WE-Defend will employ a two – pronged approach:  

• First – support and advance traditional tools and support for security (including legal defense, psychosocial support, and dialogues with the security sector) 
• Second – socialize environmental defense into a broader movement with a view towards depoliticizing the work of WEDs in the frontlines. 

Objectives: 

• Equip WEDs (Women Environmental Defenders) and civil society organizations (CSOs) with the necessary skills to conduct their work safely and effectively and influence policies without threats of violence. 
• Advance women’s leadership and advocacy on local and national priorities related to natural resources and the environment. 

Project components/expected outputs

Small Grants Program - Cohort and Fellowship Program 

WE-D Cohort Program 
A micro grant for the WEDs to implement or initate their own community projects 

WE-D Fellowship Program 

Current Leaders

• Five (5) Fellows who have ongoing engagement or involvement in environmental defense and have been working with the community for five years or less 

Emerging Leaders 

• Ten (10) community leaders with a least two (2) years of experience and will be provided a support for the Internship program to further develop their skills/ expertise

Gender Audit 

Partners we work with

Tribe/ Ethnic Origin of the WEDs: 

• Talaandig
• Higaonon
• Subanen
• Blaan
• Agusanon Manobo
• Menuvu Kirinteken
• Calamian Tagbanwa
• Bisaya
• Bukidnon
• Tboli – Blaan
• Dibabawan