when the time has come for me to go, the Lord will let them, kill me.” – Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman (1822-1913) was born into slavery, but after escaping, she returned to Maryland to guide other enslaved people to freedom. She directly helped around 70 people, while her advice no doubt helped many others escape. As a conductor on the Underground Railroad, which was a network of safe houses and activists who helped enslaved people out of the Southern states, Tubman navigated dangerous terrain. She also served in the Union Army and established a home for the elderly.

“Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr (1929-1968) was a Baptist minister and leader of the Civil Rights Movement. He played a pivotal role in events like the March on Washington, the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Selma March. Through non-violent protests, he fought for racial equality, economic justice and peace. The quote above, which comes from a speech given during the March for Integrated Schools in 1959, calls on people to commit to equality and justice like it’s their job.

“Be as bold as the first man or woman to eat an oyster.” – Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005) was the first Black woman in Congress and the first woman and African-American to pursue the nomination for US president from one of the two major parties. During her seven terms as a house representative, Chisholm was famous for her determination and fearlessness. She fought for racial and gender equality, economic justice and an end to the Vietnam War. Considering how many barriers Chisholm broke, she fully lived out the quote above.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin

James Baldwin (1924-1987) was a writer and intellectual famous for his insights on race and racism in America. He published many works, including Go Tell it On the Mountain, The Fire Next Time and Giovanni’s Room. While he died fairly young, Baldwin’s words continue to inspire and empower writers and activists to this day. His works are frequently read and recommended by groups fighting for racial equality and LGBTQ+ rights.

“Racism separates, but it never liberates. Hatred generates fear, and fear once given a foothold binds, consumes, and imprisons. Nothing is gained from prejudice. No one benefits from racism.” – Thurgood Marshall

Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993) was a lawyer, civil rights activist and the Supreme Court’s first Black member. As a lawyer in the 1940s and ‘50s, he argued 32 cases before the Supreme Court and won 29. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, one of his most famous cases, made racial segregation unconstitutional. While the state argued that schools could be separate but equal, that was not the case. As the quote above declares, racism can only separate, it never liberates.

Want to learn more about Black history, art and activism? Check out this list of 10 courses.

“Eastward and westward storms are breaking, great, ugly whirlwinds of hatred and blood and cruelty. I will not believe them inevitable. I will not believe that all that was must be, that all the shameful drama of the past must be done again today before the sunlight sweeps the silver seas.” – W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963) was a sociologist, historian, author and activist. He was involved in the establishment of the NAACP and editor of its magazine for 24 years. His essay collection, The Souls of Black Folk, is considered one of the most important pieces of Black literature. The quote above comes from the essay, “The Souls of White Folk,” which examines the roots of American racism. It acknowledges that while hatred and cruelty are always on the horizon, we don’t have to accept them as inevitable. The worst parts of the past don’t have to repeat themselves.

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”- Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) was a human rights activist and the first Black president of South Africa. Before his time as president, he was a lawyer who participated in anti-apartheid activism, which made him a target of the state. For a time, he gave up on nonviolent protests and engaged in more militant tactics. In 1964, he was sentenced to life in jail. In 1990, he was released and led negotiations to end apartheid. Four years later, he won the first presidential election in South Africa. Mandela was no stranger to fear, and as his quote says, being brave is about conquering fear.

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) was an abolitionist, speaker and author. He is best known for his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, and his activism for abolition and women’s rights. After the Civil War ended slavery, Douglass continued to work for human rights and social justice. As a man who freed himself from slavery and fought for others, he understood how progress is only won through struggle.

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” – Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes (1901-1967) was a writer famous during the Harlem Renaissance, a time when African-American music, dance, art, theater, literature and politics flourished, especially in Harlem, New York City. Hughes wrote novels, plays, short stories and poetry inspired by jazz. His work explored all parts of the Black experience in America, including love and suffering. The quote above, which is from the poem “Dreams,” emphasizes the importance of dreams for a beautiful, fulfilled life.

“You can kill a man, but you can’t kill an idea.” – Medgar Evers

Medgar Evers (1925-1963) was a civil rights activist who first began his work after being turned away from an election at gunpoint. He fought for integration and civil rights as the NAACP’s first field officer in Mississippi. White supremacists targeted him, and in 1963, Evers was shot and killed. 30 years later, his murderer was finally found guilty. Evers’ quote is even more profound given his assassination.

“I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving up.” – Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks (1913-2005) was a civil rights activist known as “the mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” In 1955, a bus driver told Parks to move from her seat to make room for white passengers, but she refused. Her arrest triggered the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which sparked the Civil Rights movement nationwide. This quote reminds us that when people take a stand for their rights, they don’t know what effect they’ll have on history. Even the smallest actions can have giant consequences.

“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” – Dr. Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison (b. 1956) grew up watching Star Trek and dreaming of going to space. At the time, no women had ever gone to space, but Jamison studied hard and got a scholarship to Stanford University at 16 years old. She studied engineering and medicine, and in 1986, she was accepted into NASA’s astronaut training program. She became the first Black woman in space. Jemison never let other people tell her what was or wasn’t possible, and she made history.

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker

Alice Walker (b. 1944) was born in Georgia to sharecroppers. After losing sight in one eye, she focused on writing and academics. After graduating college, she was involved in the Civil Rights Movement while continuing her career as a writer and editor. In 1982, she published her most famous novel, The Color Purple, which won a Pulitzer Prize. In the struggle for human rights and equality, never forget that we all have the power to stand up for what’s right. As soon as we believe we don’t, injustice wins.

“Don’t let anything stop you. There will be times when you’ll be disappointed, but you can’t stop.” – Dr. Sadie T. M. Alexander 

Sadie Alexander (1898-1989) was the first Black woman to be admitted to the Pennsylvania bar, the first Black woman in the US to earn a Ph.D. in economics and the first Black woman to earn both a doctorate and J.D. She spent her career fighting for equality and civil rights. As a lawyer, she took on cases involving racial discrimination, segregation and economic injustice. In 1947, she served on President Truman’s Committee on Human Rights. As a woman who broke barriers, she faced persistent opposition, but she never let disappointment stop her.

The post 15 Inspiring Quotes for Black History Month appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Women and girls have been historically undervalued, underrepresented and oppressed in the halls of power, but they haven’t let that stop them from fighting for equality. Whether it’s on behalf of women’s rights, climate justice, disability rights, reproductive rights or other causes, women have participated in and led social movements around the world. In this article, we’ll explore 10 ways women are fighting for equality today.

#1. Malala Yousafzai

Cause: Education

Malala Yousafzai was born in Mingora, Pakistan in 1997. Her father, Zaiuddin, was an education activist who ran a girls’ school. Malala was treated equally and received a good education, but in 2008, the Taliban took control of her town and banned girls from attending school. She began to speak up on the importance of education first through an anonymous blog and then using her name. As she became famous throughout the region, the Taliban viewed her as a threat. In 2012, she survived an assassination attempt. Instead of retreating from the public eye and living safely in her new home in England, Malala kept advocating for girls’ right to education. With her father, she founded the Malala Fund, which invests in education activists committed to removing barriers for girls. In 2014, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her education work at just 16 years old. Activism is not limited to adults; even teenagers can stand up for equality and influence the world.

#2. Sarah and Yusra Mardini

Cause: Refugee rights

Sisters Sarah and Yusra Mardini were born in Syria, where they trained as swimmers. In 2015, they fled the war in Syria, which meant taking a dangerous journey by boat from Turkey to Greece. Just 15 minutes into the trip, the engine died. The girls (Yusra was 17 and Sarah was 20 years old) jumped into the water and pushed the boat 3.5 hours to Greece. Yusra competed in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics on the refugee athletics team, while Sarah returned to Lesbos, Greece to work as a volunteer in a refugee camp. Both women continue to work for refugee rights, which are consistently threatened in Greece. In 2018, Sarah was imprisoned for more than three months for what the Greek government called “espionage.” Sarah, along with 24 other aid workers and volunteers, argued they were helping refugees at risk of drowning. The charges were dropped, but in May of 2023, the prosecutor appealed. At the time of writing, the future of the case is unclear. Yusra retired from swimming and now runs the Yusra Mardini Foundation, which focuses on increasing sports and education access for refugee communities.

#3. Leymah Gbowee

Cause: Peace activism

Between 1989 and 2003, Liberia endured a brutal civil war. Leymah Gbowee was 17 when the war started. She fought for peace as a social worker, trauma counselor and founding member of the Women In Peacebuilding Network of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding. She helped build an interfaith alliance between Christian and Muslim women who engaged in public protests calling for peace. In 2003, the president resigned and went into exile, and three years later, Liberia elected its first female head of state, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. In 2011, Leymah won the Nobel Peace Prize for her peace activism. She continues to work for educational and leadership opportunities for women, girls and young people.

Interested in working for women’s rights and equality? Here’s our guide on Women’s Rights Jobs.

#4. Narges Mohammadi

Cause: Women’s rights/human rights

Narges Mohammadi was born in Iran in 1972. When the Iranian Revolution began, her uncle, who was a political activist, was imprisoned and eventually executed. Mohammadi followed in her uncle’s footsteps by engaging in political activism for human rights and women’s rights. In 2003, she joined the Defenders of Human Rights Center and worked on behalf of imprisoned activists. She was targeted for her activism, arrested and sentenced to 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. In 2023, she won a Nobel Peace Prize while imprisoned in Tehran. She’s continued to protest and speak out against injustice from prison even as her activism is used to extend her imprisonment.

#5. Nadia Murad

Cause: Yazidi rights/sexual violence and human trafficking

In 2014, ISIL began targeting the Yazidi community, who are members of a Kurdish religious minority. In late summer, Nadia Murad’s village was attacked. While many of her family members were murdered, Nadia was among the thousands of Yazidi women trafficked into sexual slavery in 2014. Later that year, Nadia escaped. In 2015, she spoke in front of the UN Security Council about human trafficking. She founded Nadia’s Initiative, which works to get governments and organizations to support survivors of sexual violence and the redevelopment of the Yazidi homeland. In 2018, she won the Nobel Peace Prize with Dr. Denis Mukwege, with whom she founded the Global Survivors Fund. She continues to advocate for survivors of sexual violence, genocide and trafficking.

#6. Alice Wong

Cause: Disability rights

Alice Wong was born in 1974 with spinal muscular atrophy. As a young child, she

stopped walking and now uses a motorized wheelchair and other equipment. When she was growing up, she was typically the only Asian-American student, as well as the only student with physical disabilities. After completing graduate school, she started a career in disability research and advocacy. In 2013, Wong was appointed to the National Council on Disability, and in 2014, she launched the Disability Visibility Project, which is an online community that creates, shares and amplifies disability media and culture. Wong has received several awards for her activism, writing and editing. Her memoir, Year of the Tiger, was released in 2022.

#7. Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul

Cause: Thai rights/democracy

The people of Thailand have wanted social reform for years, but criticism of the monarchy has been harshly punished. According to a Human Rights Watch report for 2023, the government’s abuses include restricted freedom of speech and failure to protect human rights defenders. Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, known by her nickname Rung, grew up with an interest in politics. After overcoming her shyness thanks to an exchange program to America, Rung returned home ready to be politically active. She joined a student union political party at her university, helped organize the first pro-democracy flash mob in the country and read a manifesto in front of thousands. In September 2021, the 21-year-old was arrested for “sedition.” At the time of writing, the future of the case is uncertain, although Rung was quoted in a 2024 article on the dissolution of Move Forward, a popular Thai reformist party believed to be a threat to the Thai monarchy.

What issues affect women today? Here’s our list of the top 20.

#8. Greta Thunberg

Cause: Climate change

The effects of climate change are far-reaching and catastrophic. Natural disasters get worse, habitats disappear, ice melts and humans – especially women and children – suffer. Greta Thunberg first learned about climate change at just 8 years old and immediately made the issue her passion. In 2018, she skipped school to protest outside the Swedish Parliament building calling for them to address climate change. More people joined her, which led to the creation of “Fridays for Future,” where students were asked to go on strike from school on Fridays to call on authorities to address climate change. The movement spread around the world. Today, Thunberg is arguably the world’s most famous climate activist, as well as an advocate for children’s rights and gender equality. She’s spoken in front of the United Nations, at climate conventions and countless protests in Sweden and other countries.

#9. Say Her Name

Cause: Police brutality/intersectional feminism

While Black women are just 10% of the female population in the United States, they make up ⅕ of all women killed by police and almost ⅓ of unarmed women killed by police. In 2014, the African American Policy Forum and the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies launched the #SayHerName campaign. While stories about police brutality often focus on Black men, Black girls and women are more likely to be forgotten. With the help of activists, experts, events and other advocacy, #SayHerName has expanded and developed over the years. The movement seeks to raise awareness of the gender-specific oppression and violence Black women and girls face. Say Her Name gained increased attention following the murder of Breonna Taylor, a young woman killed during a no-knock raid. Kimberlé Crenshaw, who is a civil rights advocate and scholar, is one of the movement’s most prominent figures.

#10. Abortion Without Borders

Cause: Abortion rights

Abortion Without Borders is a European initiative committed to helping people in Poland (which is home to Europe’s most restrictive abortion laws) access abortions at home or abroad. Organizations within the network include Women Help Women and the Abortion Dream Team, which is based in Poland. Between 2019 and 2022, Abortion Without Borders supported 78,000 people from Poland with safe abortions. The initiative was also able to help over 1,500 people from Ukraine access safe abortions. This activism is risky. Justyna Wydrzyńska, one of Abortion Dream Team’s co-founders, was convicted for helping people access abortions and sentenced to eight months of community service. According to Amnesty International, she is the first activist to be convicted for providing abortion help. As reproductive rights continue to be restricted in Poland and other countries, organizations like Abortion Without Borders are more important than ever.

The post 10 Inspiring Ways Women Are Fighting for Equality appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Most people can only live about three days without water. However, if the water a person comes across isn’t clean, drinking it can kill them. According to the World Health Organization, contaminated drinking water can cause cholera, dysentery, polio and typhoid. The 2 billion people without clean water are currently at risk of serious disease, but if shortages aren’t addressed, the crisis will only get worse. There are hundreds of charities working to improve water access, prevent contamination and protect clean water sources. Here are 15 examples:

#1. Water.org

Water.org is a global water and sanitation nonprofit. Through the WaterCredit Initiative, the charity helps financial partners distribute loans for water and sanitation projects. These loans help people finance taps and toilets in their homes without paying expensive fees. Repaid loans return to the system, so more people can access financing. Water.org also established Water Equity, the first impact investment manager focused on water. Since its founding, Water.org has reached more than 63 million people.

Water.org accepts donations by credit card, PayPal, mobile wallets and bank accounts on its website.

#2. Safe Water Network

Actor Paul Newman founded the Safe Water Network to develop affordable, equitable solutions to the water crisis. Through a global network of public and private partners, the charity works on getting water to people, helping with technical issues, engaging with other sectors and making water services equitable and sustainable. Since 2009, the group has worked in Ghana and India, which are two of the most water-stressed areas in the world. With its partners, the network hopes to reach 50 million people with safe water by 2026.

The Safe Water Network accepts one-time and recurring donations, and lets you donate in honor of someone.

Author perspective: Imagine you’re in a desert with no water in sight. As the sun bakes down from above and the sand burns from below, what’s happening inside your body? Water serves many functions, such as regulating your body temperature, moving toxins out of your cells and delivering oxygen through your blood. As you become dehydrated, you’ll feel thirsty, but eventually, that feeling fades. You’ll get headaches and you’ll feel disoriented, dizzy and sore. As your blood pressure plummets and toxins build up in your cells, your organs start to fail. Depending on factors like how much you’re moving, how your overall health is and whether you’ve found anything to eat, you can die of dehydration in just 72 hours.

#3. Clean Water Fund

Clean Water Fund has campaigned for clean water, clean air and pollution protection since 1974. It helps develop and empower grassroots environmental leadership, coalitions and other partners tackling things like water access, oil and gas pollution, toxic chemicals, sustainability and environmental justice. It has a cooperative relationship with fellow water nonprofit Clean Water Action. Together in Washington. D.C., the charities promote clean water policies, clean energy and environmental health solutions.

The Clean Water Fund accepts several donation options, including stock gifts and gifts by will or bequest.

#4. Planet Water Foundation

Since 2009, Planet Water Foundation has reached out to neglected communities with safe drinking water. At the time of writing, it supported 4 million people in 28 countries with services like water filtration systems, hand-washing facilities and hygiene programs. It focuses on schools, children and communities in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America areas. Planet Water Foundation also offers help during emergencies.

Visit the Planet Water Foundation website to donate cash, stock, crypto or another payment form.

#5. Water for People

Water for People is a global nonprofit focused on water, sanitation and hygiene solutions. It partners with communities, businesses and governments on sustainable water and sanitation systems, WASH training and more. It works in North America, Bolivia, Peru, India, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Honduras, Malawi and Guatemala. In 2023, the charity reached over 240,000 people with water services, over 220,000 people with hygiene education and 21 health clinics with better WASH services. The charity works with partners on water projects, and once an area can sustain its water service without direct help, Water for People moves to a new community.

To support Water for People’s mission, you can make one-time or monthly donations.

