FACING FRAGILITY: THE RESISTANCE OF WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ADVOCACY IN BALI

Abstract

Women human rights defenders (WHRDs) often find themselves in vulnerable situations, particularly due to their physicality, sexuality, and gender identity. In patriarchal settings like Bali, where gender inequality remains deeply rooted in cultural norms, such vulnerabilities are further exacerbated. These dynamics significantly affect the broader practice of human rights advocacy and illustrate the inherent risks involved—especially for women defenders working on cases of gender-based violence (GBV).This article explores how resistance emerges among WHRDs in the city of Denpasar, Bali, particularly in the context of advocating for GBV survivors. This resistance is often shaped by the repeated exposure to physical, mental, and sexual vulnerability during the advocacy process. The study also examines how intersecting discourses and patriarchal structures contribute to the formation of this resistance, as well as the resilience that follows. Using qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and participant observation, this research identifies key forms of resistance practiced by WHRDs handling GBV cases. It finds that such resistance often leads to resilient actions that may positively influence the direction of GBV case handling in the region.

Keywords: human right defenders, advocacy, women, fragility, Bali