Jakarta, IO – The protection of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) remains a critical human rights challenge across Asia, particularly for women human rights defenders who challenge patriarchal norms, encounter religious intolerance and struggle against entrenched power structures.
These concerns were highlighted at the Asia Centre Summit 2026, “Religious Freedom in Asia: Representation, Restriction, Rights,” held on 20–21 August 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. The summit brought together representatives from civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, human rights groups, media organizations, legal institutions and academia from across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.
One prominent speaker was Nukila Evanty, Executive Director of Women Working Group (WWG), who participated in Panel 7: “Hate Speech & Women FoRB Defenders.”
Evanty highlighted how women human rights defenders experience double discrimination at the intersection of gender, culture, religion and power. In patriarchal societies, women who defend human rights can face intense backlash because their activism challenges traditional gender roles, family expectations and established authority.
“Women defenders are often not only confronted by state authorities. Hostility can also emerge from our own families, community leaders and faith-based networks,” Evanty said.
She described the serious risks faced by women defenders, including sexual harassment, gender-based intimidation, physical threats and attempts to silence their advocacy. Women activists may also be labelled “anti-family,” “immoral,” “man-haters,” or accused of destroying cultural and religious values – simply because they speak out for human rights and equality.
Evanty also emphasized that calling oneself a feminist can itself become a source of social pressure and stigma in deeply-patriarchal environments.
The risks become even more severe for women facing intersecting forms of discrimination. Indigenous women and other women from marginalized communities can experience compounded barriers and violence, particularly when they defend customary territories, environmental rights or communities affected by extractive industries.
Read More: Indonesian Students Warmly Welcome Prabowo In Vladivostok
“Women defending land, environmental integrity, and the rights of their communities are often challenging powerful economic, political, and social interests at the same time. Their protection must therefore be understood through an intersectional human rights lens,” Evanty stressed.
Evanty added that misogynistic attacks disguised as religious concerns are a frequent occurrence; when women activists speak out on social media, they are often labeled as violating their “natural role,” being disrespectful, or “deviating” from traditional religious teachings. Their bodies, clothing, and life choices are frequently subjected to public judgment. It comes as no surprise that religiously-motivated hate speech spikes during election seasons. My own research on hate speech has shown that women on social media receive a disproportionately high volume of hateful attacks and abusive language—potentially exceeding 50% of such instances. Women activists who support minority groups—such as the Ahmadiyya and Shia communities or adherents of indigenous faiths—often face everything from digital threats to physical persecution.
For Evanty, protecting FoRB cannot be separated from protecting the women who speak out for it. “Freedom of religion or belief must mean freedom for everyone—including women who challenge discrimination, defend their communities, and demand equality.”
In my view, there is a need for platforms or safe spaces where women can educate the public on the importance of religious moderation. They counter rigid religious interpretations with a humanistic and inclusive approach. It is crucial to establish programs and allocate budgets to support women’s organizations and empower women to advocate for the protection of religious minorities and adherents of indigenous faiths. (des)
