It’s evident that hacking and state surveillance have been used by the state apparatus and
non-state actors to blackmail WHRDs to refrain from activism.
In the GCHR survey, a Syrian WHRD who lives in Turkey experienced such an incident and was
blackmailed into releasing intimate pictures of herself with her husband in public; a condition
that would endanger her reputation and credibility:
“Because of my activism, I suffered from hacking of my account and was blackmailed, which
traumatised me despite resorting to the legal system, and even after the blackmailing ended. I
no longer use online social media most of the time, or I use fake identities [if I must].”
Chronic stressors and burnout of WHRDs can be triggered by their civil society work as well as
by the stressors mentioned above. For instance, WHRDs who support survivors of
gender-based violence, while working with limited or no resources, face a likelihood of
secondary trauma and burnout. Many activists, like the rest of the women in the region, face
compounded responsibilities. They must balance immense public work with traditional
familial caregiving duties. Such pressure may lead to severe stress, anxiety, and depression.
Psychological Consequences of Repression and Activism
Studies have documented a high prevalence of mental health burden among Arab women in
general. There are frequent reports of anxiety and depression, especially in a context of
conflict. Many WHRDs have suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from direct
exposure to violence, detention, or torture. Some reported to GCHR nightmares and panic
episodes after enduring prison times and torture. Due to fear, exhaustion, and social stigma,
WHRDs may also develop diminished self-worth, fear, and withdrawal from public discourse.
For instance, after a wide campaign in 2018 of silencing women’s rights activists in Saudi
Arabia, many resorted to silence and isolation. In fact, other WHRDs escaped to other
countries, and many reported deterioration of mental health due to the stress of living
instability and concerns from transnational repression.
One of the most brilliant WHRDs escaped to another country shortly after the crackdown
started. She has developed serious delusions of being constantly surveilled by state officials
that severely affected her life and wellbeing and ended her activism. She survived several car
accidents and was forcibly admitted to mental hospitals to receive care. To date, she remains
without real support in exile as her family back home decided to cut ties for fear of being
targeted by the authorities.
In Yemen, WHRDs paid the price twice for being human rights activists and women. The
survey shows that a Yemeni WHRD expressed pressure endured by her family when she was
faced by a problem due her activism:
“I always had my family’s support, but when I was faced with a problem, they started
pressuring me not to pursue my work or human rights activities by preventing me from
travelling or leaving home.”
7