The Infrastructure of
African Power.
We are raising $15 Million to build the permanent operational backbone—legal, digital, and financial—that 450 feminist organizations rely on to survive.
Target Capitalization
Countries Activated
Partner Nodes
Watch the Vision
The Case for Feminist Infrastructure
See how RFLD is transforming the landscape of gender justice across Africa through strategic investment in local leadership.
Trusted By Global Partners & Funders
Our Theory of Change
We don't just fund projects. We build the **permanent machinery** required for gender justice to succeed.
1. Capital Input
Donors invest in RFLD's intermediary platform ($15M Fund).
2. Infrastructure
We provide legal shields, digital safety tech, and sub-grants to 450+ orgs.
3. The Multiplier
Local leaders, now protected and funded, amplify the work 100x in their communities.
4. Systemic Change
Laws change. Norms shift. Violence decreases. Political power rises.
The Landscape of Crisis
Systemic Barriers &
The Urgency of Now
In the diverse landscape of the African continent, the struggle for gender justice is a battle against entrenched, interlocking systems of oppression. Patriarchal traditions, colonial legacies, and neoliberal economic policies converge to systematically marginalize women.
Closing Civic Space: Rising fundamentalism and conservative nationalism are rolling back hard-won rights.
Economic Dispossession: Discriminatory inheritance laws and lack of collateral keep women in poverty.
Bodily Control: Persistent FGM, child marriage, and lack of SRHR services limit women's public life.
Why This Moment Matters
- Civic space shrinking: 66% of countries show unfavorable safety for activists.
- Funding gap widening: <3% of global gender funding reaches Francophone Africa.
- Proven model ready: 156,000 beneficiaries already transitioned to leaders.
- Infrastructure built: Legal, digital, financial systems operational and audited.
"The question isn't whether RFLD's model works—it's how fast we can scale it."
Strategic Objectives 2023-2028
Rights & Representation
Advocacy for SRHR and women's political representation in decision-making bodies.
Civil Liberties & Democracy
Defense of civil liberties, strengthening civic space, and promoting human rights.
Economic & Climate Justice
Multi-sectoral commitment to economic empowerment and climate resilience.
Governance & Media
Strengthening participatory governance and building a robust, independent media landscape.
Our Core Assets
The Infrastructure You Are Funding
The Feminist Fund (WAFFF)
Financial Infrastructure
A specialized mechanism to channel resources to unbanked, grassroots feminist organizations in 29 Francophone African countries. We handle the compliance, they handle the impact.
Regional Digital Hub
Tech Infrastructure
Countering shrinking civic space across 29 Francophone countries. We provide digital hygiene tools, rapid response to cyber-violence, and secure communication channels.
Combating Digital Violence
A unified platform monitoring legal frameworks, safety resources, and real-time data across 55 countries to protect women and girls in the digital age.
About the Compendium
The RFLD African Digital Safety Compendium represents a landmark initiative in the fight against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). It aggregates fragmented data into a cohesive narrative for policymakers.
"This Compendium is not merely a repository; it is a call to action. By making data accessible, RFLD dismantles the culture of impunity."
Access Full CompendiumUrgency: 2025 Data
Oral Statement: ACHPR 85th Ordinary Session
Delivered by Emmanuelle VLAVONOU, RFLD
RFLD, as a recognized Member of the ACHPR Working Group on Human Rights Defenders, addressed the commission on critical protection mechanisms. We continue to bridge the gap between grassroots realities and continental policy.
Read Full Statement →
Watch official recording
Key Areas of Intervention
We implement integrated interventions at individual, organizational, and policy levels.
Human Rights
Promoting and protecting human rights with a focus on women and youth. Documenting violations and advocating for reform.
Economic Justice
Developing entrepreneurship and financial management. Advocating for equal access to economic opportunities.
SRHR
Improving access to maternal health and contraception. Combating gender-based violence.
Climate Justice
Advocating for women's inclusion in environmental decision-making and sustainable agriculture.
Peace & Security
Ensuring women's participation in peacebuilding processes and conflict prevention.
Civic Space
Protecting freedom of expression and assembly. Supporting CSOs and journalists.
Ending Harmful Practices
Campaigns to end FGM and child marriage by engaging traditional leaders.
Integrated Model for Systems Change
RFLD recognizes that healthcare, human rights, and political power are mutually reinforcing. Our model ensures lasting impact beyond service delivery.
"We leverage a powerful network of 156,000 former beneficiaries who now lead program implementation, guaranteeing community ownership."
Beneficiary-Led Change
Leaders drawn directly from communities we serve.
Policy & Institutional Shift
Influencing national laws and government adoption.
Geographic Scale
Operating across 55 countries, reaching 500+ communities.
RFLD in Action
Regional Advocacy
Pan-African Reach: Active in 55 Countries
West Africa
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo.
Central Africa
Angola, Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Congo Republic, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe.
East Africa
Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Southern Africa
Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa.
North Africa
Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Sahrawi Republic.
Global Recognition & Institutional Trust
African CSO Platform
Rated as a verified and trusted civil society organization driving development.
World Bank Partner
Strategic partner in the World Bank Group's Gender Strategy Consultations.
Packard Foundation
Selected among top African organizations receiving core institutional support.
Featured on Devex
Profiled on the world's leading media platform for global development.
Alliance Magazine
Highlighted for leadership in feminist funding in Francophone West Africa.
Accreditation
NGOsource: US 501(c)(3) Equivalent
ACHPR: Observer Status
Allocation of the $15M Fund
Direct cash flow to 150+ grassroots organizations.
Intermediary Excellence
RFLD serves as a trusted intermediary for international donors. We possess the governance structures, financial compliance systems, and due diligence capacity to manage large-scale funds.
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Rigorous ComplianceAdherence to international financial reporting standards ensuring transparency.
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Technical SupportBeneficiary NGOs receive guidance on project management, ensuring sustainability.
Strategic Resources
Essential documents for due diligence and strategic alignment.
The RFLD Multiplier Effect
Why your investment in RFLD yields exponential social returns.
You Invest
You provide capital for the West Africa Francophone Feminist Fund (WAFFF).
We Empower
We train one leader. She builds an organization that serves 500 women.
System Shift
That organization changes a local law. The law protects 50,000 girls permanently.
Calculate Your Impact
*Estimates based on 2024 operating ratios. Actual impact varies by program area.
"RFLD's sub-granting model is one of the most efficient we've seen. Their ability to reach grassroots organizations in fragile contexts while maintaining rigorous compliance is exceptional."— Dr Delia Nicoue, GIZ Advisor
Investment Prospectus
Comprehensive documentation for institutional partners.
Inside This Document:
Begin the Conversation
We invite foundations, philanthropists, and CSR partners to review our full Investment Prospectus.
- Access 2024-2025 Audited Financials
- Review NGOsource Equivalency Determination
- Schedule a briefing with our Executive Director
Partnership Office
Accra, Ghana & Benin HQ