In New York, HRS joined global voices demanding action on conflict, hunger, and how they harm women and girls most. Human Rights Solidarity (HRS), a UK-based, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to human rights advocacy, proudly participated in the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This milestone event amplified the voices of refugee, migrant, and marginalised women globally.

HRS engaged in impactful sessions on child marriage, gender-based violence, women’s leadership in conflict zones, and labor rights, contributing to critical global discussions on women’s and girls’ challenges. Our Women’s Rights Committee collaborated with policymakers, civil society leaders, and survivor-activists to champion intersectional, inclusive gender equality strategies.

Despite logistical hurdles, HRS’s participation underscored the power of perseverance and solidarity in global advocacy. The insights and partnerships forged are now driving our local and global initiatives.
CSW69 was more than a conference it was a rallying cry for action. HRS returns energised, informed, and unwavering in its commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of every woman and girl, fostering a just, inclusive, and equitable future.

Menstrual health in the United Kingdom faces stigma, neglect, and inequality, impacting well-being, workplaces, healthcare, and access to essential products. Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by approximately half the population. Yet, in the UK, it remains enveloped in stigma, misinformation, and systemic neglect. Recent studies and reports highlight the pressing need for comprehensive menstrual awareness and support across various sectors of society.

Menstrual health is not just a biological issue, it’s a deeply social, cultural, and economic one that requires bold, innovative thinking. Imagine if every public restroom had free, biodegradable menstrual products, much like soap and toilet paper. What if wearable tech could monitor hormonal cycles and provide personalized insights to improve both physical and emotional well-being? Or, think bigger, interactive art installations in cities that break taboos by turning menstrual experiences into immersive, empathetic storytelling.

A survey conducted by Wellbeing of Women in August 2023 revealed that 97% of women and girls aged 16-40 have experienced period pain, with almost half (51%) enduring it every cycle. Alarmingly, 42% described their pain as severe. Despite this, only 14% have tried medication to reduce heavy bleeding, indicating a gap in effective treatment and awareness. 

Menstruation significantly affects women’s professional lives. A report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that more than two-thirds (69%) of women experience a negative impact at work due to menstrual symptoms. Yet, only 12% of organizations provide support for menstruation and menstrual health. Many women feel unsupported, with 49% who took absence due to menstrual issues never disclosing the real reason to their managers. On a personal note, companies I have worked for excluded cramps and heavy bleeding from their sick pay policy.

The cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated period poverty in the UK. ActionAid reported that the number of women and people who menstruate struggling to afford period products rose from 12% to 21% in just one year. This equates to approximately 2.8 million individuals. Consequences include prolonged use of sanitary products, use of unsuitable alternatives like tissues or socks, and missing work or school. This is also a shocking lack of awareness among young individuals regarding the amount and types of menstrual products available. While conversing with colleagues and peers I have often found people did not know what a menstrual cup is.

A parliamentary report highlighted systemic issues within the NHS, where women’s reproductive health concerns are often dismissed. Conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis are frequently misdiagnosed or normalized, leading to prolonged suffering. The report calls for improved medical training and expedited diagnosis and treatment processes. Half (50%) of women surveyed by Wellbeing of Women say their period symptoms have been dismissed by someone. This is higher for 16–24-year-olds, 3 in 5 (61%) say their symptoms have been dismissed, with 23% being dismissed by healthcare professionals. 

Menstrual health-related issues faced by individuals from LGBTQI+ communities are often overlooked, despite being deeply significant. Many transgender men, non-binary people, and gender non-conforming individuals menstruate, but societal narratives and healthcare systems typically frame menstruation as a “women-only” experience. This exclusion can lead to emotional distress, gender dysphoria, and a sense of invisibility.

In public spaces, gendered bathrooms and the lack of inclusive facilities make managing menstruation challenging and unsafe. Trans and non-binary individuals may avoid using restrooms altogether, increasing their risk of infections and discomfort. Additionally, many period products are marketed exclusively to women, reinforcing gendered stereotypes and alienating those who don’t identify as female.

In healthcare settings, practitioners may lack training on how to sensitively address menstrual concerns for LGBTQI+ patients. This can result in miscommunication, misgendering, or even refusal of care, discouraging individuals from seeking help for period-related issues like pain, irregular cycles, or reproductive health needs.

Mental health also intersects with menstrual experiences, especially for those experiencing gender dysphoria triggered by menstruation. The psychological burden of navigating a system that doesn’t recognize or affirm their identity can compound stress and isolation. 

To address these issues, menstrual health initiatives must adopt inclusive language, offer diverse product representation, create gender-neutral facilities, and ensure healthcare providers are trained in LGBTQI+ competent care. Only through inclusive, intersectional approaches can we achieve menstrual equity for all. 