#6. Lifewater International

Lifewater International is a Christian charity focused on clean water, sanitation and hygiene services. The charity has a process: it chooses regions experiencing poverty, organizes 7-10-year projects, partners with local ministries, provides community-led WASH training and helps homes become “Healthy Home Certified.” Lifewater International has worked in 45 countries for the past 45 years and recently merged with Water for Good. While it partners with local ministries to distribute Bibles and plant churches, Lifewater says it serves everyone regardless of religion.

You can donate to Lifewater International by phone, mail or on its website.

#7. Water4

Water4 is a Christian charity that partners with water businesses in Africa. Through donated capital, these businesses can charge affordable rates. Water4 also trains educators on handwashing, safe food preparation and other WASH practices and supports local water entrepreneurs with products and services like technology training and a support network. Water4’s other services include geophysical surveying support, well drilling training and sales and marketing training. In 2022, Water4 participated in 1,751 new water projects and reached over 260,000 people.

Water4 accepts a variety of donations, including monthly donations, gifts by will and employer matching gift programs.

#8. The Water Project

The Water Project has been working in sub-Saharan Africa since 2006. It provides several services, including local NGO training, well pumps and other water equipment, and water safety education and maintenance. Local teams and experts choose the right type of project for a school or community. In 2023, the charity worked on projects like building wells, installing hand pumps and protecting springs in countries like Sierra Leone and Kenya.

To donate to The Water Project with your credit card or crypto wallet, visit the website.

#9. Thirst Project

Thirst Project is a nonprofit that builds freshwater wells. It focuses on the participation and empowerment of young people, who it believes are key to ending the global water crisis. Hundreds of thousands of young people lead Thirst Project’s awareness and fundraising campaigns around the world. Since the charity began in 2008, it’s raised over 10 million dollars, reached over 500,000 people with clean water and funded 3,350 projects. According to the charity’s website, it gives 100% of its public donations to programs. In 2022, Thirst Project funded 96 water projects, worked in 4 countries and raised over $850,000.

The Thirst Project accepts donations by credit card, stocks, cheque and more.

#10. WaterStep

WaterStep is a charity that trains people in developing communities on safe water solutions. Since its establishment, the charity has worked in 60+ countries. Currently, it has 116 active projects in places like Kenya, Ecuador, Uganda and Liberia. Beyond its training, education and emergency relief programs, WaterStep runs a shoe program. You donate new or gently used shoes to the charity, who then sells them to an exporter. The money then funds clean water service. In 2023, the charity impacted more than 12 million people.

To learn more about donations, including shoe donations and donations by credit card, visit the WaterStep website.

#11. WATERisLIFE

WATERisLIFE is a clean water and sanitation charity working in Africa and Latin America. Between 2020 and 2023, it completed 50+ water projects in 13 countries. By 2030, it hopes to reach one million people with its projects. It implements several water solutions, including a personal filtration straw, a Bucket Nanofilter, and ultrafiltration systems that can serve communities for 7-10 years. Other projects include a washroom for 5,000 people and water spring protection in Kenya.

WATERisLIFE accepts one-time, monthly and annual donations.

#12. Save the Water

Save the Water is a North American research and advocacy organization studying water contamination and its health impacts. Since 1999, the research team has identified chemicals in North American waters, documented their effects, communicated with the public and developed water treatment technologies that remove pollutants. It currently has four proprietary technologies that treat large bodies of water and remove things like heavy metals and pollutants. It also wants to establish an Everglades Project to protect the health of water and humans in Florida. While Save the Water focuses on North America, its research can apply globally.

Save the Water, which uses 100% of its donations for projects, accepts money through its PayPal.

#13. Splash

Splash is an organization focused on clean water, hygiene, sanitation and health, especially for kids. It currently serves over 1 million children in eight African and Asian countries. Its projects have reached 70% of the school kids in Kathmandu, Nepal, while in China, it helped every orphanage get a water filtration system. Splash’s activities include providing clean water, using commercial-grade filtration systems and making sure water flow is reliable and safe.

Supporters can make one-time, monthly or yearly donations on the Splash website.

#14. Water Wells for Africa

Water Wells for Africa (WWFA) works to build wells in Africa. In the 30 years the charity has operated, it’s supplied 450 sustainable water sources for 350,000 people. The well-building process is collaborative, and community-based management committees must include 5-6 women. WWFA also provides training on well maintenance, sanitation and hygiene. Each well serves at least 500 people. The Blossom Project, which is a newer program, builds private changing rooms for girls experiencing period poverty. In 2023, WWFA built the first Blossom Project changing room, which includes washing facilities and proper disposal of menstrual pads.

Water Wells for Africa accepts donations by credit card, cryptocurrency, donor-advised funds and more.

#15. Blood: Water

Blood: Water is a charity working with African organizations on the intersection of water and the HIV/AIDS crisis. Since 2004, the charity has worked in 12 countries with 33 organizations. At the time of writing, Blood: Water had active partners in Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi and Uganda. The charity makes an 8-year funding commitment (four two-year cycles) to their partners, who they assist with organizing and funding. Blood: Water wants to strengthen every organization’s team capacity, financial sustainability, program quality and community representation.

Blood: Water accepts one-time and monthly donations on its website.

The post 15 Trusted Charities Fighting for Clean Water appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

“Transgender” or “trans” refers to a gender identity different from one’s sex assigned at birth. Trans people have always existed, and under the trans umbrella, people identify in a variety of ways such as transmasculine, transfeminine, gender non-conforming, genderfluid, non-binary, genderqueer and more. According to the OHCHR, trans and gender-diverse people face unique challenges, such as an increased risk of harassment, violence and institutional discrimination. Charities help connect trans people with emotional support, healthcare access, financial services and much more. Here are 15 charities from around the world:

 #1. Global Action for Trans Equality

Global Action for Trans Equality (GATE) was founded in 2009 as a coordinating network for trans organizations around the world. As a trans-led advocacy charity, GATE calls for equality and dignity for people of all gender identities and expressions. Priorities include human rights, health and movement building. GATE’s website hosts a knowledge portal where visitors can search for articles, events, job opportunities, UN documents, grants and more by topic and tags like anti-gender movements and community.

You can support GATE’s advocacy and research by making a donation.

#2. Asia Pacific Transgender Network

The Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN) is a trans-led organization advocating for the rights of trans and gender-diverse people in Asia and the Pacific. The group works in movement building, advocacy, leadership development, public campaigning and research. Priorities include children, youth and family; stigma and discrimination; health and well-being; and legal gender recognition. APTN also runs special projects like an online health-and-rights module, and the Trans Thrive Project, which raises awareness of transphobic violence in the Asia Pacific area.

Visit the APTN website to make a donation.

#3. Transgender Europe

Transgender Europe (TGEU) is a trans-led charity that represents 200+ member organizations in 50+ countries. It works to protect the rights and well-being of trans people in Europe and Central Asia. TGEU focuses on three areas: advocacy, research and community. Priorities include legal gender recognition, protection from violence, non-discrimination, and the rights of asylum seekers and refugees. TGEU also hosts a Trans Rights Map where anyone can check the state of trans rights in 49 European countries and five Central Asian countries.

To support TGEU’s work, check out the charity’s website.

#4. Egale Canada

Egale is a Canadian charity advocating for equal societies and systems free from homophobia, transphobia and all forms of oppression. Founded in 1986, the organization recently replaced “LGBTQ+” with the acronym “2SLGBTQI” in recognition of “Two Spirit” people. Programs include research, education, public awareness and legal advocacy. In 2023, its work included six research reports, 75 workplace inclusion trainings and 120+ resources in French and English.

You can make donations to Egale’s greatest need, its legal advocacy or sports inclusion on its website.

#5. Transgender Victoria

Transgender Victoria engages in advocacy, training and resource development in Victoria, Australia. The nonprofit focuses on human rights and policy development. The trainings, which are available online and in-person across Victoria, focus on transgender inclusion and service provision. Transgender Victoria also offers funding grants, support groups, employment skill training, workshops and youth programs for trans and gender-diverse people.

Transgender Victoria accepts donations on its website.

#6. Sahodari Foundation

Sahodari Foundation supports India’s transgender and gender non-binary community. In 2014, thanks to the advocacy of the charity’s founder and other activists, the Supreme Court of India legally recognized the transgender community. The foundation now focuses on workplace inclusion, education, entrepreneurship, livelihood and other issues affecting trans people. The organization runs a few projects, including the Transgender Youth Mentorship Program, which prepares young trans people for a successful and happy life, and the Red Wall Project, an art and activist project.

Donate to the Sahodari Foundation through its website.

The 15 charities on this list employ people who work in communications, grant-writing, administration and much more. To learn more about these types of jobs, check out our article on gender rights jobs.

#7. Genre Pluriels

Genre Pluriels is a Belgian charity supporting and advocating for the rights of the transgender, gender fluid and intersex community. It advocates for respectful terminology, the de-pathologization of trans people, improved healthcare access, a modification to the Anti-Discrimination Law of 2007 and an institutional commitment to issues affecting trans people. The charity offers workshops, professional trainings and resources on health, gender and legislation.

You can make a donation to Genre Pluriels on its website.

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#8. Point of Pride

Point of Pride is an American charity working to improve healthcare access for trans people. It runs programs like the Annual Transgender Surgery Fund, which donates money for gender-affirming surgery, and the Electrolysis Support Fund, which helps pay for permanent hair removal. Point of Pride began as a branch of Point 5cc, a clothing and apparel company, but it became a nonprofit in 2016. The charity has provided almost half a million dollars in financial assistance and donated thousands of gender-affirming clothing items to trans people in the US and around the world.

Point of Pride accepts one-time and monthly donations on its website.

#9. Black Trans Alliance

Black Trans Alliance is a Black queer and trans-led charity founded in 2020. It serves Black trans and non-binary people in London, UK and surrounding areas. Its services include peer-to-peer support, a community ally program, community-led safe spaces and resources on terminology and identity. At the time of writing, the charity was developing a helpline. Visitors to the website can also find information on counseling, health, important legal texts and legal support.

The Black Trans Alliance accepts donations online.

#10. Trans Lifeline

The Trans Lifeline is a hotline and microgrants organization offering community support to the trans community in the USA and Canada. Its principles include peer support, harm reduction, informed consent, equity and more. Since its establishment, the Lifeline has answered 100,000 calls, given almost $1.5 million in grants and trained over 600 operators. All operators are members of the trans community. While crisis hotlines often use non-consensual emergency interventions (like calling the police), the Trans Lifeline wants to protect the autonomy and safety of its callers. Please visit the website for hotline hours. At the time of writing, the microgrants program was on pause.

Make a one-time or monthly donation to the Trans Lifeline on the website.

#11. Sylvia Rivera Law Project

The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) is an American organization that offers free legal services to the low-income trans, intersex and gender non-conforming community. SRLP programs include Legal Services, Impact Litigation, Movement Building, Public Education and Grassroots Fundraising. The charity operates as a collective with different teams running different parts of the organization. For example, the Direct Services Team runs the legal clinic and advocates for policy reform. SRLP also offers trainings and presentations to schools, community organizations, government agencies and others.

The Sylvia Rivera Law Project accepts donations on its website.

#12. Advocates for Trans Equality

The US-based National Center for Transgender Equality and the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund merged into Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) in 2024. With its team of policy experts, community organizers and litigators, the trans-led organization advocates for human rights while providing the community with knowledge and services. Programs include an ID Documents Center, a Trans Health project, a Name Change project and a State Action Center.

To donate to Advocates for Trans Equality, visit the charity’s website.

#13. Transgender Law Center

The Transgender Law Center, which was founded in 2002, is the largest trans-focused, trans-led organization in the USA. It prioritizes areas like employment, prison conditions, immigration, healthcare and education. Programs include Black Trans Circles, a Gender Justice Leadership Project, a Disability Project and Positively Trans, a program led by trans women of color living with HIV. The Transgender Law Center also has a litigation team and a Legal Services Project. To learn more about the American laws and policies affecting trans people, you can visit the Legal Information Helpdesk.

The Transgender Law Center accepts donations through its website.

To learn more about trans rights and why they matter so much, check out our article on Trans Rights 101.

#14. The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is an American suicide prevention and crisis intervention charity for LGBTQ+ youth. Its work includes 24/7 crisis counseling, advocacy, research and education. The nonprofit also tracks legislation, so anyone who visits the site can search state by state for pro-LGBTQ bills, conversation therapy bans, suicide prevention bills, anti-LGBTQ+ healthcare bans and more. The Trevor Project also hosts TrevorSpace, an online community for LGTBQ+ youth between 13-24 years old. At the time of writing, TrevorSpace has participants from 100+ countries. While the space is moderated, any online space for young people comes with risks, so visitors should use caution.

To donate to The Trevor Project’s work, visit its donation portal.

#15. PFLAG

PFLAG is a Canadian charity that supports, educates and advocates for LGBTQ+ people and their communities. Thanks to its network of hundreds of chapters, the charity engages with more than 320,000 members and supporters. People can get peer-to-peer support through in-person meetings, virtual meetings, online outreach and other programs. The website also offers a resource hub with information and advice for LGBTQ+ individuals, their loved ones and allies.

To support PFLAG’s work, please visit the website.

The post 15 Trusted Charities Supporting Trans People appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

The Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute at the University of Connecticut offers a two-year Master of Arts in Human Rights to advance students’ knowledge of human rights from both academic and professional perspectives; training them to become competitive candidates for positions in a variety of sectors, including industry, government, education, and advocacy.

Our human rights faculty are internationally recognized experts drawn from disciplines across the University of Connecticut and here to share their skills in human rights practice, research, and education. This diversity facilitates students’ study of their particular human rights interest while at the same time broadening their topical and methodological human rights knowledge.

Our two-year 30-credit master’s program consists of 15 core credits and 15 credits of electives, including a 200-hour practicum. This project-based fieldwork is done with an approved partner organization related to the field of human rights and provides students real problem-solving experience related to their career goals.

 Admissions Requirements

• A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited US university or foreign equivalent
• Resume/CV
• Personal statement
• Short writing Sample
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcript(s)
• English language proficiency certificate (if English is not your primary language)
• Application fee (USD $75)
• Please click the button below for all up-to-date details on applying to our program.

Apply now

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Are you ready to elevate your leadership in International Institutions and NGOs? If you are a mid- or senior-level professional (minimum of 5 years of experience; 14 years on average), we invite you to seize the opportunity to join the 11^th cohort of the Executive Master in Management of International Organizations (EMMIO) at SDA Bocconi School of Management, ranked 6th among EU Business Schools by the Financial Times.

Why EMMIO?

• Community of change-agents: become part of a prestigious community with 180 Alumni from over 70 countries, representing International Organizations like the United Nations, European Commission, Global Fund, GAVI Alliance, Inter-American Development Bank, and World Vision.
• Diverse cohort: by joining the EMMIO, you will join a unique group of 20 professionals annually, with 32% from International Organisations (e.g. United Nations, European Commission) and International NGOs, 37% from National Public Administrations, and 32% from the Private Sector.
• Flexible learning: designed for mid and senior-level professionals, our part-time program blends online and on-campus learning, requiring only 25 days on campus in Milan (Italy).
• Financial support: benefit from available partial tuition waivers to support your educational journey.
• Exclusive benefits: engage in continuous learning after your Graduation through our bi-annual alumni gatherings, offering a platform for sharing innovative solutions to common managerial challenges.
• An Executive Master for change-agents willing to serve Public Interest at international level

Are you a fit for EMMIO? If:

• You are a mid- or senior-level professional with at least 5 years of professional experience in the international public sector, INGOs, or the private sector.
• You aspire to enhance your leadership and management skills within a top-ranked School of Management.
• You are committed to contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

If your answer to the above questions is yes, we would be pleased to welcome your application.

Program Structure

• Face-to-Face Term in Milan: October 6-23, 2025 
• Distance Learning: November 2025 – April 2026 
• Face-to-Face Term in Milan & Graduation: May 5-22, 2026

Take the Next Step

Do not miss this opportunity to strengthen your capacity to lead and manage in humanitarian aid, development, and peacekeeping operations contexts.

Apply before the July 21, 2025 deadline and take the next step in your career with EMMIO.

You have different opportunities to explore the program in greater detail:

• Reserve a one-to-one chat with the EMMIO Program Coordinator
• Learn more from our Alumni and Alumnae and contact the EMMIO Ambassadors 
• Look at this video and this video at your own pace to explore the program features

Apply now

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Political systems seem complicated, but at their core, they’re a series of laws, policies, decisions and other activities determining how society operates. Who gets to decide who runs the government? That’s a political issue. Who has to pay taxes, how much do people pay and where does that money go? Those are political issues, too. Political issues like these and countless others are the inevitable result of policies, power structures and people interacting on a local, national and international scale. What specific issues should everyone know about? In this article, we’ll give 15 examples:

#1. Weakening democracy

Democracy has been weakening for years, which is one of the world’s most troubling political trends. According to Freedom House’s 2023 report, global freedom declined for the 18th year in a row. In 52 countries, political rights and civil rights declined, while only 21 countries saw improvements. Freedom House isn’t alone in its grim assessment. According to the Bertelsmann Foundation’s “Transformation Index,” of the 137 countries studied, there were 74 autocracies and 63 democracies. Combating this trend requires everyone’s attention and participation.

