NATIONAL ACTION 2: Promote gender equality and mainstream the recognition of WHRDs A. Explicit recognition of WHRDs in protection and promotion activities The RAP places women HRDs (WHRDs) at the forefront of its framework for protection and promotion. While noting that trans and non-binary HRDs face different and sometimes more complex protection challenges as a result of their gender identities, the RAP considers trans women as WHRDs. WHRDs are exposed to the same types of risks that all other HRDs face. However, they are also exposed to gender-based violence and gender-specific risks because they challenge existing gender norms within their communities and societies. ​​ addition to gender, there are many economic, social, cultural and geographical factors that affect In how WHRDs experience a violation. These factors include class, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, location, race and ethnicity. These risk factors are often exacerbated by the different contexts in which WHRDs live and work. For example, in militarized contexts, sexual and gender-based violence is used by state and nonstate actors to “assert or reassert gendered and other social/political hierarchies” and as a “weapon of war.”22 Under authoritarian regimes, WHRDs may be viewed as “challeng[ing] existing social inequalities or expos[ing] the deficiencies of political regimes and government.”23 Similarly, WHRDs working in contexts where religious and cultural fundamentalisms are present are at a greater risk of attacks than their male counterparts because they are deemed to have transgressed social norms. Violence against WHRDs may be gendered or sexualized as a way to “recast women back into their ‘traditional’ roles.”24 Finally, the growth and influence of transnational corporations also play an increased role in perpetrating violence against WHRDs and the communities that challenge them.25 WHRDs require specific and gender-responsive protection. While there now exist various resources on risks faced by WHRDs, such as the Report of the Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition “Our Right To Safety: Women Human Rights Defenders’ Holistic Approach to Protection”, and while some risks faced by WHRDs may be similar across and within regions, others will vary between national contexts. As an initial step you should consult with WHRDs to gain insight into their specific protection needs and risks they face in the particular national context. You should also consult with WHRDs to determine how to best support their work, including with awareness-raising campaigns and advocacy programmes. WHRDs view the lack of recognition of their substantive contribution to the human rights movements as a form of violence.26 In this regard, NHRIs speaking out publicly about the risks and protection needs of WHRDs, will enhance awareness of their specific situation. Beyond this, you can act as a critical link between government representatives and HRDs. In this vein, WHRDs in your country will guide you on how to communicate their specific risks and protection needs to government counterparts, so that government actions recognise and provide special consideration for WHRDs. 22 Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition. Global Report on the Situation of Women Human Rights Defenders. p. 26. 2012. Web. January 2014. https://defendingwomen-defendingrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ WHRD_IC_Global-Report_2012.pdf 23 Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition. Global Report on the Situation of Women Human Rights Defenders. p. vi. 2012. Web. January 2014 https://defendingwomen-defendingrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ WHRD_IC_Global-Report_2012.pdf 24 Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition. Global Report on the Situation of Women Human Rights Defenders. p. 7. 2012. Web. January 2014. https://defendingwomen-defendingrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ WHRD_IC_Global-Report_2012.pdf 25 https://www.awid.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/Our%20Right%20To%20Safety_FINAL.pdf 26 https://www.awid.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/Our%20Right%20To%20Safety_FINAL.pdf 17