Feminist-led organisations have long been at the forefront of transformative change, championing human rights and social justice. Their commitment to movement-building, rooted in participation, co-creation and consensus, has reshaped advocacy and support networks across the world.

Yet today, a toxic combination of democratic backsliding, rising authoritarianism, and political polarisation is closing the space for feminist-led activism at an alarming rate. As the Association for Women’s Rights in Development warns, “Massive funding is being driven against the human rights of women and LGBTQI people in the service of ultraconservative, fundamentalist, and patriarchal agendas.” These corrosive forces do more than resist progress; they actively dismantle it, threatening fundamental rights related to gender, sexuality, and reproductive freedom.

Overcoming risks in repressive environments

In this increasingly repressive environment, an intersectional feminist organisation in Southeast Asia approached Open Briefing for support. The staff of this women-led human rights organisation faced escalating harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests by police and state security forces.

These heightened risks had a severe impact on the wellbeing of their team. Anxiety, trauma, and burnout became widespread, leaving both staff and the individuals they supported vulnerable to harm. Without structured processes for managing security and wellbeing, both their staff and the individuals they support were at increased risk of harm.

Recognising the urgent need for holistic support, Open Briefing’s safety and security and wellbeing and resilience teams collaborated with the organisation to co-develop tailored solutions. This process involved:

• Establishing security procedures for engaging with high-risk individuals.
• Designing a comprehensive wellbeing framework that addressed the intersection of physical security and psychological risks.
• Strengthening case management systems to enhance staff capacity for handling high-risk situations effectively.
• Conducting training and coaching to embed these practices within the organisation’s culture.

Strengthening collective security and wellbeing

Sustaining these interventions over the long term required more than technical solutions and new protocols. Open Briefing worked to identify and amplify the organisation’s existing strengths, such as their deep sense of collective vision, passion for their mission, and robust internal support networks.

Through tailored coaching and workshops, we facilitated a shift towards a shared understanding of holistic security and the importance of team wellbeing. Staff members gained practical knowledge on assessing risk, responding to crises, and strategies for self-care. This ensured buy-in across the organisation, creating a foundation for implementing and maintaining these measures effectively.

Renata Oliveira, a safety and security coordinator at Open Briefing, explained that “This organisation recognised the need to reimagine safety in a way that truly centres the mental health and psychological resilience of their staff and partners.” By embedding wellbeing as a central pillar of organisational resilience, the team strengthened their internal dynamics and shared knowledge on coping strategies. This transformation enabled them to continue their critical work with renewed confidence and sustainability.

Building a sustainable future

As a result of this collaboration, the organisation now has the tools needed to safeguard both their staff and the communities they support. These strengthened security and wellbeing measures go beyond protection; they empower continued feminist activism in an increasingly hostile environment.

“Feminist-led movements are facing unprecedented attacks, but their resilience is remarkable,” reflected Khine Myint Oo, a counsellor at Open Briefing. “By investing in their safety and wellbeing, organisations like this are ensuring that their voices can be heard.”

With these foundations in place, the organisation is better positioned to push for transformative change. Their commitment to justice and equality is not only sustained but strengthened. Open Briefing remains steadfast in its mission to support feminist-led organisations in their fight for a more just and equitable world.