“Dear Alexa,

Your story of activism inspires thousands of women human rights defenders around the world. Thank you for your sacrifice in search for truth and justice. You matter - your story is being told!” This is one of hundreds of letters written to Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) who have been imprisoned for their activism.

During the AWID Forum 2024, the Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition (WHRDIC) organized a public participatory installation to share the stories of 30 WHRDs from around the world who are currently imprisoned for their human rights work and activism. These stories, collected by WHRDIC members and partners, gave visibility to the courage and resilience of defenders who continue to resist oppression from behind bars. 

“Dear Intisar,

Thank you for fighting for all women, for being brave and risking your own life. Today we are thinking of you and we stand in solidarity. We will fight together with you to make a world where women can choose their life and career. We will not give up until this becomes a reality. Power to you!,” This letter was addressed to a WHRD imprisoned in Yemen.

Writing letters to Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in prison is an act of love, solidarity, and a call to action. As part of the installation, participants were invited to write letters of support to 30 imprisoned defenders - messages of care, solidarity, and encouragement. Where security conditions permitted, these letters were delivered to the defenders’ families, serving as a lifeline of hope and connection.

“Dearest Amanda,

I know mothers are the strongest and so full of love. I know this love is power. Your essays, poems, writings, musings are power. I send you lots of love. I send your child so much love and blessings. I pray for your safety and well-being. You are a light. Thank you.” This message was sent to the Philippines to empower a young mother kept in prison for her activism. 

Anna Nikoghosyan, the executive coordinator of WHRDIC, stressed the urgency of keeping imprisoned defenders at the forefront of global conversations:

“Everyone should talk about the imprisoned activists. This should be the number one agenda item of all conferences, convenings, and gatherings. We need a global action to help set them free. No one should be persecuted, threatened, or jailed because of their activism, and it is the responsibility of everyone who resists oppressive systems to fight for their release.”

The installation formed part of WHRDIC’s annual campaign, "Spreading the Echo", which amplifies the voices of imprisoned WHRDs, calls for their release, demands justice, and nurtures international solidarity. Each year, the campaign unfolds across social media, using the hashtag #SpreadingTheEcho to connect supporters worldwide.

While a few defenders featured in the campaign have been released, the majority remain unjustly imprisoned. WHRDIC will therefore continue #SpreadingTheEcho.