Dear friends, dear partners,
The year 2023 was a year of challenges but also of significant progress for the Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD). We have strengthened our commitment to gender equality and social inclusion, despite a context marked by multiple crises and persistent inequalities.
This annual report reflects our determination to create a better future for women, girls, young people, and marginalized groups. It tells the stories of courage and resilience of those we accompany and demonstrates the tangible impact of our collective actions.
In 2023, we touched the lives of several thousand people through our capacity-building programs, advocacy campaigns, and initiatives to support survivors of violence. We trained over 1745 young people and women in key areas such as women’s rights, advocacy, leadership, political participation, conflict prevention, and human rights. We successfully advocated for the domestication and operationalization of laws protecting the rights of women and girls. We also provided vital support to over 146 survivors of violence through our listening and orientation centers.
I still remember Mariane, a young woman we met during a training workshop in Parakou. Shy and reserved at first, she gradually blossomed over the sessions. She discovered her leadership potential and found the courage to speak out to defend the rights of women in her community. Today, Mariane is a respected figure in her community, and she continues to work tirelessly for women’s empowerment.
Mariane’s story is just one example among many. Every day, we witness the transformation that our work enables in the lives of young people, women, and girls.
With our Observer Status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), RFLD has strengthened its commitment in 2023 to the defense of human rights in Africa. We have worked closely with the President of the ACHPR, the Honorable Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, who is also Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa.
With the President of the ACHPR, RFLD organized a crucial workshop in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing together women and men human rights defenders in March 2023.
Furthermore, RFLD financially supported the participation of eight NGOs at the 77th ordinary session of the ACHPR in Arusha, Tanzania in October 2023. This participation allowed these NGOs to engage in constructive dialogue with the ACHPR Special Rapporteurs on crucial issues related to the rights of women, girls, and human rights defenders.
Although we have accomplished much in 2023, we know that the road to equality is still long. The challenges are numerous, but our determination is unwavering. We will continue to amplify the voices of girls, young people, women, and marginalized groups, defend their rights, and work tirelessly for a future where every group can fully realize its potential.
I invite you to discover our 2023 annual report to learn more about our actions, our results, and our outlook for the future.
Dossi Sekonnou Gloria AGUEH – President of RFLD