#2. Freedom of expression

Freedom of expression, which is Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, protects everyone’s right to share their opinions without interference. That includes the right to receive and share information through any media. Freedom of expression is becoming increasingly threatened around the world. According to the Global Expression Report in 2023, the Global Expression Score has fallen 6 points in the last 10 years. In 2022, journalists, human rights defenders and civilians faced worsening attacks. Freedom of expression is essential to democracy and the security of other human rights, which makes its decline a serious political issue.

#3. Political corruption

Political corruption takes many forms, but it happens when government officials or other contacts use power to benefit themselves. Bribery, tax evasion, extortion, nepotism and embezzlement all count as corruption. According to data from 2019, corruption costs developing countries over $1 trillion a year. In 2024, things are not much better. A report from Transparency International found that global efforts to fight corruption are failing. The rise in authoritarianism is one reason, but safeguards in democratic countries are weakening, too. Corruption must be dealt with if a country wants to secure its economy and political stability.

#4. Climate change

Climate change causes shifts in the earth’s temperature and weather patterns. The problem? The earth is getting too hot. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, human activities have “unequivocally caused global warming,” and greenhouse gas emissions are increasing. Consequences include more frequent and severe weather events, deadly heat, food insecurity, reduced biodiversity and more. Climate change is political because it demands government action, but there’s also the added fact that poor communities (who are least responsible for climate change) are the most affected. When addressing climate change, this inequality must be reckoned with.

#5. Immigration

About 3.6% of the global population are international immigrants, according to the United Nations. Immigration is not inherently a problem; there are lots of good things that result from people moving from place to place, like cultural exchange, economic growth and the achievement of other sustainable development goals. However, many immigrants are displaced by violence, economic instability, climate change and other crises. Between 2020 and 2022, the number of people seeking asylum rose by over 30%. Policies and laws should protect immigrants from exploitation, abuse and other human rights violations while addressing the conditions that force people to move in the first place.

#6. Economic inequality

Economic inequality has always been an issue, but COVID-19 made things worse. According to the International Monetary Fund, workers who earned the least (which included workers without a higher education) were affected the most. Globally, while five billion people have become poorer since 2020, the world’s richest five men doubled their wealth, according to Oxfam. Economic inequality spreads into gender inequality, racial inequality, health and so much more, making it one of the most serious political issues. What are the effects? When societies have high levels of economic inequality, they’re less happy, less educated, less skilled and less stable.

#7. Gender inequality

Gender inequality is a persistent and pernicious political issue. While there’s been progress, the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index estimates it will take 131 years to achieve full gender parity. This is good news; the score took a big hit during the pandemic, but appears to have recovered. However, the rate of change has slowed significantly. No country has reached full gender equality, although the report found that countries like Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, Namibia and Nicaragua have closed at least 80% of the gap. The benefits of gender equality include equal opportunities for all, more stable economies, healthier children and much more.

#8. Reproductive justice

Lots of rights fall under the reproductive justice umbrella, including access to contraception, access to abortion and maternal healthcare. What’s political about reproductive justice? According to Human Rights Watch, the right to make decisions about healthcare, how many kids to have, when to have kids and whether to have kids at all is vital to other human rights, especially for women. There’s been progress over the years, but reproductive rights remain a major political issue. 40% of women still live under restrictive abortion laws, and four countries (like the United States) have rolled back abortion rights.

#9. Public health

Public health is the science of protecting and improving human health on a local, national and international scale. Public health professionals research diseases, treat injuries, educate people and much more. Because things like income, housing and discrimination affect health, it’s a political issue. Globally, the public health sector is struggling; the head of the World Health Organization said the world is “not ready” for the next pandemic. How likely is another pandemic? One study found that the probability of large pandemics like COVID-19 could grow three times over the next few decades. Improving healthcare systems and public health measures needs to be a priority for politicians, NGOs and healthcare workers.

#10. Systemic racism

Racism, which is prejudice or discrimination based on race, is always a violation of a person’s human rights, but when it’s baked into societal structures, it becomes even more political. According to Amnesty International, systemic racism includes policies and practices that lead to unjust advantages to some and harmful, discriminatory disadvantages to others, simply because of their race. In the United States, the wealth gaps between white and Black people could cost the economy $1-1.5 trillion between 2019-2028. Racism also impacts public health, which is a deeply political issue. No matter where it occurs, racism harms society.

#11. False information

There are two main types of false information: misinformation (which includes unintentionally inaccurate information) and disinformation (which is deliberately false information with an intent to spread fear or hatred). Both threaten democracy. In its 2023 Global Risks Report, the World Economic Forum described how technology like artificial intelligence allows people to disrupt the political process. Cloning politicians’ voices and creating fake videos are just two activities. False information must be dealt with, but governments don’t always have good intentions. Authoritarians can exploit vague laws that give them the power to define false information, choose the severity of punishments and silence critics. This makes false information a complex political issue that must be handled carefully.

#12. Mass surveillance

Governments have always been keen to know what citizens and visitors are up to, but technology makes it easier to use mass surveillance techniques that violate people’s privacy. According to the ACLU, national security agencies regularly spy on private communications, create huge databases and catalog “suspicious” activities for unclear reasons. This is disturbing in the best of cases, but in the hands of authoritarian governments, surveillance technology is even more dangerous. Activists, journalists and other human rights defenders have been imprisoned and killed because of spyware. As governments incorporate artificial intelligence and expand their surveillance power, people should understand the privacy threats.

#13. Labor rights

Article 23 of the UDHR states that “everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.” Tragically, 28 million men, women and kids are subjected to forced labor. This is a major political issue, especially in countries with weak labor protection laws, but even in places where forced labor isn’t as severe, people still struggle to make ends meet. In the United States, half of tenants can’t afford their rent. Decent wages must allow people to afford housing, education, healthcare, transportation, clothing, food, water and an emergency fund.

#14. Housing

Everyone deserves decent shelter, but the world is facing a housing crisis. Affordability is a big issue. According to the International Monetary Fund, home prices in most EU countries, the Middle East and Africa are 10-25% higher than they were before the pandemic. Many regions also don’t have enough housing, while interest rates are pricing out current and hopeful home buyers. Climate change also presents a looming threat. According to the United Nations, climate disasters have been the main cause of internal displacement over the past decade. Those experiencing homelessness or insecure housing were most affected.

#15. Violence

Violence contributes to political instability, human rights violations, inequality and other serious issues. While threats to human life are the most obvious consequence, violence also forces people to flee their homes, which increases their risk for more violence and exploitation. At the end of 2023, global violence had forced 68.3 million people into internal displacement, which is the highest number since data became available. Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and Gaza has recently risen to catastrophic levels. In 2024 at the time of writing, nearly 10 million people in the DR Congo were moving, millions were displaced with thousands dead in Sudan and at least 35,000 were dead in Gaza. Those are just three examples; violence against women and girls is increasing globally, too.

The post 15 Political Issues We Must Address appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

LGBTQ+ people deserve the same human rights as their straight, cisgender peers, but discrimination, violence and hate persist around the world. According to Amnesty International, there are 64 countries with laws that criminalize homosexuality, some of which impose life in prison or even the death penalty. In countries with more protections, members of the LGBTQ+ community still face persecution and discrimination when trying to get a job, find a place to live, access healthcare and simply live their everyday lives. Charities around the world advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, help people access legal services, provide emotional support and much more. Here are 15 of these trusted organizations:

#1. Human Rights Campaign

Human Rights Campaign is an advocacy organization fighting to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. With more than 3 million members and supporters around the United States, it’s the biggest pro-LGBTQ+ lobbying organization in the country. Its work focuses on workplace equality, youth well-being, health and aging, welcoming schools and a global workplace program. The Human Rights Campaign also releases reports and compiles resources. It works closely with the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, which is an independent entity.

To learn more about the Human Rights Campaign, check out the charity’s website.

#2. Sappho for Equality

Sappho for Equality is the only registered organization in Kolkata working for the LGBTQ+ community, with a focus on individuals assigned female at birth. It creates safe spaces, provides emotional support, runs a helpline, offers subsidized counseling services, develops skill-building training and organizes workshops, meetings, film screenings and more. The charity also conducts and publishes research. The Chetana Resource Centre, which is an archive of publications, films, videos and other resources on sexuality and homosexuality, is the first center of its kind in Eastern India.

You can contact the organization through its website.

#3. Rainbow Railroad

Rainbow Railroad helps at-risk LGBTQ+ people fleeing persecution. The charity has helped over 13,000 individuals through emergency relocation, cash assistance, crisis response and other aid. While based in the USA and Canada, the charity helps people from places like the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, South and Central Asia, and the Caribbean. People can request help through the charity’s website. Rainbow Railroad also partners with government agencies and sponsorship groups to help refugees once they arrive in their new country.

To make a donation to Rainbow Railroad’s work, click here.

#4. Outright International

Outright International is a global nonprofit that advocates for the human rights of LGBTQ+ people. Its programs include LBQ Connect, a global feminist program focused on strengthening the work of lesbian, bisexual and queer activism, and the Global Trans Program, which supports global movement building through funding, research and advocacy. Outright also offers an Insights hub where anyone can search for articles, photo essays and commentaries by topic, country/region and keyword.

To support the work of Outright International, check out its donation page.

Individuals and institutions often discriminate against LGBTQ+ people based on gender. Check out our article here to learn more about gender discrimination. 

#5. Stonewall

Stonewall is a UK charity that advocates for LGBTQ+ people. Since the organization’s founding in 1989, Stonewall has participated in every fight for LGBTQ+ rights such as the equal age of consent for gay and bisexual men, the right for same-sex couples to have civil partnerships and the legalization of same-sex marriage. Its programs include the Diversity Champions program, the Workplace Empowerment program, the School and College Champions program and the Children and Young People’s Services Champions program.

You can visit Stonewall’s donation portal to support the charity’s work.

#6. Out & Equal

Out & Equal is a nonprofit working on LGBTQ+ workplace equity, inclusion and belonging. Through its global programs, the organization works with HR and D&I professionals, executives and LGBTQ+ employee resource group leaders. Its programs focus on areas like leadership development, on-demand learning, engagement groups and global partnerships. Out & Equal also offers a resource hub with toolkits, guides and reports on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

To donate to Out & Equal’s mission, click here.

#7. Point Foundation

Point Foundation is the biggest LGBTQ+ scholarship-granting nonprofit. It provides financial support, leadership training, mentoring and community to college students attending US-accredited schools. It helped 575 students in the 2023-2024 academic year. Point Foundation offers three main scholarships: the Flagship Scholarship, the Community College Scholarship and the BIPOC scholarship. Students who receive a scholarship also get access to mentoring and leadership programs.

To learn more about donation options, check out Point Foundation’s website.

#8. The Ali Forney Center

The Ali Forney Center serves LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. According to its website, it’s the largest organization focused on homeless LGBTQ+ youth in the United States. It serves young people 16-24 years old with a 24-hour drop-in center, an emergency housing program, a job readiness and education program, health services and more. It operates mostly in the New York City area, including Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. Around 2,000 individuals are served every year. The center is named in honor of Ali Forney, a gender-nonconforming young person killed in 1997.

Donations can be made on the Ali Forney Center’s website.

#9. ILGA-Europe

ILGA-Europe is a global umbrella network of 700+ organizations from 54 European and Central Asian countries. As the coordinating body, ILGA-Europe helps organizations build their capacities and improve their services. Priorities include communications, community organizing, documentation and advocacy, management development, and security and well-being. ILGA-Europe also hosts the Rainbow Map & Index, a bench-marking tool that ranks 49 European countries on LGBTQ+ equality laws and policies.

You can donate to ILGA-Europe through its website.

#10. Galop

Galop is an LGBTQ+-led charity that helps LGBTQ+ people who’ve experienced abuse and violence. These individuals include victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crimes, forced marriage, conversion therapies, honor-based abuse and other interpersonal abuse. Galop runs four support lines and provides longer-term help through its advocacy and casework services. The charity also supports LGBTQ+ young people 13-25 years old with free, confidential and independent support. Because of its experience and expertise, Galop collects research on abuse patterns and survivor needs, which it relies on when working with local and national policymakers.

To donate to Galop, visit the charity’s website.

#11. MindOut

MindOut is a UK mental health charity for LGBTQ+ people. Its services include online support, advice and information, peer support groups, a peer mentoring project, counseling and more. All the charity’s volunteers, staff and board of trustees are LGBTQ+. While MindOut focuses on LGBTQ+ people, it also welcomes those who don’t identify with the label, such as straight people who are in relationships with LGBTQ+ people and those questioning their sexual or gender identity. You must be at least 18 to access MindOut’s services, which are available in Brighton and Hove. Online support is available around the world.

MindOut accepts donations through its website.

I grew up in a community that spread misinformation and hatred about LGBTQ+ people. As a young person struggling to understand my sexual identity, the information and support provided by charities like the ones in this article would have made my life a lot easier. If discrimination and hatred are affecting you or anyone in your life, please know you’re not alone. There are people and groups who want to help. 

#12. The Human Dignity Trust

The Human Dignity Trust is a UK-based global charity using strategic litigation to protect LGBTQ+ rights. The charity’s team of lawyers, researchers, communication specialists and local activists work with a network of law firms, civil society organizations and others. The organization supports court cases on a variety of LGBTQ+ issues, such as decriminalizing consensual same-sex activity, ending discrimination, challenging abusive treatment of LGBTQ+ people and more.

One-time and monthly donations to the Human Dignity Trust can be made here.

#13. GiveOut

GiveOut is an international LGBTQ+ charity that provides grants to other LGBTQ+ organizations around the world. GiveOut identifies, consults and vets groups before distributing any donation money. In four years, GiveOut and its supporters have raised £1.2 million for 40+ LGBTQ+ organizations across six continents. Information on the charity’s grant partners can be found here. There are also thematic funds focused on issues like climate change, legal aid, women’s rights and emergencies.

You can support GiveOut’s grants by making a donation.

#14. Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association

Founded in 1998, the Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association is the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ association in Taiwan. It offers many services for the LGBTQ+ community, such as support groups for parents and relatives of LGBTQ+ kids; discussion groups for people considering whether to come out; lecture series on sexual health; gender education classes; support for the elder LGBTQ+ community and much more. The charity serves around 50,000 people every year.

To learn about your donation options, check out the Hotline’s website.

#15. African Queer Youth Initiative

The African Queer Youth Initiative is a network of young queer activists supporting the LGBTQ+ movement in Africa. The charity offers a handful of programs, including the Zimuzo Mentorship Program, which provides LGBTQ+ youth between 15-25 years old with professional mentorship, and the Learn to Grow Initiative, which supports young LGBTQ+ Africans with entrepreneurial skills and job readiness. The charity also curates Opportunity Point, which lists grants, internships, courses, jobs, fellowships and other opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth in Africa.

You can donate to the charity’s work through its donation portal.

To learn more about LGBTQ+ rights, check out our list of online courses.  

The post 15 Trusted Charities Fighting for LGBTQ+ Rights appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

The Master of Science in Engineering, Sustainability and Health degree provides graduates with the foundational skills needed to excel in transforming corporate, non-profit (NPO) and non-governmental organizations (NGO) committed to a balance between technology and the built environment, sustainability and health. The program provides mid-career professionals with the capabilities to move within their own organization or to facilitate career changes into areas concerning energy, water, humanitarian aid, corporate social responsibility, and international/global development. This program is also ideal for parents returning to work after a career break, as they can stay at home with young children whilst studying.

With a focus on critical approaches to problem-solving through innovation, MESH graduates are well positioned for leadership and managerial positions. Those who wish to begin their venture will develop the capabilities and skills needed to create and manage their own equitable organizations. Other graduates will be able to leverage their skills and experience for greater upward mobility in their professions to become value-driven, critical, change-making managers, executive officers, consultants, and instructors at colleges and universities.

The Master of Science in Engineering, Sustainability and Health is a 30-unit project-based program that is designed to be completed in 20 months over five semesters.

The program is offered 100% online using the Canvas learning management system and requires students to take two seven-week-long courses each semester, including a culminating capstone course that involves the development and completion of a major project related to the interconnection between sustainability, health, engineering and justice.

The MESH program is organized around the following themes:

• Engineering for Planetary Health
• Engineering for Sustainability
• Just Transitions
• Transitioning to Alternatives

Who Should Enroll?

Anyone that is passionate about our natural and built environments. Your experience doesn’t need to be within an engineering discipline. Whether you’re a STEM enthusiast, a health advocate, or a sustainability champion, MESH is for you.

Apply now

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Civil rights protect a person’s access to social opportunities, political participation and protection under the law. Examples of civil rights include the right to vote, the right to public education, the right to housing, the right to a fair trial and much more. When someone is discriminated against based on their race, gender, ethnicity or other characteristic, their civil rights are violated. Throughout history, activists have fought against discrimination even when it puts their lives at risk. In this article, we’ll go over 16 civil rights leaders everyone should know, including the “Big Six” of the Civil Rights Movement.

