Date: September 18 – 20, 2023
Deadline: July 31, 2023
Location: Benin
Countries: Benin – Togo – Niger – Burkina Faso – Mali – Senegal – Chad – Cameroon – Ivory Coast – Guinea Conakry – Gabon – Equatorial Guinea – DRC – Central African Republic
Number of Participants to be selected: 25 WomenRFLD will cover your accommodation, airfare, daily per diem and insurance during your stay.
For any question or urgency, please contact Mr GBENAGNON John – gbenagnon.john@rflgd.org Principal Administrator of the Portfolio of Human Rights – Democracy – Civic Space for the RFLD by copying Mrs Asnath AISSO, Programs Manager at programs@rflgd.org
This regional retreat is organized and financed by the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD).
INTRODUCTION
Ensuring respect for human rights by waging a relentless struggle against their violation is not only the right thing to do, it is also an effective way of defusing tensions, preventing conflict and fostering not only integral development in Africa, but also general economic prosperity. Indeed, no society will ever find harmony and lasting peace without justice, and development will never be effective if it is hindered or when certain components of society are kept in the dark. Human rights defenders, non-governmental organizations, journalists, lawyers etc. have become targets.
Thus, most conflicts are characterized by insufficient inclusion of these people, often associated with disregard for their identities and grievances, as well as denial of their human rights. The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), through its latest report on the legislative framework of African countries, notes that many conflicts in Africa in recent decades have also included, to varying degrees, a component of incitement to national, racial or religious hatred.
For the purposes of this regional retreat for French-speaking women, the expressions “violation of human rights and narrowing of civic space” refer specifically to discrimination, and can be broadened to include violence aimed at civilians, such as forced imprisonment, ethnic cleansing and gender-based violence. A number of concerns exist about the insufficient attention paid by national institutions in some countries to the links between minority issues and conflict prevention.
BACKGROUND
July 11, 2023 marked the 20th anniversary of the Maputo Protocol. The entry into force in 2005 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, also known as the Maputo Protocol, was the culmination of years of advocacy by women’s rights organizations across the continent. Although most African countries have signed or ratified the Maputo Protocol, its implementation and enforcement in national, regional and continental litigation is far from a reality. This last point is of particular concern, as many lawyers specializing in women’s and girls’ rights, civil society organizations and other actors have missed a crucial opportunity to refer to the Maputo Protocol’s provisions in cases designed for the treaty’s intervention. National courts also face their own challenges in applying the provisions of international and continental women’s treaties in cases concerning the rights of women and girls. In some respects, African countries have led the wave of innovation in imagining how to extend the set of rights set out in treaties such as the Maputo Protocol.
The African Charter, adopted in 1981, recognizes that discrimination against women must be eliminated. This called for a stronger, more robust framework with specific binding standards that could address women’s rights, leading to the adoption of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (better known as the Maputo Protocol).
The African Commission monitors the implementation of states’ obligations under the Maputo Protocol. In addition, and to complement the Protocol, the African Commission has adopted a number of resolutions for the protection of women’s rights, namely: Resolution 283 on the situation of women and children in armed conflict; Resolution 262 on women’s right to land and productive resources; Resolution 409 on the need to adopt legal measures for the protection of women human rights defenders in Africa. These instruments have established a solid framework for the consideration of women’s rights. The African Commission has also drawn up general observations and guidelines on specific topics, to provide member states with interpretative guidance on the provisions of the Maputo Protocol and the required state response to women’s and girls’ rights.
