Since 2021, Media Defence is strengthening legal communities of women lawyers who are working to defend, promote, and strengthen freedom of expression online.
A key part of this initiative is the delivery of regionally focused legal workshops designed exclusively for women lawyers. These events, which we call ‘litigation surgeries’, celebrate open dialogue, peer learning, and solidarity, while providing participants with a safe space to discuss the specific gendered challenges they face, and the tools needed to litigate strategically in their contexts.
Our most recent surgery for women lawyers was held in Kathmandu, Nepal. The three-day training brought together 16 women lawyers from seven countries across the region.
“The best thing about this litigation surgery was that it was women-only. This enabled more
honest sharing of the challenges we face as human rights lawyers.”— Anonymous participant, Nepal
Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including the challenges of protecting freedom
of expression in repressive environments, the intersection of free expression and the rights
of marginalised groups, and the complex relationship between freedom of expression, hate
speech, and national security.
The format provided a unique and vital space for honest discussion of shared
experiences and vulnerabilities in the field. Participants described the event as empowering,
transformative, and necessary in societies where women lawyers often face additional
structural barriers.
“South Asian societies are mostly patriarchal. Media Defence’s training gave women
lawyers not only the tools, but the encouragement to continue defending rights, knowing
they are not alone.”— Manushika Cooray, Human Rights Lawyer, Sri Lanka
This was our third litigation surgery designed specifically for women lawyers, following previous sessions in East and Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023 we held a convening in South Africa, which brought together 23 participants from 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
“The convening [in South Africa] was a very enriching experience on the situation of journalists in each country. Several sessions were animated… and from these interesting discussions, new challenges and new ways of protecting journalists were shared.”
– Anonymous Participant, South Africa
The overwhelmingly positive response from participants affirms the importance of gender-sensitive legal capacity strengthening.
“Participating in the litigation surgery was an incredible experience that transcended
borders. Being in an all-women space fostered hope, support, and safety. I believe I’ve
formed friendships that will last and fuel future collaboration.”— Anonymous Participant, Nepal
Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Programme
In 2023, we launched our peer support mentorship programme, which matched cross-regional lawyers to develop their expertise, build confidence, and offer sustained support. Most recently we also introduced our inaugural cross-regional, women-only lawyer mentorship programme, aimed at empowering women legal professionals engaged in issues of freedom of expression.
Read more about our litigation surgeries and capacity strengthening activities here.