Education on menstruation remains inadequate. While the UK government introduced compulsory Relationship and Sex Education in 2020, many young people still lack comprehensive information. Additionally, cultural and religious taboos contribute to the silence surrounding periods, particularly among Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. A study by Wen found that 66% of BAME women had never heard of menstrual campaigns, underscoring the need for inclusive educational initiatives.

Education can evolve too: gamified apps where students learn about menstrual cycles through engaging narratives, or community-based “Menstruation Festivals” that blend tradition, science, and activism to celebrate the power of menstruating bodies. We could even see urban design rethink architecture, quiet rooms in schools and workplaces for menstrual rest, or heat-sensitive seating that offers comfort during cramps.

True menstrual health means dismantling shame, redesigning systems, and celebrating cycles as vital, not burdensome. Let’s reimagine a world where menstruation is met with support, technology, and celebration, not silence. 

Several initiatives aim to address these challenges:

• Period Products Scheme: Launched in 2020, this government program provides free menstrual products in schools and colleges, with 99% of secondary schools participating by 2023.
• Menstrual Cycle Support: This health tech organization offers free online menstrual health literacy courses, aiming to reduce diagnosis times and empower individuals through education.
• CIPD’s Call to Action: The CIPD urges organizations to create awareness, tackle stigma, and train managers to support employees experiencing menstrual health issues.

BY NAMRINA ADNIM FAIZA

#TeachHerTomorrow is a global call to support Arezo, empowering Afghan girls with virtual education, mentorship, and leadership led by women. In defiance of the Taliban’s draconian ban on education for Afghan girls and women, Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) ignited Arezo (Hope) a visionary initiative that merges virtual learning with global activism. Bridging crises of opportunity and injustice, Arezo pairs Afghan female educators with determined students through online literacy classes and mentorship, offering both education to the excluded and employment to the displaced. Launched in early 2025, the program has already empowered over 60 students, with enrollment steadily increasing as more girls join the movement.

Delivered in Dari and Pashto, Arezo’s virtual classrooms provide structured literacy lessons while ensuring fair wages for teachers many of whom now find purpose and stability after being barred from their professions. Beyond textbooks, the initiative fosters resilience through a dynamic mentorship program where poetry, language exchange, and storytelling become tools for self-expression and confidence. Students, despite facing stark challenges spotty internet access, familial pressures, or balancing childcare with studies demonstrate extraordinary commitment. Teachers note their enthusiasm, with weekly assessments sparking healthy competition and growth.

To amplify its reach, Arezo champions a parallel advocacy campaign, #TeachHerTomorrow , harnessing storytelling, infographics, and live webinars to rally global support. The call resonates with policymakers, educators, and NGOs, urging action to uphold Afghan girls’ right to learn. Donations fund critical resources: teacher salaries, internet stipends, and learning materials, while monthly reports track progress through attendance, academic performance, and heartfelt student feedback ensuring accountability and adaptability.

Rooted in authenticity, Arezo is steered by leaders whose expertise in law, education, and human rights informs every decision. This community-led model not only challenges systemic oppression but also redefines protest through progress. It is a lifeline a testament to courage in darkness, nurturing dreams where doors have been slammed shut. Arezo stands as more than an educational project; it is a global movement.

Please click the link down below to donate:

https://hrsolidarity.enthuse.com/pf/maryam-habib

On this International Day, let’s unite to combat domestic violence, ensuring safety, dignity, and support for all women. Act now! On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we reaffirm our commitment to unite all efforts in developing sustainable solutions and preventive measures to address the “national emergency” of violence against women, as declared by the Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth.

Violence against women is a pervasive issue, occurring daily and affecting millions. According to the 2023 Crime Survey for England and Wales, an estimated 1.4 million women were victims of domestic abuse. Isabelle Younane, Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid Federation, poignantly highlights the urgency of this crisis:

“The tragic reality is that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, meaning that there are countless survivors who need support.”

 Despite the prevalence of abuse, there remains an alarming lack of protection from authorities. The devastating story of Raneem Oudeh and her mother epitomizes this failure. Despite 13 reports made to the police regarding Raneem’s ex-husband, no action was taken to prevent their tragic deaths. Their story, while harrowing, is unfortunately one of many, serving as a wake-up call for systemic change.

In response to this crisis, the UK government has pledged to halve violence against women and girls within the next decade and restore public trust in the police and criminal justice system. Initiatives under Raneem’s Law, named in her memory, aim to strengthen legal protections against domestic violence. Key measures include the introduction of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) and increasing the number of domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms to ensure effective responses to emergencies.

