Celebrating International Women’s Day also includes highlighting the women volunteers of PBI who have made essential contributions to the advancement of human rights. Simply put, PBI would not be able to do what it does without their support and devotion. Hannah Matthews is one of many women that have given up their time to volunteer for PBI. In Colombia she has accompanied a range of human rights defenders around the city of Barrancabermeja, including a collective of female lawyers, local human rights NGOs and campesino activists. She says it was a privilege to accompany the voices who serve as important reminders of the bravery needed to confront injustice and to fight for improvements. Although many challenges lie ahead for this country, she concludes that “the positivity and dedication of the Colombians we work with is infectious and inspires me to keep fighting, with the promise of a better future.”

You can read her full account about a turbulent but rewarding year here.

A PBI UK publication