LIBERPRESS CAMINS AWARD 2019

Women’s Link Worldwide is an international nonprofit organization that uses the power of the law to promote social change that advances the human rights for women and girls, especially those in the most vulnerable situations. It was founded in 2001 by American lawyer Viviana Waisman. Since then, it has carried out defense actions either in courtrooms or out of them, to set standards that promote the human rights of women and girls. It is an organization very well known for its ability to develop legal theories and strategies, especially those related to human rights violations. They work internationally, building alliances with advocates from all over the world. They study the context, design strategies, projects and legal briefs, fighting for women before the judiciary in national and international courts. They legally represent women, offer training, mentoring and practical tools, and handle all types of legal, social and cultural issues.

With their program “Beyond the courtroom”, they use their work in litigation and legal processes, not only to strengthen the human rights infrastructure, but also to create public debate and contribute to a social movement that can transform society and guarantee women’s and girls’ rights. They have regional offices in Colombia and Spain, a strong presence in Latin-America and Europe as well as in East Africa. They are particularly involved in cases of human trafficking, violence against women, sexual and reproductive rights, women and borders, discrimination and women and peacebuilding… They call on governments and courts to apply the principle of equality, building jurisprudence, conditions and social capacity. They work with lawyers, judges and prosecutors, to demand and ensure that all these issues affecting women are considered within the mindset of defending human rights.