Who We Are APWLD is a leading network of feminist organisations and individual activists in Asia Pacific. Our 252 members represent groups of diverse women from 27 countries in Asia Pacific. Over the past 34 years, we have actively worked towards advancing women’s human rights and Development Justice. We are an independent, nongovernmental, non-profit organisation and hold consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Our Work We foster feminist movements in Asia Pacific to influence laws, policies and practices at the local, national, regional and international levels. We develop capacities, produce and disseminate feminist analyses, conduct advocacy, create networks and spaces for to built movements that claim and strengthen women’s human rights. We empower women in the region to use law as an instrument of change for equality, justice, peace and Development Justice. Our Beliefs We believe that advances in women’s human rights are achieved and sustained when autonomous feminist movements exist and have an enabling environment. We believe that law can be repressive as well as transformative. We use feminist analysis to dissect, engage with and transform laws, legal practices and the systems that shape and inform them. We believe that the nexus of patriarchy with militarism, fundamentalisms and neo-liberal economic globalisation is responsible for gross violations of women’s human rights and fundamental freedoms. Equality, Development Justice and the realisation of human rights can only happen when women, particularly marginalised women, are empowered to lead policy, legal debates and determine solutions. We believe, to achieve lasting and sustainable change, engagement with women themselves, both at the grassroots and policy making levels, is needed to bring a feminist approach and perspective to their advocacy. Our Structure Our diverse and active membership provides the strength and expertise that drives and executes our work.