#1. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)

Martin Luther King Jr. was the leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. He trained as a pastor and fought for equal rights for Black people. Using nonviolent strategies, like the March on Washington, King pressured the US government to end segregation and protect civil rights. In 1964, President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, which banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. Dr. King was assassinated in 1968.

#2. Rosa Parks (1913-2005)

Rosa Parks was an organizer and leader in the Civil Rights Movement, especially in Alabama. In 1955, she was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat for white customers. Her act sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which protested segregation of public transport. While the boycott was successful in desegregating buses, Parks lost her job and had to move. She spent her life fighting discrimination and inequality. She’s often called “the mother of the Civil Rights Movement.”

#3. John Lewis (1940-2020)

John Lewis played a critical role in the Civil Rights Movement. In his position as a co-founder and chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, he helped organize the Freedom Rides, the March on Washington and the Selma marches. With Martin Luther King Jr. and others, he was one of the “Big Six” of the Civil Rights Movement. He continued to work as an activist his whole life and served in Georgia as a representative. He passed away in 2020.

#4. Roy Wilkins (1901-1981)

Roy Wilkins was an activist and long-time director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He trained as a journalist and became involved in activism by challenging Jim Crow laws. He joined the NAACP where he became editor of the organization’s official magazine, and then the director. During the Civil Rights Era, he helped organize the March on Washington, the Selma marches and other demonstrations. While Wilkins was the director of the NAACP, the organization was involved in civil rights victories like Brown v. Board of Education and the Voting Rights Act. Wilkins passed away in 1981.

#5. James Farmer (1920-1999)

James Farmer was one of the “Big Six” Civil Rights leaders and head of the Congress of Racial Equality. He founded the organization in 1942. With this organization, Farmer helped organize sit-ins, Freedom Rides and other nonviolent actions. He resigned in 1965 and went on to work as an assistant secretary of health, education and welfare in Nixon’s administration. In 1998, a year before his death, Farmer was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

#6. A. Philip Randolph (1889-1979)

Philip Randolph was a civil rights leader and labor activist during the Civil Rights era. Born to a family that valued education, Randolph attended Florida’s first all-Black university. He soon developed a socialist worldview, and in 1925, he founded the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, America’s first major Black labor union. Randolph got involved in racial equality activism, as well, and helped organize many events, including the March on Washington. In 1964, President Johnson gave Randolph the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The activist passed away in 1979.

#7. Whitney Young (1921-1971)

Whitney Young was a civil rights activist and director of the National Urban League. After receiving an education and serving in the army, Young became a social worker and started working for the National Urban League. Under his direction, the League became a major organization during the Civil Rights movement. Young focused on economic empowerment, integration, education and racial equality. With Martin Luther King, John Lewis and others, he’s considered one of the “Big Six.” He died in 1971.

#8. Malcolm X (1925-1965)

Malcolm X, who was born Malcolm Little, was a prominent activist during the Civil Rights era. As a child, white supremacists burned down his house, and after a stint in prison, he joined the Nation of Islam. He advocated for Black empowerment and independence, and while he was initially critical of the Civil Rights movement, he advocated for the Nation of Islam to participate more in 1963. He also called for a shift from civil rights to human rights and solidarity with people suffering around the world. He was assassinated in 1965.

#9. Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977)

Fannie Lou Hamer was a voting rights organizer and advocate for equality during the Civil Rights movement. Born into poverty to sharecroppers, Hamer became a dedicated activist at 45 years old. She endured violent discrimination, including an assault for sitting in a white-only restaurant. She continued to organize voting registration campaigns, give speeches and develop economic opportunities for Black people. In 1971, she helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus, which is still active today. Hamer died in 1977.

#10. Cesar Chavez (1927-1993)

Cesar Chavez was a labor rights organizer and co-founder (with Dolores Huerta) of the National Farm Workers Association. As a migrant farm laborer and organizer in California, he became one of the leaders of a five-year strike by grape pickers. The boycott went nationwide, leading to solidarity with other laborers and new bargaining agreements. In 1971, the National Farm Workers Association merged with another group and became the United Farm Workers, which is the current labor union for farmworkers in the US. Chavez was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

#11. Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

Gandhi was a civil rights activist and leader of India’s campaign for independence from Great Britain. His time in South Africa influenced his commitment to human rights, and upon returning to India, he organized protests based on his philosophy of nonviolence. The 1930 Salt March, which protested Great Britain’s unjust laws about making salt, is one of the most famous. Years of resistance eventually led to India’s independence. In 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by a fundamentalist who disagreed with Gandhi’s attempts to unify Muslims and Hindus.

#12. Frederick Douglass (1818-1895)

Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist and writer known for shining a light on the reality of slavery. After escaping slavery, Douglass shared his experiences and advocated for freedom. He published his first autobiography The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass in 1845. Douglass also ran a newspaper, supported the women’s rights movement and fought for civil rights after the Civil War. He died in 1895.

#13. Sojourner Truth (1797-1883)

Sojourner Truth was an abolitionist and women’s rights activist. Born into slavery, she became free in 1827. She also became the first Black woman to win a legal victory against a white man when she successfully sued for the return of her five-year-old son. While Truth couldn’t read or write, she dictated The Narrative of Sojourner Truth, which raised her national profile. She became involved in the temperance and women’s rights movements, as well as the fight to end slavery. Her famous speech “Ain’t I a Woman” challenged racial and gender norms. After the Civil War, she fought to end segregation. Truth died in 1883.

#14. Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)

Nelson Mandela was a civil rights activist and leader in South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. He joined the African National Congress, a political party opposed to apartheid, in 1944. In 1964, Mandela was sentenced to life in prison for opposing the racist system. His activism continued from jail, and in 1990, he was released. He became South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994.

#15. Ida B. Wells (1862-1931)

Ida B. Wells was an activist, journalist and researcher. She was born into slavery, but once the Civil War ended, her parents became involved in the Reconstruction Era. She worked first as an educator, but following the lynching of a friend, Wells began investigating the brutal practice. Her publications unveiled a pattern of racial violence throughout the South. Wells was also involved in the fight for women’s rights. She frequently criticized white women in the movement for ignoring lynching and racism. Wells died in 1931.

#16. Harvey Milk (1930-1978)

Harvey Milk was a civil rights activist and the first openly gay man elected to public office in California. While he hid his sexuality in his younger years, he became more vocal and progressive with time, especially after moving to San Francisco in the 1970s. He advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, labor rights and community activism. When he was elected to the city’s Board of Supervisors, he helped pass an ordinance that banned anti-gay discrimination in employment and housing. A former colleague killed Milk in 1978. Every year, California recognizes Harvey Milk Day on May 22.

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Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights includes housing as one of the rights vital to a person’s “standard of living adequate for the health and well-being.” While everyone deserves shelter, around 1.6 billion people don’t have access to good housing and other basic services. According to the UN, as many as 3 billion people might not have decent housing by 2030. Home and rental prices are rising too fast, there’s not enough affordable housing and more people are experiencing poverty and homelessness. Here are 15 charities fighting for housing rights, the rights of refugees, the rights of people experiencing homelessness and other housing-related issues.

#1. Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity is an international nonprofit that builds and repairs homes, revitalizes neighborhoods and advocates for affordable housing. It believes in “adequate housing,” which includes accessibility, safety, respect of culture, protection against discrimination, a healthy environment and so on. Habitat for Humanity works in 70+ countries. The nonprofit also compiles research on safe, affordable housing’s impact on health, children’s education, income stability and more.

To learn more about your donation options, check out Habitat for Humanity’s website.

#2. National Alliance to End Homelessness

The National Alliance to End Homelessness is an American organization working to prevent and end homelessness in the United States. Founded in 1983, the organization researches solutions to homelessness, works with local and federal partners on policy and creates resources for communities and organizations. The Homelessness Research Institute does research, while the Center for Capacity Building offers technical assistance, tools and training to providers and public agencies. It advocates for solutions like rapid re-housing, a more effective crisis response system, permanent supportive housing and higher wages.

The National Alliance to End Homelessness accepts donations through its website.

#3. World Habitat

World Habitat is an international charity that promotes housing solutions. It’s best known for the World Habitat Awards, which it organizes with UN-Habitat. The awards recognize innovative and successful housing ideas, projects and programs. Its awarded solutions like community-led housing models and climate-resilient housing projects. The charity also coordinates a network of housing organizations and governments, so solutions can be shared. With its European End Street Homelessness Campaign, World Habitat works in 13 cities.

To learn more about World Habitat’s work, visit its website.

#4. New Story

New Story believes land ownership and home financing are key to ending the housing crisis, so it works to increase land accessibility for families in Latin America. It develops land with all the utilities (water, sewage, electricity, etc) and sells to families at an affordable monthly rate. Families can then use the financing to either buy one of New Story’s housing prototypes or build their own. New Story distinguishes itself from “traditional charities” by working closely with developers, financial institutions and the government, so the charity is not as dependent on donations.

New Story welcomes donors, impact investors and corporate/brand partners. More information can be found on the website.

#5. Positive Action in Housing

Positive Action in Housing is a Scottish homelessness and human rights charity that supports refugees and migrants. When refugees and migrants first arrive in a new country, they’re at a high risk of homelessness, poverty and discrimination. Positive Action in Housing provides information, advice and practical support through programs like the Emergency Relief Fund, the Money Skills project and the Room for Refugees Network, the UK’s oldest refugee hosting program. Since 2002, the charity has housed over 4,000 refugees and registered 16,000 hosts.

Positive Action in Housing accepts one-time and monthly donations.

Interested in learning more about the right to housing? Here’s our article on Housing Justice 101.

#6. African Services Committee

The African Services Committee is a Harlem human rights agency for immigrants, refugees and asylum-seekers from the African Diaspora. It addresses a variety of needs, like health, social welfare, education, nutrition and housing. Its Housing Placement Assistance Program helps clients secure safe housing and housing-related services in New York City. The team also helps with long-term housing benefits and workshops on financial planning, home safety and tenant rights. African Services has special consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

To donate to the African Services Committee, please visit the website.

#7. The Fuller Center for Housing

The Fuller Center for Housing is a Christian organization focused on ending poverty housing. It was established by Habitat for Humanity’s founder, but it’s a separate organization. Through partnerships with churches, schools, civic organizations, businesses and volunteers, the Center builds houses that are sold to homeowners for an affordable price. The Center also uses The Greater Blessing Program, which lets homeowners repay loans on their own terms with no legal obligation. According to its website, the charity works in 70+ American communities and 20 countries.

The Fuller Center for Housing accepts donations through its website.

#8. The National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development

National CAPACD is a coalition of almost 100 community organizations in 21 states and the Pacific Islands. With its coalition of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island (AA and NHPI) organizations, the charity supports low-income communities. Nationwide, National CAPACD assists over two million people experiencing poverty. Its programs focus on areas like small businesses, financial empowerment and housing counseling. Its housing program is a network of agencies providing education for low and moderate-income AA and NHPI homeowners and renters in 30+ languages.

To support National CAPACD’s work, visit the website.

#9. The Canadian Centre for Housing Rights

Originally called the Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation, the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR) advocates for the right to housing. Its free housing stabilization and legal services programs serve vulnerable renters in Ontario, while it also educates housing and service providers on housing law, eviction prevention, provider responsibilities and more. CCHR compiles research to encourage public action and partners with municipal, regional and national organizations and agencies. While it focuses on Canada, CCHR wants to promote housing rights internationally, too.

You can donate to CCHR on its website.

Author perspective: Escaping poverty is very hard when you don’t have a stable address. Getting a decent-paying job is way more complicated, as is something as basic as getting an ID. It’s also hard (and sometimes impossible) to open a bank account, register to vote, receive government benefits or find healthcare! While human rights can’t be ranked by importance, so many other rights and opportunities flow from the right to housing.

#10. Rebuilding Alliance

Rebuilding Alliance is a nonprofit advancing the rights of Palestinian people through advocacy, education and support, including the right to a home. Since its founding in 2003, the charity has worked with Palestinian and Israeli NGO coalitions to rebuild neighborhoods, advocate for village-centered rebuilding and promote human rights. Its programs have included meals, garden playgrounds, COVID-19 support and family-guided construction in Gaza. In response to the mass killings in Gaza, Rebuilding Alliance has partnered with the World Food Program to distribute food.

To support Rebuilding Alliance’s work, visit their donation portal.

#11. Housing Justice

Housing Justice is a London-based Christian charity responding to homelessness in the UK. It partners with faith groups, communities and churches through a network of 1,000 churches, a hosting program and a Citadel program, which helps connect individuals to communities, jobs, healthcare, hobbies and more. Housing Justice also helps churches surrender surplus land and unused buildings for affordable housing.

Learn more about Housing Justice’s donation options on its website.

#12. National Low Income Housing Coalition

The National Low Income Housing Coalition, which is based in the United States, launched in 1974. Its goal is to educate the public on affordable housing, save existing assisted homes and housing resources, expand low-income housing, and make housing stability the focus of housing policy. The charity’s teams focus on research, policy, mobilization and communications. Areas of focus include racial equity and fair housing, Native American housing, rural housing, the housing first approach and much more. The website also compiles information on every state’s most urgent housing needs.

To support the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s work, please visit the website.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

#13. National Fair Housing Alliance

The National Fair Housing Alliance, an American charity, works to end housing discrimination and protect equitable housing opportunities. Its programs and initiatives focus on education, outreach, training, policy and advocacy, development investments and housing law. Issues like redlining, credit and equity in tech are of special interest. The website also provides information on reporting housing discrimination. If your area doesn’t have a fair housing center, you can file a report with the National Fair Housing Alliance.

Click here to make a donation to the National Fair Housing Alliance.

#14. Housing All Australians

Housing All Australians is a national organization using business-led actions to create housing solutions. Its priorities include pop-up housing, affordable housing options and education on the consequences of not housing everyone. The charity also commissions action, advocacy and research through an economic lens. One example is Give Me Shelter, which is a series of reports showing the financial costs of failing to address affordable, public and social housing.

Housing All Australians accepts donations on its website.

#15. National Center for Healthy Housing

The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) is an American nonprofit focused on safe, healthy housing for everyone. It has conducted 30+ years of research, provided support and resources to 600+ coalition members, provided over $1 million in grants, and helped strengthen housing codes, healthy housing professional development and more. The charity is a valuable resource on the connection between health and housing. Visitors to the website can find resources, tools, best practices, case studies and more on healthy housing efforts.

To donate to the National Center for Healthy Housing’s work, click here.

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Gender inequality is everywhere. According to the World Economic Forum, it could take another 131 years to achieve global gender parity. Inequality affects the treatment, rights and opportunities of women, girls and transgender and gender-diverse people the most, but everyone deals with negative effects. Crises like war, climate change and pandemics can make things worse. How does gender inequality manifest in everyday life? Here are 15 examples:

#1. Women make less money than men

The pay gap is one of the most consequential examples of everyday gender inequality. According to the UN, women make only 77 cents for every dollar men earn, even when they do comparable work. The gap widens for women who have children. Country specifics also reveal racial inequalities. In the United States, Hispanic women earned 57.5 cents for every dollar in 2022, while Black women made 69.1 cents. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research estimates that if progress doesn’t speed up, it could take 30 years for the US to reach pay equity.

#2. Girls are more likely to be out of school

Education access has improved over the years, but large gaps are still an issue. According to the World Bank, 88% of girls are enrolled in primary school on a global level, but 78% are enrolled in low-income countries. The gap widens in secondary school; only 31% of girls are enrolled in low-income countries compared to the 66% global average. Conflict plays a big role. Girls are 2.5 times more likely than boys to leave school during crises, which impacts their economic opportunities, safety, health and more.

#3. Women and girls are more likely to be murdered by people they know

While men are overall more likely to be murdered, women and girls are more likely to be killed by people they know. Family members or intimate partners commit around 55% of female homicides. That means every hour, more than five women or girls are murdered by someone in their family. Because it’s much harder to avoid violent family members or partners, everyday life for women and girls can be dangerous.

#4. Women and girls experience more sexual violence

For many women and girls, the threat of sexual violence is persistent. According to UN Women, 26% of women 15 years and older have endured intimate partner violence, which means their abuser is a romantic and/or sexual partner. Around 15 million girls 15-19 years old have experienced forced sex at some point. Men experience sexual violence, too; according to stats from the United States, around 24.8% of men have experienced unwanted sexual contact. The numbers show it’s much more common for women and girls. The true prevelance is unknown as sexual violence is significantly underreported.

#5. Women do more unpaid work

Life is more than paid work and play; people must cook, clean, do laundry, care for children and more. Women do most of this unpaid labor. According to Oxfam, the world’s women and girls complete more than ¾ of all unpaid work. That accounts for 12.5 billion hours of unpaid work every day. It’s worse for rural women from low-income countries. They can spend up to 14 hours a day doing unpaid care work. This limits their educational and economic opportunities.

Gender inequality can manifest in subtle ways. When I was in high school, the girls noticed that one of the male teachers only seemed to call on boys. We started an informal experiment where we raised our hands for every question. More times than not, he would always call on a boy if they had their hands up, too. While we could never prove he was sexist, we felt invisible and undervalued.