JUSTIFICATION
Civic space is the environment that enables civil society to play a role in the political, economic and social life of our societies. More specifically, civic space enables individuals and groups to contribute to the shaping of policies that affect their lives, notably by accessing information, initiating dialogue, voicing disagreement and uniting to express their point of view. It’s no secret that an open, pluralistic civic space that guarantees freedom of expression and opinion, as well as freedom of assembly and association, is essential if we are to make a bed for the seventeen sustainable development goals. In Africa, unfortunately, the human rights situation has evolved in step with the continent’s political history. The colonial powers’ failure to respect human and civil rights enabled anti-colonial movements to mobilize national and international opinion in favor of African self-determination. As Africa gained independence, many of the new governments were installed by dictatorial, often military, regimes, and human rights violations multiplied. Since they were no longer accountable to the electorate, some African governments had no qualms about trampling on the rights of their citizens. The deliberate silence of other African leaders in the face of their counterparts’ abuses, which was justified by the OAU’s doctrine of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states, is said to have earned several African countries the nickname “the continent of dictators.”
So, although laws exist by virtue of the universality of rights, it’s worth noting that civic space in many countries is under severe strain. Repressive laws are spreading, and with them increasing restrictions on freedoms of expression, participation, assembly and association. New technologies have helped civil society networks to develop, but they have also enabled some governments to control civil society movements and media freedom, often under the pretext of guaranteeing security. Across the world, civil society actors, including those cooperating with the United Nations, are witnessing a real step backwards. Online and offline attacks targeting human rights defenders, including journalists and environmental activists, continue and are worsening in many countries. In extreme cases, human rights defenders are victims of arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearance and murder. And yet they seek only the promotion and protection of civil and political rights, as well as the promotion, protection and realization of economic, social and cultural rights.
Human rights defenders deal with all human rights concerns, which can be as varied as, for example, summary executions, torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, female genital mutilation, discrimination, employment problems, forced evictions, access to healthcare, toxic waste and its impact on the environment.
But across Africa today, a pattern of repression has limited the autonomy, rights of association, expression and participation of civil society and grassroots organizations.
Since 2019, the RFLD has been campaigning under the Call to Action, which calls on states to act to reverse the trend of closing and restricting space for civil society, to end attacks on human rights defenders and the weakening of democratic participation, and to renew prospects for an inclusive 2030 agenda and the full realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In order to continue raising awareness of the challenges facing Civil Society Organizations at national and global levels, and to continue encouraging action to reverse the trend of restricting civic space, the RFLD has also launched national campaigns against the restriction of civic space and many others during 2022, which call on civil society and grassroots organizations around the world to unite in urging African governments to take concrete steps to protect civic space.
OBJECTIVES
The overall objective of this regional meeting will be to equip beneficiaries to promote and protect human rights, and to encourage member states and other stakeholders to make commitments to the realization of human rights and the expansion of civic space.
Sharing knowledge: The retreat aims to create a platform for participants to share their knowledge, experience and best practices in the field of human rights and civic space in their respective countries. This exchange of information will enable participants to learn from each other and gain insight into successful strategies and approaches.
Capacity building: The retreat aims to build the capacity of women leaders and activists by offering training and workshops on a variety of topics related to human rights and civic space. These sessions can cover areas such as advocacy techniques, legal frameworks, digital activism and coalition building. By equipping participants with new skills and knowledge, the retreat aims to empower them to be effective advocates for change in their communities.
Networking and collaboration: The retreat offers a unique opportunity for women leaders and activists to network and connect with like-minded individuals and organizations working in the field of human rights and civic space. Through formal and informal networking sessions, participants can build relationships, foster collaboration and explore potential partnerships to amplify their collective impact.
Policy and strategy development: The retreat aims to generate discussion and deliberation on policy and strategy development to advance human rights and civic space. Participants will engage in working groups and plenary sessions to identify key challenges.
Advocacy and awareness-raising: The retreat aims to strengthen advocacy efforts and raise awareness of the importance of human rights and civic space. Participants will discuss effective advocacy strategies, communication techniques and messages to promote women’s rights and civic engagement within their communities and beyond.
Solidarity and support: The retreat aims to foster a sense of solidarity and support among women leaders and activists, recognizing the unique challenges they face in their work. By creating a safe and inclusive space for dialogue, participants can find encouragement, inspiration and mutual support to continue their efforts to promote human rights and expand civic space.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Capacity building: Through the training and workshops offered at the retreat, participants will acquire new skills and knowledge in human rights, advocacy and civic engagement. They will be better equipped to engage in effective activism, develop strategies and navigate legal frameworks to protect and promote human rights.
