A/HRC/40/60 Priority 1: Publicly recognize the importance of the equal and meaningful participation of women human rights defenders at every level and in every institution in society, devoting resources to achieve this aim in accordance with the principle of substantive equality 87. There should be a significant increase in the number of women defenders represented at all levels of decision-making in government, civil society and business. Women defenders of all backgrounds and circumstances should be listened to and their contributions taken seriously in a sustained manner. They should be invited not just to share their experiences or stories; their expertise and perspectives should be valued. 88. A commitment to the equal and meaningful participation of women defenders must be expressed publicly by leaders in all sectors of society. This message should be conveyed consistently, including in political dialogue, media communications and education. 89. Where women defenders might face disadvantages that restrict their meaningful participation in decision-making processes, tailored programmes should be developed to ensure that they have the access to the knowledge, information and resources needed. Such programmes should consider diversity among women, including their age, geographical location, ethnicity, disabilities, religious beliefs, caste, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Priority 2: Ensure that women human rights defenders enjoy freedom of movement and have safe spaces and communication channels that enable them to meet and share ideas, experiences, resources, tactics and strategies regularly 90. Women human rights defenders need to be able to network, meet and communicate regularly at the local, regional and international levels. Women defenders have emphasized the importance of building partnerships and sister solidarities across geographical divides. This is often more difficult for women living in developing countries, under repressive regimes and in fragile and conflict-affected countries. These spaces and channels are also opportunities for mutual capacity-building and thus to gain access to greater knowledge, resources, skills and networks for their human rights practice. 91. Women defenders must define their own protection strategies in safe spaces. Women-only spaces should cut across cultures, age groups and the rural-urban divide, enabling women to raise common concerns, define collective action and, over time, develop strong networks for greater influence and self-protection. 92. Safety networks diminish the isolation of women defenders and provide a sense of belonging and support. They enable women defenders to better understand and confront sexism and violence by fostering a shared understanding of the impact of these dynamics and encouraging collective approaches to safety, well-being and survival. These contextual analyses enable women and their organizations to strategize, respond to and prevent violence. Such networks help women feel strong enough to push for more inclusive and feminist social justice movements. Priority 3: Build a safe and enabling environment for women and all other human rights defenders to promote and protect human rights, ensuring that all non-State actors respect human rights and that all State actors respect, protect and fulfil human rights 93. Protection begins with the creation and sustenance of an enabling environment for the promotion and protection of human rights. States should disseminate and build awareness of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders at all levels, for example, through education in schools and public campaigns. 94. States must ensure that domestic laws and administrative practices recognize and protect the rights of all persons to promote and protect human rights. Examples of good practice include the January 2018 adoption by Mali of a law on human rights defenders that includes specific protection for women defenders. Similarly, the Law on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights Defenders adopted by Côte d’Ivoire in June 2014 specifically recognizes the threats faced by women defenders and their protection needs. 16