The Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law and the Program on Gender, Theory, Law & Practice at (AUWCL) hosted an impactful discussion on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 addressing the urgent challenges facing women's rights globally. The event, titled "Women’s Rights in the Face of Democratic Erosion: Resisting Authoritarianism and Defending Human Rights," brought together leading voices in the field to share their experiences and strategies for advocacy in the face of growing authoritarianism.

Distinguished Panelists Included:

• Macarena Sáez, Executive Director, Women’s Rights Division, Human Rights Watch
• Carolina Jiménez Sandoval, President, Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA)
• Amanda Baran, Adjunct Associate Professor, AUWCL

The discussion was skillfully moderated by Professor Anita Sinha, Director of the International Human Rights Law Clinic and Faculty Director of the Program on Gender, Theory, Law & Practice at AUWCL.

Key Insights and Themes:

• The link between democratic backsliding and the rollback of women's rights globally
• Strategies for building resilient human rights advocacy networks in increasingly restrictive environments
• The role of international solidarity and legal frameworks in defending gender justice
• First-hand perspectives on the intersection of gender, authoritarianism, and human rights defense across the Americas and beyond

The event drew students, faculty, and practitioners committed to advancing gender equality and protecting human rights amid shifting political landscapes.

This event underscored the urgent need for continued vigilance, advocacy, and collaboration to protect fundamental freedoms and to ensure that women's rights remain a cornerstone of democratic societies.

The event was Co-sponsored by:

• Human Rights Watch
• Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA)