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Dear John,
I just returned home from the Feminist Republik Festival in Kenya, held by our sister fund Urgent Action Fund-Africa. The convening brought together more than 600 African activists and the space was electric with our collective power. This Human Rights Day, I am inspired by the unwavering hope, determination, and boundless imagination I witnessed at the festival. That spirit drives feminist movements around the world.
From Kenya to Belarus to Kazakhstan to the United States, frontline feminists are the architects of more just and joyful futures for all. Their work is inherently dangerous because they are not just protecting rights—they are actively challenging patriarchal and oppressive systems, and we are proud to support them in moments of crisis and opportunity. Here are a few recent examples of our solidarity in action with frontline defenders:
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In Armenia, a $6,500 grant covered legal fees, corporate fines, and counseling for an environmental defender sued for defamation while protecting their community from invasive mining projects.
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A $6,200 grant helped a queer activist in Belarus stabilize their living situation in exile, allowing them to recover and continue their activism after years of government harassment.
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An emergency $1,000 grant supported two activists in Kazakhstan who were arrested after peaceful protests, providing essential medical and mental health treatment.
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A $5,000 grant provided essential security services for the founder of a U.S.-based organization advocating for the rights of trans people of color who faced threats because of their work.
These examples reveal the undeniable strength of feminist activists, even in the face of immense adversity.
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