94
Jakeline Romero where instead of supporting these defenders, state and local governments engage in unwarranted prosecution and violence:
the attacks have been aimed at defenders who are dedicated to the defense of the rights of
indigenous peoples, territory, land and healthy environment. The organizations reported
that 55% of people assaulted are women and 58.21% of all attacks have been aimed at
environmental defenders, particularly from the perspective of indigenous peoples. Several
environmental advocates are awaiting decisions in open proceedings against them
(Hernández et al. 2016).
By way of further statistical explanation, the Mesoamerican Women Human
Rights Defenders Initiative indicated that
the greatest number of attacks on women human rights defenders were against those who
defended land and territory. In 2012, 157 women (38% of all attacks on women human
rights defenders) were attacked; in 2013, 81 women (or 15%); and in 2014, 287 women (or
38%). Alarmingly, between 2012 and 2014, 1,688 attacks on women human rights defenders were reported in just El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico – with the frequency of the attacks doubling between 2012 and 2014 (DeWolfe and Maya 2017).
More specifically with respect to what methods are being used, studies are
showing that:
of those committing acts of violence against women land and territory defenders are mostly
regional stakeholders: and companies that use different tactics, for example: the use of
public force and criminalization; establishing criminal records by randomly and illegally
detaining those participating in peaceful demonstrations or checkpoint blockages; adopting
intimidation and harassment methods; making telephone threats and false accusations;
launching defamation campaigns and even assassination of leaders (Vidal 2018).
Unless action is taken on a global scale, it is unlikely that these attacks will end
anytime soon. The inaction and often involvement of government and public officials makes eradication of ancient viewpoints, stereotypical limitations and bogus
legal action against defenders nearly impossible to stop.
We are not naïve and as such recognize that a world without environmental conflict would be impossible. However, it is not unreasonable to expect humanity to
prevail and level the playing field. With an eye on the ultimate ideals, we forge on,
hopeful to someday reach balance in which everyone can engage in activism without first having to battle gender stereotypes.
6 Men, Woman, Humanity….The Ultimate Goal
This chapter has shown the challenges, risks and successes of women environmental defenders. The Global Fund for Women optimistically reports that:
Women, girls, trans people, and indigenous women land and water defenders are resilient,
creative, and steadfast in their commitment to standing up for gender equality and resisting
encroachment on their water and land—no matter how big the threat (Global Fund for
Women 2019).
S. M. Lange
Jakeline Romero where instead of supporting these defenders, state and local governments engage in unwarranted prosecution and violence:
the attacks have been aimed at defenders who are dedicated to the defense of the rights of
indigenous peoples, territory, land and healthy environment. The organizations reported
that 55% of people assaulted are women and 58.21% of all attacks have been aimed at
environmental defenders, particularly from the perspective of indigenous peoples. Several
environmental advocates are awaiting decisions in open proceedings against them
(Hernández et al. 2016).
By way of further statistical explanation, the Mesoamerican Women Human
Rights Defenders Initiative indicated that
the greatest number of attacks on women human rights defenders were against those who
defended land and territory. In 2012, 157 women (38% of all attacks on women human
rights defenders) were attacked; in 2013, 81 women (or 15%); and in 2014, 287 women (or
38%). Alarmingly, between 2012 and 2014, 1,688 attacks on women human rights defenders were reported in just El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico – with the frequency of the attacks doubling between 2012 and 2014 (DeWolfe and Maya 2017).
More specifically with respect to what methods are being used, studies are
showing that:
of those committing acts of violence against women land and territory defenders are mostly
regional stakeholders: and companies that use different tactics, for example: the use of
public force and criminalization; establishing criminal records by randomly and illegally
detaining those participating in peaceful demonstrations or checkpoint blockages; adopting
intimidation and harassment methods; making telephone threats and false accusations;
launching defamation campaigns and even assassination of leaders (Vidal 2018).
Unless action is taken on a global scale, it is unlikely that these attacks will end
anytime soon. The inaction and often involvement of government and public officials makes eradication of ancient viewpoints, stereotypical limitations and bogus
legal action against defenders nearly impossible to stop.
We are not naïve and as such recognize that a world without environmental conflict would be impossible. However, it is not unreasonable to expect humanity to
prevail and level the playing field. With an eye on the ultimate ideals, we forge on,
hopeful to someday reach balance in which everyone can engage in activism without first having to battle gender stereotypes.
6 Men, Woman, Humanity….The Ultimate Goal
This chapter has shown the challenges, risks and successes of women environmental defenders. The Global Fund for Women optimistically reports that:
Women, girls, trans people, and indigenous women land and water defenders are resilient,
creative, and steadfast in their commitment to standing up for gender equality and resisting
encroachment on their water and land—no matter how big the threat (Global Fund for
Women 2019).
S. M. Lange