While these efforts provide hope, we must recognize that domestic violence remains a deeply entrenched societal issue. Many survivors continue to endure abuse in silence and shame. While awareness and support systems have improved over time, there is still much progress to be made.

In an effort to raise awareness, we interviewed British writer Hilary Spurling, who reflected on the evolving landscape of preventative measures against violence. She acknowledged the significant progress that has been made, particularly through the groundbreaking work of figures like Erin Pizzey and the establishment of shelters, which have provided critical refuge and support for survivors. However, Spurling emphasised that domestic abuse remains a deeply private issue, with each survivor’s experience being unique. This stresses the importance of tailoring support and solutions to the individual needs of those affected.

Her insights serve as a powerful reminder that while we have come far, the journey to end violence against women continues—and it demands our collective commitment to create meaningful, lasting change.

On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, let us take a moment to reflect and act. No one should endure domestic violence, especially when timely action by authorities could have prevented it. No survivor should feel ashamed for seeking help. Through education, awareness, and collective action, we can foster meaningful change and build a society where violence against women is no longer tolerated. 

BY ELISA BIZZARRI, CEYDA KEMANCI

Since the Taliban’s return, Afghan women face severe ‘gender apartheid’, highlighting urgent international support and accountability needs for their oppression. The situation for women and girls in Afghanistan has reached a critical juncture, particularly following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. The term “gender apartheid” has resurfaced to describe the severe oppression faced by women under the current regime. This blog aims to shed light on Afghan women’s challenges and the urgent need for international support and accountability.

Afghan women are demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience in the face of gender oppression. Their determination, persistence, and creativity shine through despite the high costs they bear, including violence and sexual violence. However, it is essential to recognize that not all women experience oppression in the same way. Factors such as ethnicity, religion, disability, and family status can exacerbate discrimination. For instance, women from ethnic minorities like the Hazara, Uzbek, Turkmen, Sikhs, and Hindus, as well as those with disabilities or heading households (over 200,000 households in Afghanistan are headed by women), face even greater challenges. Since the fall of Kabul, Afghanistan has been in a dire human rights crisis. Over the past three years, the Taliban have enforced brutal policies. Just days ago, 14 Hazara young men were killed viciously in a remote area of Bankridi province.

The ongoing crisis extends beyond immediate threats to women’s rights; it poses a long-term risk to the education of future generations. We know women and girls above the sixth grade are denied education. They face severe restrictions in employment and are not allowed to play sports. Movement is also extremely difficult for them, requiring a dull face-covering hijab. Essentially, many women are imprisoned in their own homes, and that is how they describe it. The lack of positive female role models and the deterioration of education for both boys and girls could lead to a poorly educated and radicalized population. This situation threatens not only Afghanistan but potentially extends beyond its borders, impacting global stability.

After August 2021, there was talk of a “Taliban 2.0”, a supposedly changed, reformed and more acceptable Taliban. However, the reality has clarified that Taliban 2.0 is a myth. The Taliban’s current position of strength complicates efforts to advocate for women’s rights. While some Taliban leaders claim to support girls’ education, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The divisions within the Taliban movement create a complex dynamic that makes it challenging to shift their stance on women’s education and rights. Engaging with the Taliban requires a nuanced approach that considers these internal divisions while advocating for the rights of women and girls.

Another element to consider is Afghanistan’s status as a party to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The ICC focuses on individual criminal justice, but CEDAW allows for state-to-state action. This means one or more states could sue Afghanistan for violations following an arbitration process. This is another avenue in international law to address the situation.

The return of the Taliban has severely restricted independent journalism in Afghanistan, particularly for female journalists. Most experienced and senior journalists have left the country, and the few media outlets still operating are entirely under Taliban control. As a result, the people of Afghanistan are deprived of hearing news that directly impacts their lives. For example, people in Kabul and other provinces are not informed about events like the attacks on the group of prosecutors in Darul Aman because journalists are not allowed to cover these incidents under Taliban rule. The dangers they face are compounded by gender discrimination, making their work even more perilous. Despite these challenges, courageous female journalists continue to report on the dire situation, highlighting the need for international attention and support.

The violations of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan have been so extreme, widespread, and systematic that Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists released a report last year stating that these violations amount to the crime of gender persecution and should be investigated as such. “Gender apartheid” should be recognized as a crime against humanity to capture the severity of the situation in Afghanistan. While there is currently no law specifically addressing gender apartheid, discussions are underway at the UN in New York to create a new international human rights treaty that could criminalize such practices, though it will take time. In the meantime, the situation in Afghanistan is ripe for investigation and prosecution of gender persecution under existing international law.

