This annual observance commemorates the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)—a landmark global commitment to dignity, freedom, and equality for all.
This year’s Human Rights Day theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” calls for immediate action to uphold human rights as a powerful force for change. Human rights are not abstract principles but tools that protect and empower individuals and communities. They bind us together, fostering peace and stability while shaping a more sustainable, just, and equal future.
The fight for human rights is inseparable from the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Freedom from violence is a fundamental human right. Gender-based violence directly violates this right, impacting millions worldwide, particularly women, girls, and marginalized genders. It is a pervasive attack on human dignity, leaving profound physical, mental, and emotional scars. It diminishes self-worth, isolates survivors, and pushes them to the margins of society.
At its core, GBV perpetuates inequality, reinforces harmful heteronormative structures, and deepens systemic inequities. Survivors, particularly women and marginalized genders, often face systemic barriers, like stigmatization or inadequate legal protections, that prevent them from accessing support. Moreover, perpetrators are often granted impunity for their sexual and gender-based crimes. This failure to bring perpetrators of human rights violations to justice has real consequences. Not only does it protect offenders, but it also perpetuates cycles of violence and silence. When justice systems fail to hold perpetrators accountable, survivors are left without validation or support, reinforcing societal norms that tolerate gender-based violence. This lack of accountability emboldens abusers, deters reporting, and undermines trust in institutions meant to safeguard human rights.
Yet pursuing gender equality offers a path forward. True equality ensures visibility, empowerment, and fair opportunities for all genders, breaking cycles of abuse and creating equitable systems. Legal frameworks like the Istanbul Convention underscore the need for systemic accountability, advocating for the criminalization of GBV in all its forms and challenging societies to take meaningful action.
The Human Rights Day theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” aligns with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s statement that “human rights are under assault […] we must stand up for all rights — always.” These sentiments highlight the critical need to counter hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation while advancing human rights.
Share-Net contributes to this fight at this critical moment by promoting participatory grantmaking and knowledge exchange and prioritizing underfunded SRHR issues. However, we now face drastic funding cuts from the Dutch Development Cooperation, putting our organization and others at risk. Read our full press release about the funding cuts here.
At this time, no further sustainable funding has been secured. Now is when we are most needed. Share-Net International and its host organization, the KIT Royal Tropical Institute, are examples of the kind of wide-reaching, collaborative networks needed to fight for human rights.
Nevertheless, Share-Net International remains committed to sustaining its efforts by seeking funding to extend the project. Following the end of the current funding cycle on December 31, 2024, a six-month transition period has been secured has been secured with continued financial support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs until June 2025. This period will allow Share-Net to maintain core functions while intensifying efforts to diversify funding sources, strengthen organizational sustainability, and scale down activities that cannot be continued.
The time to act is now. In this socio-political environment, where funding for humanitarian work is under threat, the future of our collective efforts is at stake. We can create a safer, more equitable world by uniting and mobilizing.
We welcome your thoughts on Share-Net’s funding situation via the form below. Your feedback helps us strengthen our advocacy efforts. Please spread the word and share this article to raise awareness about the urgent need for action.
Click here for more information on the future of Share-Net and the form to share your thoughts: https://share-netinternational.org/the-future-of-share-net/
We want to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has read, supported, shared, and contributed to our 16 Days of Activism campaign. Your dedication fuels our ongoing fight for gender equality and human rights. The support you’ve shown over these 16 days has been incredible. Thank you for taking the time to learn, listen, and act. Every conversation matters, every story matters, and every effort to end violence brings us closer to change. Together, we are creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to live free from violence and discrimination. Your actions matter, and we are all stronger because of your support.