#6. Women cook more

Let’s look closer at one example of unpaid work: cooking. It’s an everyday task that takes significant planning, energy and time. According to one survey, women cook more meals than men in almost every country. In 2022, that totaled a little less than nine meals a week. Men cooked four meals a week. In places like Ethiopia, Egypt, Yemen and Nepal, women cooked eight more meals than men. Italy was the only place where men cooked more than women. The reasons vary, but cooking is typically considered a domestic and “feminine” job. Because of this stereotype, women end up saddled with extra unpaid work.

#7. Discrimination affects gender-diverse and transgender people more than their cisgender counterparts

Gender-diverse and transgender people don’t identify with the sex they were assigned at birth and/or traditional gender binaries. Gender inequality affects them, too. According to research, trans people are more than four times more likely than cis people to experience violence, including rape and sexual assault. Households with a trans person also have higher rates of property victimization. Discrimination extends into every area of life, including employment, housing and healthcare. According to the Human Rights Campaign, discrimination disproportionately affects young trans women of color.

#8. Women are sexually harassed at work more often

Work should be a safe place for everyone, but women deal with more sexual harassment. According to the International Labour Organization, young women are twice as likely as young men to experience sexual violence and harassment at work. Migrant women are especially vulnerable; they’re twice as likely as non-migrant women to report harassment. Not every industry is the same. According to the Center for American Progress, women who work in male-dominated fields, like warehousing and construction, are most likely to report harassment. Most people who experience harassment never report it, however, so harassment is happening a lot more often than we know.

#9. STEM jobs are gendered

The STEM field, which stands for science, technology, engineering and math, has been male-dominated for many years. Gender stereotyping is one of the main reasons why. Historically, most societies didn’t believe women were fit for these types of jobs. The consequences are still with us today. According to research from LinkedIn, women fill only 3 out of 10 STEM roles around the world. This represents an improvement, but at the pace of progress, it will take 90 years for women to make up half of the global STEM workforce.

#10. Caretaker jobs are gendered (and undervalued)

While women are underrepresented in STEM jobs, they perform most caretaker jobs. According to the International Labour Organization, women fill 88% of the personal care worker jobs, which include home healthcare assistants, while men fill 12%. Women also dominate the cleaning, food prep, teaching and clerical support fields. Their work tends to go unappreciated, however. According to the Economic Policy Institute, American home healthcare and childcare workers make just $13.81 and $13.51 an hour. That’s half of the average hourly wage for workers in general.

Gender equality jobs can help reduce inequality and empower women and girls.

#11. Women experience worse mental health

Everyone can experience mental health problems, but women and girls are at a higher risk. According to 2017 data, women are three times more likely than men to have common mental health issues. They’re also three times more likely to experience eating disorders and PTSD. The picture gets more complicated when it comes to suicide. While men are 2-4 times more likely to die by suicide, women are three times more likely to attempt suicide. Stigma could be one reason why. Because of gender stereotypes, men may be less likely to report mental health problems or seek help, which is another example of how inequality hurts everyone.

#12. Healthcare professionals take women less seriously

Everyone should be able to go into a doctor’s office and feel respected. Because of gender inequality, women face more challenges. Doctors often take women less seriously and quickly label health issues as “anxiety,” which results in worse healthcare. According to one study, women who went to the emergency room with severe stomach pain waited 33% longer than men with the same symptoms. Black women face even more discrimination. According to research, doctors are twice as likely to deny Black women pain medication during birth than white women.

#13. Taking paternity leave is stigmatized

Paternity leave used to be rare. The prevailing view was that women were responsible for childcare, while men needed to stay at work. Now, 63% of countries guarantee paid parental leave. Only seven countries – including the United States – do not. Even in countries where paternity leave is provided, families deal with stigma. A small 2020 study from the UK found that 73% of men believed there was a stigma to taking paternity leave, while 95% wanted workplaces to “normalize” taking paternity leave. Gendered stereotypes about parenting harm everyone and allow gender inequality to thrive.

#14. Products for women can cost more

People of all genders use products like razors, soap and lotion, but the ones designed for women often cost more. According to data from the World Economic Forum, personal care products marketed to American women can cost 13% more than the same products for men. This disparity is called “the pink tax.” While it’s not an official tax, cost differences affect accessories, clothing, dry cleaning, and other products and services. Women may pay thousands of dollars more over their lifetimes because of their gender.

#15. Men get in more car crashes (but women are more likely to be trapped)

For many people, driving a car is an everyday occurrence. Women could face some unique risks. According to a study of UK data, while men were more likely to be involved in serious crashes, women were twice as likely to be trapped after a car crash. Women also experienced more injuries to the hip and spine, while men were injured on their heads, face, chest and limbs. While the cause of this disparity isn’t obvious, it could be because crash test dummies are modeled after male bodies. Identifying the less clear reasons for gender inequality is essential to people’s health and safety.

Want to learn more about gender equality? Here’s our Gender Equality 101 article.

The post 15 Examples of Gender Inequality in Everyday Life appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Hunger is one of the most persistent and harrowing challenges facing people today. According to experts, hundreds of millions don’t have enough to eat. In the face of global issues like conflict and climate change, the food crisis is likely to get worse. What can be done about it? It’s not a problem existing in isolation; its solutions connect to things like poverty, war, gender equality and more. Here are 11 approaches that can help alleviate world hunger.

#1. Address poverty

The world cannot end hunger without ending poverty. According to Action Against Hunger, a food-focused NGO, around 648 million people live on less than $2.15 per day. Food is a basic need, but when a family’s budget is stretched thin, they must make difficult decisions about what and when to buy. The food they can afford often lacks enough nutrition. More than 3 billion people can’t afford a reasonably healthy diet. UN officials sounded the alarm in 2023, saying that the surge in extreme poverty in developing countries was linked “inextricably” to the global food insecurity crises. Poverty and hunger reinforce each other; you can’t solve one problem without solving the other.

#2. Reduce conflict

Conflict creates and reinforces poverty and hunger. The Center for Strategic & International Studies describes the relationship as a “feedback loop” that’s happening all over the world. Conflict-affected zones are home to 60% of the world’s hungriest people. There are several reasons why conflict connects to hunger. When there are competing groups, they fight over food, which harms civilians caught in the middle. Conflict affects the economy, too, which can cause food shortages. Conflict can also displace millions of people, which increases their risk of malnutrition. Food shortages and famine can also spark conflict, which makes an area’s food insecurity even worse. Reducing conflict is no easy task, but it’s necessary to end hunger.

#3. Empower women

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, women produce 60-80% of the food in developing countries. Globally, they produce 50% of the world’s food. However, they face more obstacles due to gender inequality. If they got equal access to the resources needed to grow food and increase productivity, they could feed more people, stabilize economies and lift themselves out of poverty. The International Food Policy Research Institute names land and housing rights as a big area of improvement. Even in places where women produce most of the food, men control the land, make most of the decisions and trap women in exploitative relationships. Empowering women’s control over land is an important step in addressing hunger.

#4. Build climate change resilience

Climate change effects like extreme weather events, famines, floods and higher temperatures destroy farmland, pollute the water and the air, kill livestock, favor food-killing pathogens and more. Climate change resilience is vital to protecting the world’s food supply. Organizations like the UN World Food Programme suggest changes like land rehabilitation projects, reforestation, climate insurance for farmers and more sustainable energy access. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is also essential, because while climate infrastructure helps, the agricultural industry can only adapt so much if the root problem isn’t addressed.

#5. Increase education access

When people get a good education, they can get higher-paying jobs that support higher food budgets. Education access is especially important for girls, who face unique threats to their economic potential. Education is also important for the people who grow food. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, a study found that farmers who get four years of primary education can increase their productivity by 8.7%. Education can also help people choose the most nutrient-dense foods for themselves and their children.

#6. Empower small-scale farmers

According to Nature, more than 475 million of the world’s 570 million farms are less than 2 hectares. This matters because most people who live in poverty are small-scale farmers. Empowering these farmers would go a long way in addressing both poverty and hunger. Increasing access to fertilizer, seeds, tools and storage is important. Farmers also need the infrastructure that brings their crops to the market. Financing is a key solution, as local institutions often don’t want to give money to small-scale farmers. Financing empowers farmers to get into the market, which makes their farms more profitable and sustainable.

As part of his job, my partner has talked to hundreds of people experiencing homelessness. Hunger is often their main challenge. To stay alive, people resort to eating spoiled food, chewing gum, grass and even mud. Hunger is dehumanizing. It shrinks your world until all you think about is where your next meal comes from.

#7. Improve soil quality

The world depends on crops for human consumption, but livestock – another main food source for people – need crops, too. It all comes from soil, and when that soil is damaged, food production goes down. According to the BBC, the world is using too much high-quality soil too fast, so while there’s lots of land, not all of it can support food. Desertification, which makes food growth impossible, kills around 12 million hectares of land every year. Things like salinity can contribute to desertification. Soil gets saltier when water tables and sea levels rise due to irrigation and climate change.

What is desertification and why does it matter? Here’s our article on Desertification 101.

#8. Protect clean water

Without water, agriculture would be impossible. The industry needs over 100 times more water than what’s needed for personal needs, and it’s present in every stage of food production. When the water used for agriculture is contaminated, it can reduce food production and cause serious health problems. Wastewater is just one culprit. When treated, wastewater (any water affected by human activity) is useful, but if contaminants aren’t removed, the food grown with the water can make people sick. Unclean drinking water is a big contributor to malnutrition, as well. When children are malnourished, unclean water increases their risk for deadly waterborne diseases. According to UNICEF, poor access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation accounts for half of the world’s malnutrition cases.

#9. Reduce food waste

The world technically produces enough food for everyone, but literal tons go to waste. In high-income countries like the United States, 40% of the food produced is never eaten. Why? People buy more than they need. There’s food waste in low-income countries, although waste tends to happen during the growth, harvest and storage stages. Solutions depend on where food waste is happening. In high-income countries, individuals can buy less food, while grocery stores, restaurants and food companies can produce less food, donate food, find new uses for uneaten products and so on. In low-income countries, improved access to refrigeration and storage would make a huge difference.

#10. Treat malnutrition

Improper nutrition, which happens when people don’t get enough to eat or aren’t eating nutrient-dense food, causes malnutrition. “Wasting,” which is severe malnutrition, kills ⅕ of the kids who die under 5 years old. With proper food and clean water, these children would live. Treating malnutrition is part of ending hunger. Specific treatments vary on how severe a case is, but most people need to eat nutrient-dense, high-calorie foods, drink clean water and get additional vitamin, mineral and protein supplements. If a person can’t tolerate food, which is common for young children, they can get milk formulas and therapeutic foods, which are designed to treat malnutrition.

#11. Address corporate monopolies

Corporations wield immense power, and the food system is no exception. Seeds are a prime example. The seed system includes the development, management and distribution of seeds. In a perfect world, every farmer would have seed security, but things like conflict, natural disasters, gender inequality and administrative issues threaten that security. The power monopoly over seeds is a problem, too. According to research, just four multinational companies control 60% of the global commercial seed market. They have significant influence over the market, which leads to fewer choices, higher prices for farmers and IP protections that threaten innovation. Corporate control is making food insecurity worse, so to end world hunger, their power needs to be addressed.

Who is working to end hunger? Here’s our list of 30 organizations.

The post 11 Approaches to Alleviate World Hunger  appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Malala is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning education activist who survived an assassination attempt. She’s the founder of the Malala Fund, which invests in educators working to close the gender gap in education. 

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist, writer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate focused on education equality. By the time she was 18, she’d already accomplished more than most people accomplish in a lifetime, and she continues to fight for equality. Here are 15 of the most important and interesting facts about this education rights advocate:

#1. She’s an advocate for education and gender equality

Malala Yousafzai has advocated for every girl’s right to education since she was a child. According to data from the Malala Fund, 64% of girls drop out of school in the lower secondary grades, while 81% drop out in the upper secondary. That means around 122 million girls are out of school, while women account for ⅔ of all adults who can’t read. Girls are still not valued as much as boys, which limits their access to education. Malala focuses on investing in girls’ education and protecting their futures.

#2. Her father made sure she got equal educational opportunities

Education advocacy runs in the Yousafzai family. Malala’s father, Ziauddin, was a teacher and education activist in Pakistan. In a 2019 talk with The Guardian, Malala said, “My father was a feminist before he knew the word feminist.” He ran a girls’ school in their village, so Malala got the same educational opportunities as a boy. With her father’s encouragement, Malala developed an early passion for learning. Zia is humble about his contributions to Malala’s success, saying “I didn’t clip her wings, that is all.”

#3. Malala began her activist career through an anonymous blog

People from all over the world know Malala’s name, but she used to be an anonymous blogger for BBC Urdu. In 2009, the BBC hosted writings from “a seventh-grade schoolgirl from Swat,” who described how the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education affected her and her friends. She writes about hearing artillery fire at night and worrying she won’t get to return to school. On January 3rd, she attends school despite the ban; she’s one of 11 students out of 27 who went back. Malala was just 11 years old. The blog quickly became famous. In her memoir I Am Malala, she describes how hard it was not to tell anyone, and how she didn’t even want to use a fake name. The BBC correspondent organizing the blog chose the pseudonym “Gul Makai,” which means cornflower.

#4. Malala stopped being anonymous, despite the dangers

Malala did not stay anonymous for long. In 2008, journalist Adam B. Ellick worked for the New York Times bureau in Afghanistan. After learning about the Taliban’s plans to ban education for girls, Ellick met Zia Yousafzai, who arrived for an interview with Malala. When filming for Malala’s documentary began, winter vacation was about to begin, but no return date had been set for the girls’ return to school. The filmmakers followed Malala and her classmates through their last day. In I Am Malala, she felt like they were going to a funeral. The Times documentary “Class Dismissed” compiles two of Ellick’s original documentaries.

#5. The Taliban tried to assassinate Malala in 2012

By 2012, Malala was speaking more openly about the right to education. The Taliban considered her a threat to their power. On October 9th, Malala was returning home from school when two Taliban members boarded her bus and shot the 15-year-old in the head. She survived. She was first treated at a hospital in Pakistan and then at an intensive care unit in England. She spent ten days in a medically induced coma. She had no major brain damage, although she needed months of surgeries and rehabilitation.

#6. Malala was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize

Malala won the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, which she shared with Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian activist who campaigns against child exploitation. At just 17 years old, Malala is the youngest recipient. Her memoir describes the moment she found out. She was in chemistry class when a teacher asked to speak with her. Malala was shocked at the news, but instead of going home to celebrate, she completed the rest of her school day. She was given the award for her work “against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education.” Nobel Peace Prize winners receive a monetary award, a diploma and a medal.

#7. Malala continued her education in the UK

About six months after the attempt on her life, Malala began attending school in Birmingham, England. In an interview with Al Jazeera, she expressed excitement about going back to school, although she missed her classmates from Pakistan. In the 2015 epilogue of her memoir, I Am Malala, she describes keeping in touch with the two other girls who were shot on the bus, as well as her best friend. The school system in the UK was an adjustment, as she didn’t have access to things like science labs, libraries and computer labs in Pakistan. In 2020, she graduated from the University of Oxford with a three-year degree in philosophy, politics and economics.

#8. Malala has a day named after her

Malala Day is celebrated every July 12. It recognizes Malala’s birthday and the day she gave a famous speech to the UN in 2013. She was 16 years old. In her speech, Malala thanked her nurses, doctors and everyone who supported her as she recovered from the attempt on her life. She also drew attention to the activists who stand up for human rights, including the thousands and millions killed and injured. “One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world,” she said.

To learn more about Malala Day, check out our article here.

#9. Malala established an education fund with her father

Malala and her father founded the Malala Fund in 2013. According to its website, it “champions every girl’s right to 12 years of free, safe, quality education.” Instead of building new schools, the fund invests in members of the Education Champion Network. These activists are already working to improve education access, so the Malala Fund helps them scale up their work and harness their collective power. The Fund wants to expand into 10 new countries in the next five years.

#10. Malala is an author

Malala has written or co-written several books. In 2015, she released I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban with Christina Lamb. In this book, Malala describes her upbringing, relationship with her parents, decision to speak up for education and rise as a global icon for human rights. She’s also written books for children including Malala’s Magic Pencil. Her most recent book, We Are Displaced, explores her experiences visiting refugee camps and reckoning with her own story of displacement.

#11. Malala is named after an Afghan poet and warrior

Malala is named after Malalai of Maiwand, a folk hero from Afghanistan. Malalai was a shepherd’s daughter who rallied armies against British invaders. In 1880, Afghans fought a second war against the British, but during the battle of Maiwand, the soldiers grew discouraged. Malalai performed a “landay,” a short poem in the Pashto language: “Young love, if you do not fall in a Battle of Maiwand, by God, someone is saving you as a symbol of shame.”

#12. Malala’s Muslim faith is important to her

Malala was raised in the Muslim faith, and according to a 2024 interview in Teen Vogue, her spiritual beliefs continue to motivate her. She describes faith as the “foundation” of her advocacy. At 10 years old, she began studying the Quran, which taught her the importance of doing good and seeking knowledge. Malala also condemns the Taliban’s use of religion to justify oppression. In the interview, she says, “My faith guides me to know that it is wrong to deliberately and systematically oppress girls and women.”

