What We Do

We work to eliminate violence against women and girls by catalyzing the leadership of grassroots activists to heads of state for the creation of a new Optional Protocol to CEDAW specific to ending violence against women and girls.

In December 2023, our work led to the release of a joint statement on the need for a new Optional Protocol by four nations — Antigua and Barbuda, Costa Rica, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sierra Leone — and the release of a joint statement by the current and former Special Rapporteurs on violence against women and girls calling for a new Optional Protocol to CEDAW.

Our advocacy includes:

  • Outreach to UN Member States, UN entities and women’s rights activists across the globe
  • Collaboration with Nations leading the State initiative for an Optional Protocol to CEDAW to end violence against women and girls
  • Research that examines the global framework on violence against women and girls
  • High-level meetings with heads of state, ministers, diplomats and other officials
  • Sign-on letters to heads of state and other leaders 
  • Op-eds in news outlets around the world 
  • Conferences and webinars on ending violence against women and girls 
  • Participation in global campaigns, including 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence and the Red Shoe Project, founded by artist Elina Chauvet

Our programs include:

  • Every Woman Fellowship. The Fellowship expands the leadership capacity of women’s rights activists across the globe in the areas of advocacy, diplomacy, media relations and storytelling.
  • Diplomacy Days. Throughout the year, Every Woman activists meet with government officials and world leaders — heads of state, ministers, secretaries, lawmakers, ambassadors, UN officials — seeking their support for a global binding norm.
  • Emerging Leaders Council.  Emerging Leaders Council (activists under 35) develops activists’ leadership through the Fellowship, engagement in the campaign and the Mentorship Program, which pairs new activists with seasoned activists.
  •  Peer Support Program provides a platform for self-care, led by our partner Frontline Defenders. Sessions include digital security, work-life balance and well-being for activists and their organizations. 
  • Advanced Advocacy & Diplomacy Training. These trainings provide activists with ongoing educational opportunities, including classes on negotiating, public speaking and op-ed writing.

JOIN THE CALL

I stand for a life free from all forms of violence for every woman and girl, everywhere.

I hereby join the call for a global treaty in the form of a new Optional Protocol to CEDAW to eradicate violence against women and girls.

[contact-form-7 id="64f0986" title="contact form 1"]

*By signing you will be added to our mailing list. You can choose to opt out from the signature confirmation email.

JOIN THE CALL

I stand for a life free from all forms of violence for every woman and girl, everywhere.

I hereby join the call for a global treaty in the form of a new Optional Protocol to CEDAW to eradicate violence against women and girls.

[contact-form-7 id="64f0986" title="contact form 1"]

*By signing you will be added to our mailing list. You can choose to opt out from the signature confirmation email.