A common question is whether recognizing the Taliban as the de facto authority means they are obligated to adhere to international treaties. The UN’s position is that the Taliban are the de facto authorities, not the official government. However, as de facto authorities controlling Afghanistan, they are still liable for the treaties to which Afghanistan is a party, including human rights treaties like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This issue is legally complex, but it’s essential. By being de facto authorities, the Taliban are technically obliged to follow these treaties. Theoretically, they could claim they no longer wish to be a party to these treaties if it doesn’t benefit them, but that remains to be debated.

So, what will work? What won’t? Normative approaches are unlikely to change the Taliban’s mindset. They believe what they believe, and it differs vastly from our beliefs. It’s wrong, but that’s the situation. We need to find a way to mobilize the international community to make the Taliban confront choices they don’t wish to face. It’s a straightforward concept but incredibly difficult to implement. The burden of these choices falls not on the Taliban but on the population. The plight of women and girls in Afghanistan is a pressing human rights issue that demands our attention and action. We must listen to Afghan voices, particularly women, and create platforms for them to engage in dialogue about their rights and needs. The time for accountability and meaningful support is now. Together, we can advocate for a future where Afghan women and girls can live free from oppression and fear.

We need to learn from the fundamental failure of the 20-year campaign in Afghanistan. A report was published by members of the Republican Party in the US last week, attributing blame to President Biden and Kamala Harris. However, the reality is far more complex. We failed for 20 years to create the conditions for a US-led military withdrawal, but they withdrew regardless. What does this tell us? Unless there is pluralistic severe governance in Afghanistan capable of managing the country to benefit all its citizens to make meaningful progress. We are now in a weaker position than before August 2021 due to mistakes made over two decades. Join us in raising awareness about the gender crisis in Afghanistan. Share this blog, engage in discussion, and support organizations working to protect the rights of Afghan women and girls. Together, we can make a difference.

BY ROJIN ERDAL 

Our report ‘Preventing and Combating Violence against Women with Disabilities in the UK, EU and Turkey’ is submitted to PACE. We are proud to submit our report on “Preventing and Combating Violence against Women with Disabilities in the UK, EU and Turkey” to the Committee on Equality and Anti-Discrimination in the PACE and UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls. This comprehensive report aims to shed light on the pressing issue of violence against women with disabilities in different countries.

The report, which has been meticulously compiled through rigorous research and consultation, underscores the urgent need for measures to address and eliminate the violence faced by women with disabilities. It highlights the unique challenges they encounter and provides recommendations to the PACE on policy frameworks, awareness campaigns, and support systems.

We firmly believe that this report will contribute significantly to advancing the dialogue and actions surrounding this critical issue within PACE and beyond.

The report on the systematic torture of dissidents by state agents in Turkey has been turned into an animated film. Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) and London Advocacy (LA) have produced short animated films based on the report on the systematic torture of opposition groups in Turkey. One of the videos, posted on HRS’s YouTube channel, tells women being tortured, while the other shows men being tortured.

The report, entitled “Systematic torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in places of detention in Turkey”, was published last February and submitted to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in March. The report reveals the widespread use of torture by Turkish law enforcement since 15 July 2016, when the fundamental rights and freedoms of Turkish citizens were put on the back burner.

You can access the videos by clicking on the links below: 

A Female Victim Statement                       A Male Victim Statement

Our report on Ukraine has been submitted to PACE, the UN Special Rapporteur and the FEMM Committee of European Parliament. We are pleased to submit a brief report on “sexual exploitation and trafficking of Ukrainian women” to esteemed FEMM Committee of the European Parliament, the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination of the PACE and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls.

The final report of Baroness Casey’s investigation into the London Police Department (Met) was made public in late March.

Commissioned by Mayor Sadiq Khan in response to the murder of Sarah Everard, the report reveals disturbing findings about the culture and practices of the Metropolitan Police.

The review found a culture of sexism and harassment within the Met, and many female officers and staff reported their experiences of harassment and sexism. These behaviours were often ignored or rejected by senior leadership, creating a toxic environment for women in power. The report also highlighted insufficient education on gender and race issues; many officials and staff did not have sufficient knowledge of how to handle cases involving women and minority groups. This has led to bias and discrimination in the handling of cases.

Additionally, the report noted a lack of diversity in leadership within the force, with senior leadership being predominantly white and male. This led to a lack of diversity in decision-making and policy development, which further perpetuated biases and discrimination within the force.