#13. Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister, inspired Malala

In I Am Malala, Malala writes about her admiration for Benazir Bhutto, the first woman democratically elected in a Muslim-majority country. While Bhutto had lived in exile in the UK since Malala was two years old, she describes Bhutto as “a role model for girls like me.” Malala and her family wept when Bhutto returned home to Pakistan in 2007. Two months later, Bhutto was assassinated. At that moment, Malala felt inspired to keep fighting for women’s rights in Pakistan despite the risks. When Malala gave her speech to the UN in 2013, she wore a pink shawl that belonged to Bhutto.

#14. Malala had a movie made about her

The documentary He Named Me Malala came out in 2015. Directed by Davis Guggenheim, the movie explores Malala’s life and her recovery from the Taliban’s assassination attempt. The film was shortlisted for the 88th Academy Awards Best Documentary Feature and won Best Animated Special Production at the Annie Awards. The film is available to rent or buy on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu and Amazon Video.

#15. Malala got married in 2021

In 2021, Malala announced she’d married Asser Malik in a nikkah ceremony, which is a religious ceremony where couples consent to be married. At the time of the marriage, Malik was a cricket manager. Malala shared more information in a personal essay for British Vogue. “I found a best friend and companion,” she wrote. She also discussed her initial caution about marriage, and how she worried she might lose her independence and humanity. Through conversations with trusted mentors and loved ones – including her husband – she determined she could stay true to her values in a relationship.

The post 15 Facts About Malala Yousafzai appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Millions of people can’t pay for essentials like food, clean water, housing, healthcare and education. According to the World Bank, about 700 million people live in “extreme poverty,” or less than $2.15 a day. Around 50% of the world lives on less than $6.85 a day. At the current rate of progress, the world won’t end extreme poverty by 2030, which is the first Sustainable Development goal. How does poverty affect society? In this article, we’ll discuss 12 of the most significant ways:

#1. Gender inequality

Poverty has a huge effect on gender inequality and vice versa. According to UN Women, 383 million girls and women live on less than $1.90 a day, compared to 368 men and boys. Most of the world’s poorest women live in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia. Women work the lowest-paying jobs, work longer hours and do more unpaid labor. These factors, along with few resources, limited access to assets, and stereotyping about women’s place in society, keep millions of women trapped in poverty. Women’s poverty also affects societies as a whole. Because of gender inequality, women lose $9 trillion a year, which is money that would go back into the economy.

#2. Racial inequality

People from marginalized races are more likely to experience poverty than their non-marginalized peers. Take the United States as an example. According to 2019 data, Black American and Hispanic children face the highest poverty rates, with Black kids three times more likely to live in poverty as white kids. Using survey data from 10 countries, the World Bank found that Indigenous people were always poorer than other groups. Indigenous communities, who represent just 5% of the global population, make up 15% of the world’s extreme poor. When poverty increases, it affects marginalized people the most, while addressing poverty improves racial equality.

#3. Education

Paying for a good education can be difficult for people experiencing poverty, which then makes it harder for them to escape poverty. A UNESCO study found that most people not in school lived in countries with lower incomes, such as countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Northern Africa, Central and Southern Asia and Western Asia. Increasing education access would significantly reduce poverty rates around the world. That same study also found that if all adults got two more years of schooling (or completed secondary school), 60 million people would escape poverty. Poverty also affects a child’s readiness for school. According to a study of Canadian families, kids from low-income families scored “significantly lower” on things like vocabulary and communication skills, cooperative play and concentration.

#4. Employment

Poverty limits access to education, skills training, scheduling availability and other factors influencing someone’s employment. With no better choices, people often have to work in the informal sector, which is not government-regulated. According to the International Labour Organization, workers in the informal sector are more likely to experience poverty than their peers in the formal sector. Poverty also makes it harder to find employment after losing a job. Traveling to interviews and learning new skills can be expensive, while gaps in a resume can hurt a person’s reputation. As the Urban Institute puts it, “poverty can reinforce joblessness just like joblessness can increase poverty.”

#5. Physical health

Poverty isn’t the only factor influencing physical health, but it can’t be ignored. According to a literature summary from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, people experiencing poverty are at a higher risk for chronic disease, higher mortality and lower life expectancy. The cost of health insurance, medications and healthy foods, as well as poverty’s influence on chronic stress, contribute to these issues. Globally, people experiencing poverty are more likely to die from diseases like tuberculosis and diarrhea, while tropical diseases (like malaria) disproportionately affect people experiencing the deepest poverty. Another study found that poverty increases the risk of diseases like cancer, heart disease and stroke. While poverty doesn’t guarantee a person will experience serious health issues, it significantly increases their risk.

Where does poverty come from? Here’s our article on 10 root causes.

#6. Mental health

The stress of poverty harms a person’s mental health. According to a 2020 study, poverty in childhood and adulthood can lead to social stress, stigma and trauma, which hurts mental health. Researchers looked at Scotland where people living in the poorest areas had higher levels of poor mental health compared to those living in wealthier areas. Poverty affects a person’s access to mental health treatment, as well. While 83% of high-income countries have organizations that represent people with mental health issues, just 46% of low-income countries have these organizations.

#7. Homelessness

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, economic instability increases the risk of homelessness, which makes certain populations – like older people, refugees, people with disabilities and people already experiencing poverty – more vulnerable. Poverty and homelessness operate in a feedback loop. When people don’t have high enough incomes to maintain housing, they’re more likely to become homeless, while experiencing homelessness makes it harder to get a job and escape poverty. To address homelessness, governments must also address poverty, or the number of people experiencing homelessness will continue to grow.

When people experience poverty, they depend on the cheapest, lowest-quality items on the market. These never last long, but without the money to buy something better, people get caught in a vicious cycle. Fantasy author Terry Pratchett describes it perfectly: “A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that’d still be keeping his feet dry in ten years’ time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.”

#8. Hunger

Poverty is one of the major causes of food insecurity. Without enough money, people can’t afford nutritious foods, clean water, seeds, farming equipment and other resources linked to reducing hunger. Families must constantly make hard decisions about what to buy, what to sacrifice and how to portion food. Malnutrition and poverty are also linked. According to a 2020 study, of the 800 million people who are undernourished, 780 million live in low-to-middle countries. Malnutrition weakens a person’s physical health, which limits their ability to work and make money. This lack of income then makes it hard to buy food.

#9. Water, sanitation and hygiene

Water, sanitation and hygiene (known as WASH) have a close relationship to poverty. Around 2 billion people don’t have access to clean water, while 3.6 billion don’t have adequate sanitation services. Poverty heavily influences disparities within countries; the poorest people lack resources and infrastructure. For example, wealthy households in urban Ethiopia are 4 times more likely to have piped water than poorer households. Without WASH resources, people are at higher risk of disease, malnutrition, poor crop yields and other issues. There’s a gender equality element, too. Women and girls spend around 200 million hours every day collecting water instead of going to school or working.

#10. Children’s well-being

Poverty has a disproportionate effect on children. According to data from 2022, 333 million kids live in extreme poverty, which is living on less than $2.15 a day. While making up only 31% of the total global population, 50% of the world’s global poor are kids. The effects are devastating. Kids from low-income households face higher risks of cognitive, emotional and health issues, including poor academic outcomes, developmental delays and behavioral challenges. Poverty also increases a child’s risk of death. In 2022, 1 in 14 kids in Sub-Saharan Africa died before age 5, which means kids are 15 times more likely to die than kids born in high-income countries.

#11. Incarceration and crime

Poverty doesn’t directly cause crime, but they’re associated, especially when it comes to incarceration. According to Brookings, an American think tank, boys from families who earned less than $14,000 a year were 20 times more likely than boys from families earning more than $143,000 to be imprisoned while in their early 30s. This disproportionate incarceration is a global issue, according to the UNODC. There are a few reasons for the link between poverty and incarceration, but the inability to pay fines for non-violent crimes (like drug offenses) keeps millions entangled with the criminal justice system. Living in poverty also increases the odds of experiencing violent crime. According to a US study covering 2008-2012, people who lived at or below the Federal Poverty Level experienced more than double the rate of violent crime compared to high-income households.

#12. Future generations

Poverty impacts families through multiple generations. How? It’s hard for people experiencing poverty to escape poverty. This is known as “the poverty trap,” which forms when people need money to increase their wealth. One example is the cost of education. Education helps people improve their economic potential, but when good schools cost too much, they exclude everyone who isn’t already financially comfortable. Banking is also out of reach for many people in poverty thanks to minimum balance requirements, high fees and no service in rural areas. When people can’t access resources that lift them out of poverty, multiple generations of a family are more likely to experience “intergenerational poverty,” which affects millions of people around the world.

Here are 25 organizations fighting poverty.

The post 12 Ways Poverty Affects Society appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

The world is a complicated place. Many problems threaten the lives and well-being of humans, animals and everything else that calls this planet home, but there are always people and organizations working to solve those problems. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report for 2024 lists several pressing issues such as misinformation, extreme weather events, a lack of economic opportunity and pollution. In this article, we’ll describe 15 great charities addressing these issues and others in 2024 and beyond:

#1. Oxfam International

Oxfam is a British anti-poverty charity made up of 21 independent NGOs. Established in 1995, the organization works in over 80 countries with more than 2,200 local groups and international allies. Over 15 million people received help in 2022-2023. Priorities include climate action, women’s rights, humanitarian aid, corporate accountability and emergencies. Oxfam also releases research and publications about its target areas.

Visit Oxfam’s website to learn more about donation options.

#2. Direct Relief

Established in 1948, Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization focused on disaster recovery, disease prevention and treatment, emergency preparedness and local partner support. The charity is now active in more than 80 countries. Its priorities include community health, maternal health, health equity and so on. The charity doesn’t use government funding, and no donations go to fundraising. 100% of the donations for specific emergencies go directly to those emergencies.

To give to Direct Relief, check out Direct Relief’s donation page.

#3. Asia Foundation

The Asia Foundation is an international development nonprofit focused on Asia and the Pacific. For over 70 years, the foundation has worked on governance, gender equality, education, climate action, technology, inclusive economic growth and international cooperation. The charity has 17 permanent offices in more than 20 countries, along with a base in San Francisco and an office in Washington, D.C. Support goes to policy-making, political reform, education, research, local women’s rights organizations, infrastructure development and more.

To learn more about your donation options, go to the Asia Foundation’s website.

#4. ChildFund International

ChildFund International is an international development charity focused on children. It works in 23 countries across the Americas, Asia and Africa. With 150+ partners, the charity reaches over 21 million children and their family members. Infants, children, young teens and youth (15-24 years old) all receive support and aid through ChildFund. Priorities include healthcare, nutrition, clean water, loving caregivers, education and opportunity and protection.

To get involved with ChildFund International, check out the charity’s website.

#5. Global Fund for Women

The Global Fund For Women is a nonprofit focused on women’s rights initiatives. It was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in California. It works on funding gender justice movements, providing crisis and innovation grants, and advocating for women’s rights. For the past three decades, the Fund has supported over 5,000 organizations in 176 countries. Support grants are flexible and unrestricted; the charity believes grantees know best and should be allowed to direct their own priorities.

Visit the Global Fund for Women’s website for information on donations.

#6. PFLAG

Founded in 1973, PFLAG is a US-based organization that supports LGBTQ+ people and their allies. It offers peer-to-peer support in-person and online, digital outreach and resources and programs. The organization, which is the country’s oldest and largest charity of its kind, has hundreds of chapters and 325,000 members and supporters. Its values include accountability, bravery, community and collaboration, inclusivity and belonging, and growth. The website offers information on chapters, resources, advocacy tools and more.

To donate to PFLAG’s work, check out the charity’s website.

#7. Rainbow Railroad

Rainbow Railroad is a Canadian organization that helps members of the LGBTQ+ community escape state-sponsored violence. The group expects to resettle people from 40+ countries into 20 safe countries. Since its establishment in 2006, the charity has helped over 13,000 people with emergency relocation, cash assistance, crisis response and other aid. Other programs include the Private Sponsorship Program, which is a collaboration with organizations and settlement teams that support newcomers to Canada, and Communities of Care, which is the American version of the program. CoC is the only program that lets private citizens help LGBTQ+ refugees settle in the USA.

To learn more about how to support Rainbow Railroad, visit the charity’s website.

#8. Girls Not Brides

Girls Not Brides is a network of 1,400+ civil society organizations from 100 countries. They’re united in their commitment to ending child marriage and making sure girls receive fair opportunities. The organizations are spread across the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The work includes raising awareness of child marriage and its effects, amplifying the voices of girls at risk of child marriage, strengthening efforts to end child marriage and facilitating coordination between member organizations. In 2023, the organization successfully advocated for the adoption of a Human Rights Council child, early and forced marriage resolution. They also collaborated with partners in Malawi, where the president committed to ending child marriage.

To donate to the members of Girls Not Brides, check out their website.

#9. Clean Air Task Force

To avoid the worst effects of climate change, the world has to reduce global greenhouse emissions to net zero by 2050. The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a nonprofit organization focused on greenhouse gas reductions and increased energy access. The charity works in areas like energy access, carbon capture, fusion energy, advanced nuclear energy and zero-carbon fuels. Its activities have included campaigns against super pollutants, a campaign for carbon capture, support for legislation, the development of tracking tools and research into climate change.

To support the Clean Air Task Force, go to the organization’s donation page.

#10. Center for Countering Digital Hate

The Center for Countering Digital Hate is a British charity focused on stopping online hate speech and disinformation. Social media platforms are a huge part of the problem, so the Center targets their efforts on corporate accountability. The charity has a four-pronged approach: research, campaigns that pressure social media companies and tech platforms to change, communications, and policy and partnerships with civil society leaders. Its research has examined AI image generators, climate change denial, Twitter/X’s content moderation failures, Substack’s policies, anti-Muslim hate and much more.

To support the Center for Countering Digital Hate’s work, check out the charity’s website.

#11. HealthRight International

HealthRight International is a global health organization established in 1990. Its programs address violence, HIV, mental health and women and children. The charity also serves at-risk adolescents, members of the LGTBQ+ community and migrants. In 2022, the charity connected almost 2 million people with health services. Over 1 million people were helped in Ukraine alone. HealthRight also operates the Human Rights Clinic, which trains, deploys and supports volunteer clinicians who help immigrants seeking safety in the United States. Over 200 volunteers, who include mental health professionals and physicians, are qualified to give psychological, medical and gynecological evaluations.

To donate to HealthRight International, visit the charity’s donation page.

#12. Partners in Health

Partners in Health is a global health and social organization focused on equity. Programs cover issues like cancer and chronic diseases, child health, emergency response, maternal health, mental health and more. The charity also conducts research with the help of the Global Health Delivery Partnership, which includes Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In 2022, community health workers with Partners in Health performed 2.1 million home visits and women’s health checkups, as well as 2.8 million outpatient visits in supported clinics.

To get involved with Partners in Health, visit the charity’s website for donation information.

#13. World Central Kitchen

Founded in 2010 by chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen is a charity that provides food during natural disasters, human-caused crises and humanitarian emergencies. Described as “food first responders,” World Central Kitchen focused on fast action, local resources and adaptation. The charity has worked in places like Ukraine, Haiti, Chile, Japan, Gaza and the United States. Programs include the Chef Corps, which is a global network of leaders, and Chefs for Ukraine, which has served hundreds of millions in years since the war began.

To donate to World Central Kitchen, visit the charity’s website.

#14. Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger is a French humanitarian aid NGO with a global reach. It works to end hunger. Since its founding 40 years ago, the charity has expanded into 55 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. It reaches 28 million people each year while 0.91 cents of every dollar goes to programs. The charity prioritizes nutrition and health, water, sanitation and hygiene, emergency response, advocacy and more.

To get involved with Action Against Hunger’s work, go to the website for donation and partnership options.

#15. Peace Direct

Peace Direct is an international charity focused on ending global violence. It supports 25 local peace-building partners across 14 countries. The charity’s priorities include an end to all forms of violence, quick responses to emergencies, inclusion and leadership for those affected by violence, human rights defense and the reform of unjust systems. Peace Direct also collects data on the impact of locally-led peacebuilding, which is at the heart of the charity’s mission.

To learn more about supporting Peace Direct, check out the website.

The post 15 Great Charities to Donate to in 2025 appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Injustice takes many forms. Racial discrimination, sexism, unfair wages, poverty and other violations of human rights are just a few examples. When injustice is exposed, people are better equipped to call for accountability and make changes that build a better, more just world for everyone. Here are 15 quotes on exposing injustice in society:

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was an American minister and figurehead of the Civil Rights Movement. His activism focused on racial equality, economic justice, peace and human rights. The quote above comes from the famous “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” which King wrote while imprisoned in Birmingham, Alabama. King’s letter confronted the religious leaders who wondered why King, who was from Georgia, should care so much about issues in Alabama. Injustice is never isolated to one area. It threatens everyone.

