This special REACT series guest-edited by Maneesh Pradhan features the writing of five women human rights defenders (WHRDs) participating in nonviolent struggles for rights, democracy and peace. Based in Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, contributors Evy, Nilda, Ei Mon, Yin Lae and Memee are all organizing in environments that are extremely hostile towards human rights activism. Their posts highlight how they are navigating unique challenges they face as women, both young and elderly. Beyond movement organizing, these women HRDs engage in writing, knowledge sharing and solidarity building, namely intergenerational solidarity. These “voices of resilience” are as instructive as they are inspiring for anyone organizing nonviolent actions especially in repressive contexts, as well as movement supporters and those who study civil resistance movements.

Moving into 2020 calls for reflection on events and insights gained in recent years. Here are 20 key stories from Minds of the Movement—10 that were most-read by readers, and 10 picked by editors. We hope this helps you energize and refocus for “20-20” vision in the new decade of civil resistance work! […]