Dear John,

Governments stifle dissent. Corporations hire mercenary forces to intimidate and harass. Individuals threaten and inflict violence.

Feminist activists today face a dangerous mix of powerful forces working to stifle their progress and silence their voices. The consequences are dire: the physical safety, mental and emotional health, and livelihoods of activists are all at risk. 

Despite these threats, activists around the world continue their critical work for equity, democracy, and progress. We want you to meet some of these courageous activists and know their stories. That’s why we’re starting this new newsletter series: Fearless Together. 

We first highlighted this disturbing rise in backlash last year in our bold campaign, Feminist Activism Without Fear. The Fearless Together newsletter is a continuation of that work. 

Over the next few months, we’ll deliver the stories of people we interviewed around the globe who are on the frontlines of creating a more just world, right to your inbox. You’ll meet: 

• Selma, who is working to release activists arbitrarily detained in her country–and faces surveillance, threats at gunpoint, arrest, and intimidation; 

• Irina, a journalist and activist who has opposed mining projects in her hometown to protect the drinking water there. Representatives of the mining company have tried to intimidate her, escalating attacks over time–with seeming impunity; 

• Anna, a peacebuilder who was forced into exile, but not silence; 

• And more. 

We have a shared responsibility to take care of each other’s well being—to engage in collective care. Fearless supporters like you must show up in solidarity with fearless feminist activists and be a part of their network of collective care. 

We’re honored to have you along to hear these stories—and hope you will consider funding feminist activists. Join us in being in solidarity with them and support them as they protect against, mitigate, and heal from reprisals.