“Some things you must always be unable to bear. Some things you must never stop refusing to bear. Injustice and outrage and dishonor and shame. No matter how young you are or how old you have got. Not for kudos and not for cash: your picture in the paper nor money in the bank either. Just refuse to bear them.” – William Faulkner

William Faulkner (1897-1962) was an American writer considered one of the 20th century’s best novelists. Many of his works focus on Yoknapatawpha County, a fictional Mississippi county. Intruder in the Dark, which the quote above is from, is one example. In the story, a 16-year-old boy tries to save the life of an elderly Black man who is falsely arrested for murder.

“All too often, when we see injustices, both great and small, we think, That’s terrible, but we do nothing. We say nothing. We let other people fight their own battles. We remain silent because silence is easier. Qui tacet consentire videtur is Latin for ‘Silence gives consent.’ When we say nothing, when we do nothing, we are consenting to these trespasses against us.” – Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay is an acclaimed writer and cultural critic. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Tin House, McSweeny’s and many other publications. Bad Feminist, which is where the quote is from, explores being a feminist while also loving things that could be seen as problematic. As Gay describes, it’s easy to see injustices as terrible things that have nothing to do with us, but staying silent creates a culture that accepts injustice.

“I guess the only time most people think about injustice is when it happens to them.” – Charles Bukowski

Charles Bukowski (1920-1994) was an underground writer and poet who focused on the gritty side of American life. His style was straightforward, blunt and often violent. The quote above comes from Ham on Rye, Bukowsi’s semi-autobiographical novel, and while it’s not inspirational, it exposes a harsh truth: most people don’t pay attention to injustice until they’re affected.

Activism is vital to addressing injustice and fighting for equality. Here are 15 quotes on activism.

“A democracy cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few. Ignoring these cries and failing to respond to this movement is simply not an option — for peace cannot exist where justice is not served.” – John Lewis

John Lewis (1940-2020) was a Civil Rights leader and politician. As one of the “Big Six” leaders, he organized and participated in sit-ins, boycotts and marches. In his later years as a congressman, he fought for equality, social justice and human rights. In the quote above, he describes how justice can’t be doled out to just a few people. Without accountability and justice for all, there can be no peace or democracy.

“There are wrongs which even the grave does not bury.” – Harriet Jacobs

Harriet Jacobs (1813-1897) was an American abolitionist and author of Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, an autobiography. She was the first woman to write a fugitive slave narrative in the US, and one of the first to articulate the sexual violence experienced by enslaved women and girls. After the war, she worked in relief work serving formerly enslaved people. While the people who commit injustice – and those who endure it – pass on, there are certain wrongs (like slavery) that resonate through time. Achieving justice requires acknowledgment.

“If one really wishes to know how justice is administered in a country, one does not question the policemen, the lawyers, the judges, or the protected members of the middle class. One goes to the unprotected — those, precisely, who need the law’s protection most! — and listens to their testimony.” – James Baldwin

James Baldwin (1924-1987) was a celebrated American writer and intellectual who explored topics like race and identity. As a gay Black man, Baldwin experienced intersectional discrimination in the United States. He lived and traveled abroad for much of his life. He is best known for works like The Fire Next Time, Giovanni’s Room and Go Tell It on the Mountain. The quote above, which is from the book No Name in the Street, describes how people need to talk directly to those who need justice, as opposed to those responsible for doling it out.

“When I liberate myself, I liberate others. If you don’t speak out ain’t nobody going to speak out for you.” – Fannie Lou Hamer

Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) was a civil rights activist known for pursuing voting and economic rights. She began her activism after learning Black people were being denied the right to vote, despite it being legal. She organized groups, and after being denied a vote because of an unjust literacy test, Hamer was fired and turned out of her home. She continued to fight for equality despite frequent harassment and violence.

Are you interested in learning more about civil rights? Here’s our article on Civil Rights 101.

“Injustice makes the rules, and courage breaks them.” – Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018) was an American science fiction writer famous for complex and philosophical novels and short stories. The quote above comes from the essay and short story collection Tales From Earthsea, which addresses themes like gender equality, power, identity and more.

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” – Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel (1928-2016) was a Romanian Jewish writer and activist best known for his memoir, Night, which captures Wiesel’s experiences of the Holocaust. Wiesel became a well-known speaker who advocated for peace, justice and quality. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. The quote above comes from his acceptance speech. Sometimes, there’s very little we can do to stop injustice, but as Wiesel said, we must always raise our voices against it.

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” – Desmond Tutu

Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) was an Anglican minister and activist known for his work on equality and justice. In 1984, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for opposing apartheid, which was a system of racial segregation in South Africa. After apartheid was dismantled, Nelson Mandela appointed Tutu as the head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which investigated human rights abuses during apartheid. Tutu took a side during apartheid and remained on the side of justice throughout his life.

“You can also commit injustice by doing nothing.” – Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius (121 CE-180 CE) was a Roman emperor known for Meditations, a personal collection of writings and thoughts on Stoic philosophy. Stoicism, which has origins in ancient Greece and Rome, teaches the values of wisdom, courage, moderation, justice and living in alignment with nature. As others have declared after him, Marcus Aurelius believed doing nothing could be a form of injustice.

“To forgive and accept injustice is cowardice.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) was an Indian anti-colonist nationalist, lawyer and icon of civil disobedience. Globally famous for his nonviolent tactics, Gandhi played a vital role in India’s battle for independence from Great Britain. He also worked for peace between Hindus and Muslims. In 1948, he was assassinated. While he promoted peace, Gandhi taught that it should never come at the expense of justice. It takes bravery to stand for what’s right.

“One had better die fighting against injustice than die like a dog or a rat in a trap.” – Ida B. Wells

Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) was a journalist, researcher and activist famous for chronicling the injustices of the American South. Without Wells’ work, the prevalence of lynching would be lost to time. She also traveled internationally to raise awareness of lynching and violence. White supremacists targeted her, and at one time, her press was burned down and she was forced to leave for her safety. Despite the threats, she was willing to risk her life to expose injustice.

“Let us be enraged about injustice, but let us not be destroyed by it.” – Bayard Rustin

Bayard Rustin (1912-1987) was a Civil Rights activist who served as a key organizer for the March on Washington. He was also one of Martin Luther King Jr’s closest advisors and an openly gay man. As an activist who worked for decades, he witnessed and experienced injustice of all kinds, but as he makes clear in the quote above, we cannot let that destroy us. That’s how oppression wins.

The post 15 Quotes Exposing Injustice in Society appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has caused immense suffering, with countless individuals displaced, harmed, and killed over the years. Tensions heightened on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, leading to Israeli retaliation and worsening the conflict. This escalation has created a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with 2.8 million people, including 1.2 million children, in need of assistance amidst airstrikes and bombings.

This moment demands our collective attention, solidarity, and action. As the global community bears witness to the unfolding tragedy, it is crucial to extend support where needed most. This can be done, for example, through donating to established and well-coordinated organisations that work on the frontlines to provide aid and relief. Below we have compiled a list of 14 well-established and trusted charities that help civilians in Palestine.

#1 UN Crisis Relief – Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian Fund

The Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian Fund, offers one of the quickest and most effective ways to provide urgent relief on the ground. The Fund consistently collects contributions, enabling it to swiftly aid a diverse range of partners in addressing the high priority humanitarian activities. Managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on behalf of the Humanitarian Coordinator, your donation plays a crucial role in alleviating the immediate needs of those affected by crises in the region.

Donate here: UN Crisis Relief Donation

#2 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

As the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA focuses on ensuring safe pregnancies and fulfilling the potential of young people. Expressing deep concern for women and girls in Gaza, of whom 50,000 are pregnant, UNFPA addresses the critical need for reproductive health supplies and services during the conflict. For every dollar contributed, 92 cents directly fund program and service delivery, while a modest 8 cents cover administrative costs—a testament to the organisation’s efficiency and impact.

Those wishing to support UNFPA’s efforts can contribute directly through their donation page.

#3 International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) 

Guided by the Geneva Convention of 1949, ICRC is a humanitarian organisation aiding those affected by global conflicts. Partnering with the Red Cross and Red Crescent chapters, ICRC facilitates neutral humanitarian work in Israel and Palestine. Having maintained a presence in Israel and the occupied territories since 1967, ICRC, as a neutral and independent humanitarian entity, conducts essential work by visiting detainees in Israeli and Palestinian places of detention. Beyond this, the organisation actively contributes to enhancing access to vital services such as water and electricity in Gaza, while simultaneously supporting livelihood projects throughout the occupied territories.

To contribute to ICRC’s impactful initiatives and support its humanitarian mission, donations can be made through its dedicated donation page.

#4 UNICEF (United Nations Children Educational Fund)

Founded to help children in the aftermath of World War II by the UN Relief Rehabilitation Administration, UNICEF has evolved into a global leader in social welfare. Their commitment to humanitarianism is demonstrated through the continuous delivery of medical supplies, fuel, water, and financial support to conflict-affected children and their families. UNICEF has been at the forefront of responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, distributing emergency family kits, medicines, and medical supplies to those in need. UNICEF received a 92% score from Charity Navigator and received four out of four possible stars.

Contributions can be made through the UNICEF website.

#5 Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF, Doctors Without Borders)

Internationally acclaimed for its proficiency in medical humanitarian aid, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, specialises in delivering immediate and impartial medical care to individuals confronted by conflicts and crises. The organisation’s humanitarian commitment is evident through its emphasis on addressing the most critical medical needs in challenging and high-risk environments. MSF has been actively operating in Gaza and the West Bank for two decades, focusing on regions where the health systems face significant challenges. MSF also extends its support to Israeli hospitals handling a substantial number of casualties. Recognized for its excellence, Doctors Without Borders received an impressive 98% score from the Charity Navigator evaluator, which affirms MSF’s efficacy as a highly impactful organisation.

For those keen on supporting MSF’s crucial medical interventions, donations can be made directly through their official website.

#6 Oxfam International 

Oxfam, a global organisation, works towards addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality. They implement various programs to bring about positive and sustainable change in affected communities. Operating on the ground in Gaza, Oxfam provides essential humanitarian aid, including clean water, food, and hygiene items to address immediate crisis impacts. Additionally, efforts are underway to repair critical water and wastewater systems damaged in recent bombings. Responding to the challenges of a 14-year Israeli blockade that has rendered Gaza “unlivable” per the UN, Oxfam’s interventions are crucial.

Support their ongoing efforts through donations, contributing to meaningful change in the region.

#7 Anera (The American Near East Refugee Aid)

Anera, with a history dating back to 1968, is a dedicated charity responding to critical needs in the Middle East. They focus on providing both emergency relief and long-term solutions to humanitarian crises in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan. In response to the current situation, they have distributed over 4 million meals, 19,850 hygiene kits, and 607,963 medical kits to Palestinian refugees.

Contributions can be made directly through the Anera website or the Palestine Emergency Fund.

#8 Direct Relief

Direct Relief, founded in the aftermath of World War II, specialises in providing targeted medical aid following major emergencies, such as the current war between Israel and Hamas. They collaborate with global agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to bring medical aid into conflict zones and financially support regional partners on the ground.

Individuals can contribute to Direct Relief’s ongoing efforts through their official website.

#9 Save the Children 

Save the Children is a global organisation committed to securing the rights of children—ensuring their survival, protection, development, and participation. With a particular emphasis on conflict zones, the organisation tailors its programs to address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of children. Since their founding after World War I, the organisation has provided aid for every major humanitarian crisis, helping 118 million children in 116 countries. Actively involved since 1953, Save the Children has been supporting Palestinian children affected by ongoing conflict. Right now, their teams are working on distributing essential supplies such as water, food, toiletries, and household essentials. Additionally, efforts include providing fuel and water infrastructure for hospitals, delivering mental health and psychosocial support services for children and caregivers, setting up temporary learning spaces, repairing damaged schools, and identifying the most at-risk children for child protection services.

Donations can be made through the Save the Children website.

#10 World Vision

World Vision, founded in 1950, is a Christian international non-governmental organisation committed to improving the lives of children and those in need globally. They respond to humanitarian crises by supporting vital needs in local communities. Operating in Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank since 1975, World Vision has created an extensive community-based presence. In 2023, they assisted more than 136,000 people in 150 villages across the West Bank, providing rapid emergency supplies to families who have lost their homes, creating safe spaces for community members to support each other by restoring spaces destroyed by conflict, as well as offering psychological services.

You can donate to World Vision via their website, or donate directly to the Middle East Crisis Response. You can also support the charity by sponsoring a child.

#11 Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS)

PRCS is the Palestinian affiliate of the Red Crescent movement, providing healthcare services, emergency medical response, and humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict in Palestine. As part of the Red Crescent movement, PRCS operates under the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality, instilling trust in its humanitarian mission.

To contribute, visit: PRCS Donation Page

#12 Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund – PCRF

PCRF is a non-political humanitarian relief organisation with 30 years of providing tens of thousands of children with free medical care and supplying necessities to those most in need. PCRF’s impactful initiatives include the establishment of two paediatric cancer departments in Palestine, a new Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and a paediatric cardiology department in Ramallah, among other critical projects aimed at sustainably strengthening the region’s healthcare system. The foundation relies on grassroots efforts, supported by a global network of thousands of volunteers, to fulfil its humanitarian mission.

To contribute to their efforts, you can donate at PCRF Donation

#13 MECA – Middle East Children’s Alliance

As a non-profit organisation dedicated to the well-being and rights of children in the Middle East, MECA supports numerous community projects for Palestinian children and refugees from Syria. Since its inception in 1988, MECA has delivered $31 million in food and medical aid to Palestine, Iraq, and Lebanon. Amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the MECA team and its partners are actively engaged in providing emergency assistance to families displaced from their homes, seeking refuge with relatives. MECA is also involved in procuring emergency medical supplies for hospitals and clinics in the affected areas.

Support MECA in its mission by visiting the MECA Website

#14 Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP)

ALLMEP stands as a coalition of over 160 organisations, uniting hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and Israelis in the pursuit of cooperation, justice, equality, shared society, mutual understanding, and lasting peace within their communities. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Washington, DC, ALLMEP envisions a Middle East where its community of Palestinian and Israeli peacebuilders takes the lead, guiding their societies toward and beyond sustainable peace. Operated by a diverse team of both Palestinians and Israelis, the Alliance for Middle East Peace is dedicated to assisting families affected by the ongoing conflict on either side. At present, they are actively mobilising emergency funds for NGOs to provide aid to those facing the hardships of the conflict.

Donate to support ALLMEP’s peacebuilding efforts: Donate here

The post 14 Trusted Charities Helping Civilians in Palestine appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Between 1910 and 1970, around six million Black Americans moved from the Southern states to the Northern, Midwestern and Western parts of the country. According to experts, it’s one of the largest movements of people in the nation’s history. Why did so many people move? In this article, we’ll explore the history of this phenomenon, which is known as “The Great Migration.” We’ll also examine its causes and the most significant facts about this six-decade period.

The Great Migration refers to the period of 1910-1970 when around six million Black Americans moved from the South to the North, Midwest, and West. This movement was a response to the racial violence, discrimination and limited opportunities of the American South, and while the other parts of the country offered the hope of safety and better jobs, systemic racism remained a problem.

What’s the history of the First Great Migration?

Historians divide the Great Migration into two parts. World War I sparked the First Great Migration, which is believed to have lasted from 1910-1940. As fighting in Europe broke out, white men left to join the military, while immigration from Europe stalled. Factories, especially those in the North and Midwest, needed new workers, but thanks to bans on hiring people of color from other countries, recruiters didn’t have a lot of options. According to information from the National Archives, Black people began to move North in 1910 in search of job opportunities and freedom from the Jim Crow system of the South.

Things weren’t always safer in the North. In 1919, around 500,000 Black Americans had moved to Northern cities, but many of their white neighbors weren’t happy. When Black veterans returned home from WWI, they were often mistreated. Racist sentiments reached their peak during the Red Summer of 1919. Mobs of white people began attacking Black people. Some riots got so violent that President Woodrow Wilson had to send out troops. Washington D.C., Virginia and Chicago saw some of the worst violence, but Black people defended themselves and refused to be driven from their new homes.

What’s the history of the Second Great Migration?

According to the National Archives, the Second Great Migration began at the start of World War II and ended around 1970. Because of the war, the expanded defense industry needed more workers, and once again, many Black Americans from the South took the opportunity this presented. After the war ended, migration steadily continued. Millions of Black Americans moved North, as well as West into cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Portland

The biggest difference between the First and Second Migration is where people moved. During the First Migration, the vast majority of people moved to Northern and Midwestern cities. During the Second, a lot more people moved West to pursue jobs in the defense industry. California, which had just 50,200 Black Americans living in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland in 1930, experienced an increase to over 250,000 in just 20 years.

What caused the Great Migration?

