Advancing Women’s Health, Rights &
Political Power Across Africa.

The Context: Systemic Barriers & Feminist Resistance

Intersecting Systems of Oppression

In the diverse and complex landscape of the African continent, the struggle for gender justice is not merely about closing statistical gaps; it is a battle against entrenched, interlocking systems of oppression. We operate in a context where patriarchal traditions, colonial legacies, and neoliberal economic policies converge to systematically marginalize women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. These are not passive barriers but active, resilient structures designed to maintain power hierarchies that exclude women from decision-making, economic ownership, and bodily autonomy.

The rising tide of religious fundamentalism and conservative nationalism across the region further complicates this landscape, often weaponizing "culture" and "sovereignty" to roll back hard-won rights. This backlash is evident in the shrinking civic space, where feminist organizing is increasingly criminalized, and women human rights defenders (WHRDs) face state-sanctioned harassment, surveillance, and violence.

Economic Dispossession & The Feminization of Poverty

Economic violence remains a defining feature of women's lives in West and Central Africa. Despite being the backbone of agricultural production and the informal economy, women are systematically denied the fruits of their labor. Discriminatory inheritance laws and social norms effectively bar women from owning land, the primary asset for economic independence in rural economies. Without collateral, access to formal credit remains a distant dream for millions.

Furthermore, the global neoliberal order relies heavily on the unpaid and underpaid care work of African women. From childcare to elder care and domestic labor, this invisible work subsidizes national economies while trapping women in cycles of time poverty, limiting their ability to pursue education, political leadership, or leisure. RFLD recognizes this not as a "natural role" but as systemic exploitation that requires radical policy redistribution.

Bodily Autonomy: The Battlefield of Control

The control of women’s bodies and sexuality remains central to patriarchal power maintenance. We see this in the persistent rates of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, practices that are often defended under the guise of tradition but serve to curb women's sexual agency and freedom. In many of the 55 countries where we operate, access to comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is restricted by draconian laws and moral policing.

When women cannot decide if, when, and how many children to have, they cannot fully participate in society. The denial of safe abortion services and the stigma surrounding contraception are tools of control that keep women tethered to the domestic sphere. Our resistance posits that bodily sovereignty is the prerequisite for all other forms of liberty.

Climate Injustice & Resource Conflict

The climate crisis is fundamentally a feminist issue. Women in rural Africa, who are primarily responsible for water collection and food production, are the first to feel the impact of desertification and erratic weather patterns. As resources dwindle, women are forced to travel longer distances, exposing them to increased risks of sexual violence. Moreover, in conflict zones exacerbated by resource scarcity, sexual violence is frequently used as a weapon of war to humiliate communities and destabilize social fabrics. RFLD addresses these not as separate environmental issues, but as direct consequences of extractive economies that view both nature and women as resources to be exploited.

Political Exclusion & Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWIP)

While quotas have increased visibility in some parliaments, true political power remains elusive. Women who dare to step into the public political arena often face Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWIP), ranging from online smear campaigns and character assassination to physical assault. This violence is strategic; it is intended to silence women and discourage them from seeking leadership. Our work counters this by not only training women leaders but also by working to change the toxic political cultures that view women’s leadership as an aberration rather than a necessity.