To address these issues, the report made several recommendations. One of the key recommendations was a cultural overhaul, with the men’s club needing to develop a comprehensive plan to address the sexist and discriminatory culture within the club. The report also recommended better training for members on issues of gender and race, with mandatory training required for promotion and advancement within the club. The report called for a more efficient and transparent disciplinary process, with stricter penalties for members found guilty of misconduct. Finally, the report recommended that the club take active steps to recruit and promote more women and minority members into leadership positions.

In conclusion, the final report of Baroness Casey’s review paints a concerning picture of a men’s club in need of significant reform. However, the report’s recommendations provide a clear roadmap for how the club can begin to address these issues and create a more equitable and just institution. We must work together to dismantle the exclusive culture of the men’s club and create a more inclusive environment for all members.

Marching for Women’s Rights in London

By Asiye Betül

This year’s Million Women Rise march, themed against male violence was on the 5th of March. Exactly a year after the violent murder of Sarah Everard. The march started in front of the Charing Cross police station and ended in front of the New Scotland Yard. These locations were crucial to the protest, because as Sabrina Qureshi, the founder of Million Women Rise, said, despite the fact that we pay for the police to keep us safe and protect us, there are still to this day, multiple incidents of the police violence against women. The police continues on to ignore occasions of abuse of women. In short, the police keeps failing women.

Male violence cases have been surging since the start of the pandemic, and despite all attempts to improve the system, few women can find a remedy in it.

As the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee of Human Rights Society we decided to place a male embodiment of all news coverages of violence against women inside a cage. This was symbolising both the source of violence against women, and the kind of freedom we women would enjoy had this source been neutralized.

The male mannequin character had newspaper clippings covering male violence cases such as “I killed 17 women” and “Violent ex stalked women” around his body. This physical demonstration was one of the highlights of the whole march and got a lot of attention from many media outlets such as the BBC, The Guardian and The Independent.

This was our turn to say “Stop!” This was our turn to ask for justice, to claim back our long lost safety, right in front of those who deny us from it.

We asked them to “Stop the violence!” and “Stop the rape!”

Because women have had enough; because there will be no peace if no justice is delivered.

It was a cold Saturday in London indeed. We raised our banners up to the sky under 4 degrees Celsius, while our hands and legs were shivering. We embraced each other in order to keep warm; in order to keep safe.

The march ended with a rally in front of New Scotland Yard. Speakers and campaigners stood up against male violence and highlighted how racism, xenophobia and homophobia were the main causes of police brutality against women. The campaigners highlighted that “Enough is Enough” and women will not tolerate any more violence against themselves.

I was very honoured to be able to recite my poem “On Womanhood” during the rally. I expressed my worries on how while “boys will be boys, girls never get to be girls”. It was a moving experience for me to have amazing, inspiring and shivering women listen to me and support me by their ovations. I also received a few hugs from strangers by the end of my performance. It was truly an unforgettable moment.

With these feelings still warm and alive in my heart, I leave you with the poem:

On Womanhood

To be born into womanhood is to be born neck-deep into guilt.

It means to be a house haunted by shame.

It means to be a daughter, a mother and a sister – before a person, because boys won’t care unless you compare them to their birth givers.

It’s getting your screams and cries ignored, it’s getting your right to justice avoided – Because women bleeding doesn’t bother men unless it’s from periods.

To be a woman is to grow up earlier than boys, It’s getting told what girls do and don’t.

It’s being so aware that you are a girl, you forget you’re human. 

It’s having to accept when your mother says “boys will be boys, that’s what they do”,

Is that what boys will be? Will boys be boys? 

Will boys be rapists? Murderers?

Will boys be abusers and predators?

Boys will be boys. 

Boys will be boys, and girls will never forget to look behind themselves when they’re alone at night. girls will be girls instead of women, because even that is too much for a boy to grasp. a woman becomes a girl when her hands bleed from clutching her keys too tight. 

a woman becomes a girl in a boy’s eyes.

Boys will be boys. But, will girls be girls? Will girls be alive?

Girls never get to be girls, women never get to be women. 

And today we will stand and scream and make noise, for those who never got the chance to have a voice.

We’ll stand for the women in war. We’ll stand for the women of Ukraine, For the women of Palestine, the women of Syria, the women of Sudan!

For the women unlawfully detained!

Raise your voice for the Uyghur women of China getting ethnically cleansed!

For the women of Iran, the women of India, the women of Africa!

For the women whose rights are ignored!

Raise your voices for the women of Pakistan, the women of Spain and Brazil!

The women of the United Kingdom who were killed by the police!

For the women whose justice was never offered!

Raise your voices for the women who lost their lives to violence.!

For the women who never got their respects paid!

Let us all rise for our sisters all around the world! Let us ask for justice!