At the dawn of the First Great Migration, life was very difficult for Black Americans living in the South. While the Civil War had ended slavery, the United States faced an uncertain future. According to the Library of Congress, the Reconstruction era (1866-1877) was meant to ease the South back into the Union and define how white and Black people could live together. While many worked to ensure full equality and freedom for the recently freed Black population, many Southerners and even Northern leaders resisted. While they couldn’t enslave Black people again, they searched for other ways to discriminate and erase the handful of gains in voting rights, land ownership and employment. The Jim Crow laws, which have origins as early as 1865, codified a system of racial apartheid that oppressed Black people. Here are some of the effects of the Jim Crow system:

• Made it much harder to vote thanks to “the grandfather clause,” which stated that men could only vote if their ancestors had been voters before 1867
• Required more difficult literacy tests only for Black voters
• Legalized racial discrimination in movie theaters, hotels, restaurants and other public spaces
• Segregated public schools and underfunded schools for Black students
• Restricted Black workers to certain professions
• Banned interracial marriage

Restricted economic opportunities and racial segregation weren’t the only causes of the Great Migration: racial violence was also prevalent. Between 1882 and 1968, the NAACP recorded 4,743 lynchings, although with no formal tracking system, it’s difficult to know just how many people were killed. Most lynchings occurred in Mississippi, while Georgia and Texas had high numbers, as well. While some Black people were lynched based on often false allegations of robbery, murder and other crimes, many weren’t even accused of doing anything illegal. Life in the South could be terrifying, so it only made sense to move North in hopes of a better life.

The Jim Crow system is one of the clearest examples of systemic racism. While these laws no longer exist, systemic racism is still a problem in many places.

What facts should everyone know about the Great Migration?

The Great Migration covers 60 years of history, but here are five critical facts everyone should know:

#1. The North offered better, although still limited, economic opportunities

Many Black Americans left the South to flee racial violence, but they were also hoping for better job opportunities. Before WWI, jobs in the North were few and far between, which was why there wasn’t a larger migration earlier. However, the war changed things, which made the region more appealing. According to a 1987 article in Monthly Labor Review, many Americans who traveled North at this time remembered hearing about job availability from friends and family who’d already moved. The jobs weren’t always ideal as many Black Americans were only offered the jobs white people didn’t want to do. Many Black migrants worked as servants, janitors, cleaners and so on. While the jobs didn’t pay much and many unions didn’t allow Black members, the jobs were still better than what could be found in the Southern states.

People who moved during the Great Migration wanted their civil rights protected and respected. Check out our article on what civil rights are and why they matter.

#2. Finding good housing was a big challenge

While leaving the South gave Black people an escape from Jim Crow laws, the rest of the country wasn’t exactly welcoming. Housing could be especially hard to secure, and while segregation wasn’t the law of the land, many white neighborhoods did not want Black people. Black Americans were often forced to live in the worst parts of a neighborhood despite issues like overcrowding and deteriorating conditions. The practice of redlining, which denies people access to credit based on where they live, began in 1934. The group responsible for redlining, the Federal Housing Administration, decided that home loans couldn’t be “economically sound” if Black people were living in a neighborhood. Their reasoning, which was based on pure racism, was that property values would decline. The Fair Housing in 1968 banned discrimination in mortgage lending and real estate, but the legacy of redlining still reverberates to this day.

#3. The Great Migration changed the political landscape of the US

Millions of Black Americans moved out of the South during the Great Migration. A movement this large always has political ramifications. What were the effects of the Great Migration? The biggest is that while Black Americans were severely restricted from voting in the South, moving to the North gave them more voting rights. According to an article published online by Cambridge University Press, this led politicians to adapt their existing approaches and appeal specifically to Black voters. The article’s author, Keneshia N. Grant, argues that the increased presence of Black migrants made Black voters essential to presidential campaign strategies after WWII. This would mark a huge shift in electoral politics. While once the interests of Black people were ignored or actively fought against, they now had more power.

#4. The Great Migration and the Civil Rights Movement are closely linked

Many historians believe the Great Migration helped fuel the Civil Rights Movement, which was an intense period of civil rights activism that ran from 1954-1968. As Black people moved North and gained more rights, their influence on politics and culture on a national scale also expanded. The Harlem Renaissance is a key example. During this era (1918-1937), Harlem, New York became the center of Black culture, creativity and artistry. It was closely linked to civil rights organizations like the NAACP, Black labor unions and prominent activists. The Harlem Renaissance had a major impact on Black literature and thought around the world. While it was hardly the only spark for the Civil Rights movement, it played a key role made possible by the Great Migration.

#5. A new Great Migration is happening now

Something interesting has been happening in the United States. According to data from Brookings and other sources, many Black Americans are moving to the South in a reversed Great Migration. It began in the 1970s right at the end of the Second Great Migration, and increased in the 1990s as more Black people began leaving Northern and Western cities. Areas in Texas and Georgia grew. Why? The North changed. The jobs in industry that had once attracted Black Americans disappeared, while the impact of redlining and underfunded neighborhoods took its toll. The South was recovering, too, which made a return more economically advantageous. According to Pew Research, 56% of Black people lived in the South in 2021, while 17% lived in the Midwest/Northeast and 10% lived in the West. What will be the long-term impacts of the new Great Migration? It remains to be seen.

Learn more about racial justice and anti-racism with these online courses.

The post The Great Migration: History, Causes and Facts appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

Societies change all the time. If you talk to someone born just a few decades before you, they most likely remember very different trends, cultural norms, ideas and so on. Some social changes take centuries to settle in, and while many offer clear benefits to the world, others are more complicated. In this article, we’ll define social change, provide four key examples of social changes, and offer learning opportunities for those interested in digging deeper.

Social change refers to how institutions, cultural norms, behaviors, ideas and values transform over time. Some changes appear suddenly, while others take years to fully manifest. Social movements – like the abolitionist movement and women’s suffrage – often drive social change, but advances in medicine and technology create change, too.

What does “social change” mean?

There are a few definitions of social change, but for our purposes, we like the definition given by The University of the People, a tuition-free, nonprofit university based in the US. According to their blog, social change is “the way in which human interactions, relationships, behavior patterns, and cultural norms change over time.” Every part of society – including the economy, culture, technology, environment and political sphere – experiences social change. Philosophers, politicians, scientists and others have developed theories of social change since ancient times. In ancient Greece and Rome, three main ideas about social change emerged: decline or degeneration, cyclic change, and continuous progress. The continuous-progress conception of social change has arguably been the most influential. It teaches that humans and society are naturally moving toward a better, more improved state, but this idea has since fallen out of favor.

What about the other theories? The theories of decline and cyclic change claim society is bound to periods of regression or predictable cycles. While regression and cyclical patterns are present in every society, they’re not identical everywhere and they’re not always predictable. We can try to explain social change using different theories, but it’s a complex phenomenon. This is due to the causes of social change, which include technological advances, demographic shifts, changes in the natural environment, political conflict, new ideas and social movements.

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What are examples of social change?

There have been many social changes throughout history and the world. Here are four the biggest examples:

The abolitionist movement

The transatlantic slave trade lasted for 366 years. Many people believed it would never end, but there was always opposition to slavery. In the late 18th century, anti-slavery campaigners sent around petitions, held meetings and pushed the government to end the unjust practice. Meanwhile, enslaved people in places like Jamaica and Haiti rebelled against the system. In 1804, the revolution in Haiti was successful, and the first independent Black state outside of Africa was established. Three years later, the UK abolished the transatlantic slave trade. However, while it was illegal to sell slaves, people could still own enslaved people. The British abolitionist movement continued to work, founding the first Anti-Slavery Society in 1823. The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 finally freed all slaves throughout the British Empire, with a few exceptions.

In the United States, it took a war to end slavery. Tensions reached their climax under President Abraham Lincoln, and in 1861, the Civil War began. In 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, calling for the freeing of all enslaved people. In 1865, the 13th Amendment abolished all forms of slavery in the US. There was one important caveat. The 13th Amendment reads: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction [emphasis added].” Modern-day abolitionists call for more social changes, such as an end to slavery as a punishment for crimes.

Learn more about ending racism and discrimination.

Women’s suffrage

The women’s suffrage movement was a global movement dedicated to equal voting rights for women. New Zealand was the first country to give women the vote in 1893, followed closely by South Australia a year later. The most famous suffrage movements were based in the United Kingdom and the United States. In the UK, campaigners used tools like educational pamphlets, petitions and public meetings to explain why women deserved equal voting rights. Opposition could be fierce, but many suffragettes adopted radical tactics such as breaking windows, setting fires, destroying post office boxes and even planting bombs. Finally, in 1918, about ⅔ of women in the UK got the right to vote. In 1928, the right to vote was finally extended to all women over 21, giving them the same voting rights as men.

Suffrage also progressed slowly in the United States, proving how social change often operates in starts and stops. Beginning in the mid-19th century, the American suffrage movement focused on recruiting middle and upper-class white women who were also interested in abolition, better education and prohibition. Women of color also worked in the suffrage movement, but after Black men got the right to vote before white women, the movement split due to racism from white suffrage leaders. The 19th Amendment, passed in 1920, finally gave all women the right to vote. The right to vote wasn’t fully secured, however, until racial discrimination in voting was outlawed in 1965.

Check out our article on why gender equality is important.

The eradication of smallpox

Smallpox, which is an extremely contagious airborne virus, tormented humanity for thousands of years. Around 3 in 10 people infected die, leading to the deaths of hundreds of millions of people. Many places developed unique ways to deal with the disease. In China and India, people would practice inoculation, which transfers ground-up scabs or materials from the pustules to healthy people in an attempt to trigger immunity. The Western world experimented with inoculation, as well, and in 1796, Edward Jenner developed the first successful vaccine.

Despite the creation of the vaccine, smallpox continued to kill millions. Around 300-500 million people died in the 20th century alone. In 1967, the World Health Organization launched a global campaign to eradicate smallpox. For 10 years, the organization increased vaccinations and monitoring. By 1980, smallpox was eradicated. Smallpox is one of just two infectious diseases humans have eliminated, making the WHO’s campaign the most significant public health success in history. Advances in medicine, technology, public health and education made this major social change possible.

Vaccine access is a big part of health equity, which we explore in this article.

The rise of the internet

The story of the internet goes back to the 1960s. According to the Computer History Museum, the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), which was part of the U.S. Department of Defense, began building an early version of what would become the internet. Advances in technology and knowledge helped experts create a network that let interconnected devices (like computers) pass around data and media. Other groups began experimenting with the technology, while companies created better computer chips and hardware. On January 1, 1983, the internet as we know was officially born. The Transfer Control Protocol/Internetwork Protocol (TCP/IP) lets different types of computers on different networks communicate with each other, creating a “universal language.”

According to the Data Report Portal, around 5.30 billion people use the internet. The technology has had a profound impact on global communication, information access, the economy, politics, culture, entertainment and much more. Because of how the internet connects the world, it has played a big role in globalization, which refers to the interdependence of the world’s economics and the flow of goods, information, jobs and so on. While it’s challenging to summarize the full impact of the internet, it’s undeniable that the technology has created massive social changes in less than a hundred years.

How does technology impact social change and human rights? Check out our article on the topic.

Where can you learn more about social change?

There are many places to learn more about what social change is, why it matters and how you as an individual can contribute to the changes you want to see in the world. Here are three learning opportunities:

Classes

Taking a class is a great way to study social change in a more participatory, in-depth way. Platforms like edx, Coursera and FutureLearn offer classes from great universities around the world, while you may also be able to find local classes and workshops taught at NGOs, libraries and schools.

Books

Books are a great place to learn more about social change. You can find books on theoretical aspects of social change, specific social movements and individual social change activists.

Websites and online platforms

Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to learn more about social change through websites, blogs and other online platforms. You can find more information about the history of social change and social movements, as well as opportunities for volunteering and careers at social change NGOs.

• The Commons Social Change Library (online library and educational resources)
• UN News (human rights and social change news content)
• VolunteerMatch (volunteering platform)
• Idealist (jobs platform)

The post Social Change 101: Meaning, Examples, Learning Opportunities appeared first on Human Rights Careers.

On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, a Black woman named Rosa Parks finished her work day and caught a bus home. Segregation was the law of the land in Montgomery, so while the front of the bus was available to white citizens, Black people had to go to the back. When all the white seats were taken, the bus driver told all the Black people they needed to give up their seats to add an extra row for white people. Rosa Parks stayed seated. The police were called and she was arrested. This defiant act sparked a nationwide campaign to end segregation, protect the rights of Black people and usher in a new era of equality and freedom. In this article, we’ll explore who

Rosa Parks was, what she had to say about her activism and beliefs, and the impact she had on the United States.

By refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus, Rosa Parks is known as “the mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” Her decision sparked campaigns around the country, which eventually led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

Who was Rosa Parks and what did she do?

Rosa Parks was born Rosa McCauley on February 4, 1913. She received her early education at a private school, but while caring for both her grandmother and mother, Rosa had to delay completing her high school credits. In 1932, she married Raymond Parks and then received her high school diploma in 1934. Raymond had less formal education than Rosa, but was an extremely intelligent, activism-minded individual. Both Rosa and Raymond worked with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

In 1955, Rosa was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat. Anti-segregation activists organized a boycott of Montgomery buses for the day of Rosa’s trial. She was given a suspended sentence and a fine, but the boycott was more successful than anticipated. Activists decided to keep boycotting the bus system, electing Martin Luther King Jr., who had just arrived in the city, as the boycott’s manager. Over 70% of Montgomery’s bus patrons were Black, so the impact was immediate. To sustain the boycott, 200 people volunteered their cars while 100 pickup stations were established. Churches also held fundraisers to fund the carpool. On November 13th, 1956, after more than a year of the boycott, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that bus segregation was unconstitutional.

Systemic racism is still a problem in the United States. Check out our article of 10 examples.

What happened to Rosa Parks after the boycott?

During the bus boycott, Rosa lost her job and faced severe harassment, including death threats. Things didn’t improve after the boycott’s success, so in 1957, Rosa, her husband, and her mother moved to Detroit, Michigan. As the Civil Rights movement continued, so did Rosa’s activism, despite the personal costs she and her family endured. From 1966 until her retirement in 1988, she worked as an administrative aid in Congressman John Conyers’ office. She also co-founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development. The nonprofit served young people. Rosa and Raymond never had children of their own, but young people were always important to Rosa. Before Rosa’s arrest, 15-year Claudette Colvin had been arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat. This injustice did not spark a boycott, but Rosa reached out to Claudette. For a while, they were close.

In 1999, Rosa was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor a US civilian can earn. She received many other awards and honorary doctorates from universities around the world. In 2000, Troy University in Montgomery, Alabama established the Rosa Parks Library and Museum. In 2005, Rosa died at age 92. She became the first woman in American history to lie in honor at the Capitol.

Learn more about racial justice and anti-racism by taking these online courses.

What are some of Rosa Parks’ best quotes?

Throughout her many years of activism, Rosa Parks offered countless words of wisdom that resonate to this day. Here are five of her most powerful quotes:

“The time had just come when I had been pushed as far as I could stand to be pushed, I suppose. They placed me under arrest. And I wasn’t afraid. I don’t know why I wasn’t, but I didn’t feel afraid. I had decided that I would have to know once and for all what rights I had as a human being and a citizen, even in Montgomery, Alabama.”

This quote comes from a 1956 radio interview with Rosa Parks, which is one of the earliest interviews she gave. Democracy Now uploaded the audio, as well as a transcript. In this quote, Parks recalls her protest and her lack of fear despite being arrested. The phrase “even in Montgomery, Alabama” is especially striking as it shows the severity of racism and discrimination in that era.

“As I look back on those days, it’s just like a dream. The only thing that bothered me was that we waited so long to make this protest and to let it be known wherever we go that all of us should be free and equal and have all opportunities that others should have.” 

Found on Digital History, this quote comes from a 1995 interview with the iconic activist. In the interview, she reflected on her protest and arrest. When asked if she remembers feeling anger as she chose to not give up her bus seat, she recalls feeling determination, not anger. She wanted to take the opportunity to make it clear she was not going to be treated poorly and that people had endured such treatment for too long.

“I would like to be remembered as one who has always cared for people. I have more concern for people than material things. I have always wanted to help people.”

The Library of Congress has a collection of Rosa Parks’ papers, and among them is a 1975 interview with a college student. The interviewer asks Parks how she wants to be remembered. The activist gives a simple, but powerful answer consistent with the values Parks’ lived with her whole life. She was never someone who sought fame or attention. While her refusal to give up her bus seat is regarded as the spark for the Civil Rights Movement, she never used her position to gain more power. She just wanted to care for people.

“As long as people use tactics to oppress or restrict other people from being free, there is work to be done. Although we made many gains, racism is still alive.”

In 1994, Rosa Parks wrote a book with Gregory J. Reed called Quiet Strength. Published by Zondervan and reprinted as Reflections by Rosa Parks, it offers a series of reflections from the activist on topics like fear, injustice, faith and the future. The quote above, which is from the chapter on injustice, acknowledges the progress made, as well as the progress still needed to secure the freedom and equality of all. While Parks spoke of racism specifically, her remarks apply to all forms of oppression.

“It is better to teach – and live – equality and love than it is to teach hatred.”

In Reflections, Rosa Parks discusses her concern about racial violence and white supremacy on college campuses. However, she expresses hope and a belief that teaching and living out the values of equality and love is better than teaching hatred. She doesn’t want to dwell “on the horrors of the past.” That doesn’t mean she doesn’t want people learning about the past, of course; she encourages young people to learn their history. She wants people to focus on equality and love while doing so.

Interested in more quotes about activism, social justice and human rights? Check out this article.

What impact did Rosa Parks have on the world?