As we bring 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence to a close with Human Rights Day this December 10th, we want to honour women who have been instrumental in advancing human rights. These women fought for equality, justice, and better access to opportunities for all, especially for women and girls. At The Baytree Centre, we are committed to continuing their legacy by empowering the next generation of female leaders—helping them claim their space in society, and creating a more inclusive future for all.
December 10th is celebrated as Human Rights Day to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948. One of the key figures in shaping this declaration was Eleanor Roosevelt, the former First Lady of the United States. Appointed to the U.S. delegation to the United Nations in 1945, Roosevelt went on to chair the U.N. Commission on Human Rights and played an integral role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Roosevelt was a passionate advocate for social justice, fair treatment of refugees, and access to basic human rights like education, food, and shelter for all. She worked alongside Hansa Mehta to change the declaration’s opening line from “All men are born free and equal” to “All human beings are born free and equal,” ensuring the recognition of gender equality in human rights.
Roosevelt’s work showed that human rights are for everyone, regardless of their background, gender, or nationality. Her tireless efforts laid the foundation for the global fight for equality, inspiring generations to come.
Another inspiring woman who made a significant impact on human rights and equality is Wangari Maathai. Maathai, a Kenyan environmental activist and political leader, founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, an initiative aimed at combating deforestation and promoting sustainable development. Through this movement, Maathai successfully planted over 30 million trees, addressing both environmental and social issues.
As a prominent environmental justice advocate, Maathai’s activism also focused on gender equality and women’s rights. She campaigned for women’s empowerment, using environmental conservation as a tool to address broader social inequalities. Maathai also fought against dictatorial government policies in Kenya, where she faced immense personal and political adversity. Her courage in challenging the status quo made her the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.
Maathai’s advocacy went beyond environmental conservation. She stood firm for public spaces, emphasizing that access to communal spaces was a right for all, especially women and marginalized communities. Her dedication to sustainable development placed democracy, human rights, and women’s empowerment at the forefront of her work.
The legacies of Eleanor Roosevelt and Wangari Maathai serve as constant inspiration for our work at Baytree. Just as they paved the way for equality and justice, we are dedicated to empowering the next generation of women and girls through education, advocacy, and social mobility. Our work is deeply rooted in the belief that providing women and girls with confidence, resilience, and support will enable them to break the cycle of poverty and inequality.
At The Baytree Centre, we provide a range of services to empower women and girls, from mentoring and coaching to educational support and life skills development. We help them build the necessary skills to succeed academically, socially, and professionally—creating a brighter future for them, their families, and their communities.
By supporting women and girls, we aim to build a society where human rights are accessible to all, especially for those who have historically been excluded from social, economic, and political opportunities. Our commitment to breaking down barriers and providing equal opportunities aligns with the work of iconic figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and Wangari Maathai.
As we conclude the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we want to remind everyone that, at Baytree, every day is a day of activism for women and girls. We are committed to gender equality and human rights, working every day to create a world where women and girls are free from violence, discrimination, and poverty. As we head towards the New Year, you can help us support women and girls year-round by donating here and finding out more about volunteering here.
