The Mau Forest is Kenya’s largest Indigenous forest and one of the country’s most important ecosystems. It is also the ancestral homeland of the Ogiek People, whose identity, culture, and livelihoods are deeply connected to the forest.
MADRE
@madrespeaks.bsky.social
MADRE is advancing women’s human rights by meeting urgent needs and building lasting solutions defined by women and girls. MADRE.org
A global mechanism for justice, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is often described as a “bill of rights for women.” In a recent submission to the CEDAW committee, we demand accountability for Indigenous Peoples in Kenya.
In September MADRE Senior Fellow Dr. Laura Baron-Mendoza recently brought critical evidence to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment, urging the UN to protect environmental human rights defenders facing rising threats.@srenvironment.bsky.social
Widely known as “Little Miss Flint,” Mari continues to share her beliefs and stories, inspiring others to speak out for their communities. Her leadership reminds us that young people closest to injustice must have a hand in building long-lasting change that promotes human rights.
As the only youth organization in Samoa, Brown Girl Woke is building the next generation of leaders and encouraging them to use their voice, pursue passions, and reimagine what it means to make a difference in their communities.
We are partnering with Muslim Counterpublics Lab to examine the lessons and legacies for the 25th anniversary of the War on Terror at the Elliot School of International Affairs at George Washington University on Thursday and Friday, September 17-18!
One month later, Colombia is still healing after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that killed 287 and left hundreds more missing. In moments like this, speed matters, and MADRE moves money quickly, straight to the people already doing the work and most impacted. https://bit.ly/46rHWqd
On this day, 25 years ago, Representative Barbara Lee was the lone dissenter on the floor of the House for the Authorization for Use of Military Force: “Let’s just pause, just for a minute and think through the implications of our actions today.”
August marked five years since the Taliban’s return. Afghan leaders, survivors, & the Afghan diaspora continue to demand that the US take accountability for its war crimes and human rights violations against civilians and confront its legacy of impunity. https://bit.ly/4xjuFen
Many of the rights we enjoy at work today exist because workers joined forces in labor unions and fought for them. Today, we say “thank you” to them and to our union, MADRE United, for their part in shaping a global movement for economic and personal well-being in the workforce.
Join MADRE and our partners on Sept. 8 alongside the Human Rights Council in Geneva for a discussion of gender persecution in Afghanistan. See the flyer for full details.
Yesterday, we lost a feminist giant. The groundwork Gloria Steinem laid for feminist movements and activism inform many of the systems we've built today, challenging gender inequality. We're grateful to have learned from her example.
Families in Colombia face their “new normal” of unimaginable loss and grief after a 7.4 earthquake devastated their homes. As they recover, our partners, who are often first responders, yet consistently the last to receive aid, can use your support.https://bit.ly/4yhOGTp
There are many ways to make an impact and support feminist organizing. Writer Helen Benedict organized a literary benefit in support of MADRE, raising funds for global grassroots organizers and initiatives and showing how coming together inspires lasting change.
“Risking a Generation of Illiteracy” reports on Afghanistan's illiteracy crisis and the need for global action to defend access to education. Read, share, and amplify recommendations for supporting the right to learn in Afghanistan. https://bit.ly/4gQ3lzF
In Johannesburg? Join MADRE on August 31 for a dialogue on accountability for apartheid and shaping the draft CAH treaty. RSVP to wendy_gpobservatory@protonmail.com to secure your spot!
A catastrophic flash flood struck the Nepal-China border, killing over 150, and leaving more injured and missing. We’re organizing with partners on the ground to provide immediate aid and support. You can help extend the reach of our work: https://support.madre.org/campaign/837599/donate
In Syrian hospitals, too many women fear delivery rooms, knowing they might face abuse instead of care. This is why we work with organizations like Midwives for Peace, which ensures families are safe and respected. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/obstetric-violence-syrian-women-speak-out/
In April, INNOVATORS 4 CLIMATE ACTION submitted a legal brief calling out interpretations of Article 24 in the African Charter that risk excluding LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized groups of the right to safe and equitable access to food. https://www.madre.org/media-item/food-justice-is-for-everyone/
“Faces of Resilience” captures the voices, courage, heartbreak, and unwavering determination of Afghan women who, under Taliban rule, continue fighting for gender justice, security, and lasting change in Afghanistan. Read the full publication. https://bit.ly/3s3zE70
Recognizing the violence in exclusion, the National Indigenous Women Forum fights for the recognition of Dalit Indigenous People in Nepal—challenging unequal access to aid after disasters, lack of recognition in government, & discrimination. Meet NIWF: https://niwfnepal.org.np/
As Muna Luqman, Founder of @Food4Humanity and MADRE partner, shares with @IPSnews: “The local women peacebuilders are the structure and the backbone of these societies.” We cannot afford to exclude women in negotiation spaces. Lasting peace depends on it. https://bit.ly/4wW1w9K
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit western Colombia yesterday, killing more than 180 and collapsing buildings in Cali, Pereira & Manizales. MADRE is moving emergency grants to our partners on the ground because they can't wait. Rush your gift so we can respond quickly: https://bit.ly/4wS6KDb
The legacy of genocide is long-lasting, & for Indigenous Ixil communities in Guatemala, recovery is a key commitment. Since 2003, MUIXIL has worked to promote, sustain, and strengthen Indigenous culture, leadership, & economic stability for women & girls. https://www.madre.org/partner/muixil/
When we ask, "Who gets to be free?" we interrogate systems that continue to threaten feminist human rights defenders with violence and withhold and exploit resources that keep environments from thriving. When we ask this question, we also think of Yanar. MADRE.org/YanarsFund
Despite intermittent access to humanitarian aid caused by Israeli blockades, our long-term relationships with local organizers and community members allow us to ensure we can deliver relief to Palestinians in Gaza. Peace cannot coexist with or grow from occupation. MADRE.org/Palestine
Earlier this month, on the International Day for Criminal Justice, MADRE, @rawadari.bsky.social, Afghan LGBT, and other partners issued a joint statement calling for action on accountability for Afghanistan. Read the full statement: https://bit.ly/4fhxGWP
Continuing a long-standing commitment, MADRE works alongside grassroots organizers to safely amplify Afghan voices and to advance the rights and safety of women, girls, LGBTQIA+ communities, and those most at risk under Taliban rule. Learn more: MADRE.org/Afghanistan.
A new report, featuring contributions from MADRE, Afghan LGBT, and the Gender Persecution Working Group, provides recommendations to overturn a crisis depriving Afghan women and girls of their right to education and safety. Download your copy today. https://bit.ly/4gQ3lzF
The US war on terrorism did more damage to Afghan women's and girls' rights than its claim to protect them. As the crisis worsens and communities see a rollback to their human rights, the US has a responsibility to repair the harm it has exacerbated.