WE ALL RISE
ABOUT WE ALL RISE
WE ALL RISE is a global human rights coalition for all people — regardless of gender — dedicated to achieving equality for all women and all girls. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but is also essential to achieving a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. Working closely with our Global Partner United Nations Human Rights, the leading United Nations organization promoting human rights, WE ALL RISE is committed to promoting, protecting and advancing the cause for women and girls around the world.
THE ORIGIN
In 2017, David Clark was struck by the record-breaking number of women that marched for their rights around world, and wondered how a global initiative could be created to sustain and focus the world’s attention on issues related to gender equality. For Clark, to truly support women’s equality, it was essential that the initiative be inclusive for all people — women, men, gender-nonconforming — as he stated that “When women are equal, we all rise.” Understanding that “we” is the most inclusive word in the English language, he repurposed “WE” as an acronym for Women’s Equality.
Since WE ALL RISE promotes the fundamental principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, UN Human Rights was approached to be the Global Partner of WE ALL RISE. Agreeing that a global platform to promote gender equality as a fundamental human right would resonate with the international community, UN Human Rights agreed to become the Global Partner, and with their Gender Equality team, help guide and promote WE ALL RISE around the world.
WE ALL RISE HONORS
The global WE ALL RISE Honors will be presented annually on March 8th —
International Women’s Day, when the world’s attention is focused on the issue of gender equality. This unique award identifies and celebrates effective individuals leading the fight for gender equality. The WE ALL RISE Honors will be presented to a celebrity who uses their public spotlight to empower women.
GLOBAL PARTNER
United Nations Human Rights is the Global Partner of WE ALL RISE and the leading UN organization on human rights. United Nations Human Rights represent the world’s commitment to the promotion and protection of the full range of human rights and freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Under the leadership of the High Commissioner, and with a staff of 1,500 working in more than 90 countries, they aim to make human rights a reality in the lives of people everywhere.
“United Nations Human Rights is proud to be the Global Partner of WE ALL RISE – an exciting new human rights initiative committed to promoting, protecting and advancing the rights of all women and girls around the world.”
Veronica Birga
Chief, Women's Rights and Gender Section
United Nations Human Rights
WE ALL RISE
GLOBAL LAUNCH
WE ALL RISE launched globally on March 8, 2021 – International Women’s Day via a celebrity driven Cause Flash social campaign that had a social reach that topped 207 million people.
Leaders in Music, TV, Film, Fashion, Comedy, Sports and the Culinary Arts supported gender equality around the world by promoting WE ALL RISE to their followers and fans. Campaign participants included Cher, Céline Dion, Naomi Campbell, Eva Longoria, Billie Jean King, Cyndi Lauper, Becky G, Terry Crews, Blair Underwood, Angela Bassett, Chelsea Handler, Sue Bird, Padma Lakshmi and many others.
PARTICIPANTS
