Under the Webs of Safety and Care Grant, we conducted an assessment among activists in the feminist movement in Bangladesh to understand their safety and care needs. Participants included women, gender-diverse individuals, indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, and members from religious and ethnic minority communities. Through this assessment, we aimed to understand the safety, health, and wellbeing challenges faced by human rights defenders both in their work and as community members.
What we found:
The assessment revealed a critical need for dedicated spaces that prioritise care, mental wellbeing, and relationship-building beyond professional roles. Participants highlighted the impact of burnout, anxiety, and stress, compounded by the lack of spaces for genuine connection and healing. Many expressed a desire for environments where they could step away from work demands, build meaningful relationships beyond professionalism, and share experiences in nonjudgmental settings. Our findings emphasise the importance of collective care, promoting mental well-being, and creating opportunities for activists to connect personally, strengthening community ties and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.