4. Advocating for the health and rights of girls, women, and other vulnerable groups

Grassroots feminist organizations are unwavering advocates for the health and rights of their communities – and this work hasn’t stopped during COVID-19. Instead, it has become more important than ever.

In Lebanon, Marsa Sexual Health Center is leading new campaigns that spotlight the impact of COVID-19 on people living with HIV, and those at risk of intimate partner violence during quarantine. Similarly, RDFL has raised the alarm on the increased levels of violence against girls and women during this pandemic through various media platforms, including by advocating on national TV, radio, and newspapers. At the same time, Women Now for Development has continued with their campaign against child marriage in northern Lebanon, moving their weekly research meetings to a virtual format to sustain this important work.

Together, these organizations are showing that while COVID-19 may have moved much of the world to the standstill, progress on gender equality cannot wait.

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We have always known that grassroots feminist organizations are frontline responders, skilled service providers, trusted community leaders, and so much more. During COVID-19, this is even more evident.

Now, more than ever, we must ensure these organizations have the funding, support, and leadership opportunities they need to sustain their vital work.

As Olfat Mahmoud of PWHO explains: “We need to keep trying, trying to support the people, being there.” As a global community, we must do the same.