Networking and collaboration: Participants will establish links and build networks with other women leaders and organizations working in the field of human rights and civic space. These relationships will facilitate future collaborations, knowledge sharing and mutual support in achieving their collective goals.
Actionable recommendations: The retreat will produce concrete recommendations for policy-makers, civil society organizations and groups. These recommendations will be based on the discussions, deliberations and ideas shared during the retreat, and will provide valuable advice on improving the legal and social environment for human rights and civic space in Africa.
Strengthening advocacy: The retreat will enable participants to become more effective advocates for human rights and civic space in their respective countries. They will be equipped with practical tools, strategies and resources to engage in powerful advocacy campaigns, influence policy decisions and mobilize communities for change.
Regional cooperation: The retreat will foster regional cooperation and solidarity between women leaders and activists. By sharing experiences, challenges and successes, participants will find common ground and build alliances to collectively address regional human rights issues.
Increased visibility: The retreat will offer participants a platform to share their stories, experiences and initiatives. This increased visibility will amplify their voices and advocacy efforts, raising awareness of women’s rights, human rights and the importance of civic space at regional and international levels.
Long-term impact: The retreat will have a lasting impact by inspiring participants to continue their work as agents of change within their communities. They will return to their respective countries with renewed energy, skills and knowledge, making a lasting and significant contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights and the expansion of civic space.
Knowledge exchange: The retreat will facilitate the exchange of best practices, lessons learned and innovative approaches between participants. This exchange of knowledge will contribute to the development of a common understanding of effective strategies and solutions for advancing human rights and civic space.
METHODOLOGY
The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement will organize a regional retreat for Francophone women on human rights and civic space in 2023.
Candidate profile
be from one of the following French-speaking countries: Benin – Togo – Niger – Burkina Faso – Mali – Senegal – Chad – Cameroon – Ivory Coast – Guinea Conakry – Gabon – Equatorial Guinea – DRC – Central African Republic.
University degree required.
Ability to write and summarize
Organizational skills and a taste for teamwork
Proactive actions to manage day-to-day problems and risks
Interest in gender issues or proven experience working with inclusive approaches (gender, diversity, disability, age or any other vulnerability factor).
Strong intercultural skills
Positive attitude towards leadership, strategic planning and team spirit.
Rigor, autonomy, creativity and initiative.
Previous knowledge of the international solidarity sector is a plus.
Adherence to the values promoted by the Project in the area of defending women’s rights and promoting feminism.
Experience in an international or sub-regional context would be an asset.
Commitment to RFLD’s vision, mission and values.
Candidate experience –
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED OF CANDIDATES
-At least 3 years’ higher education
-At least 2 to 10 years’ professional experience
-Good listening and communication skills
-Very good knowledge of the human rights sector in the Civic Space.
-Excellent computer skills.
-Good listening and communication skills.
STRENGTHS
-Very good command of English would be an asset.
How to apply?
Interested candidates should submit their application by clicking on the link below
Applications are open until Monday, July 31, 2023. – We therefore recommend that those interested in this retreat submit their applications as soon as possible.
Applications will be processed as they are received.
Due to the large number of applications, we are unable to reply individually to each applicant.
Only those selected will be contacted via the e-mail address given when filling in the form. If you have not received a reply from us within three weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. The RFLD reserves the right to close the call for applications before the closing date of the advertisement. Thank you for your understanding.
Our offers are open to anyone who meets the conditions described in the applications. “The RFLD is committed to equal opportunities and diversity within its workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability or any factor other than skills.”
Proposed dates:
05-day activity: September 11 to 15, 2023
Publication of the call for applications on Tuesday July 11, 2023
Closing date for submissions: Monday, July 31, 2023
Participants notified of selection on August 15, 2023
