Women, Leadership and Risk in the Human Rights Movement

In this talk, Dr Alice Nah explores the perspectives of women leaders engaged in risky human rights struggles in the Global South, drawing upon interviews conducted in Colombia, Mexico, Kenya, Egypt, and Indonesia as part of a research project focusing on how human rights defenders navigate risk, manage security, and receive support. She examines how women experience risk differently because of their gender identity; the way they grapple with social and cultural norms concerning the 'proper' role of women in society; and the specific challenges they face in leadership positions. She looks at the difficulties involved in dealing with patriarchy, sexual harassment and violence from within the human rights movement. She also looks at the specific challenges faced by indigenous women, transwomen, and women advocating for the rights of sex workers.

This talk will feature some of the artistic work on display at Kings Manor as part of the Art + Activism Exhibition until 5 February.

Dr Alice Nah is a Lecturer at the Centre for Applied Human Rights where she conducts research on the security and protection of human rights defenders at risk, and migration and asylum in Asia.

This lecture is organised by the Centre for Women's Studies, University of York.