Strengthening the Resilience and Protection of Human Rights Defenders
A Project by RFLD, Funded by the Foundation for A Just Society
Introduction
The Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) is launching a program focused on strengthening the resilience and protection of human rights defenders and minority groups in Francophone West Africa. In the face of rising authoritarianism and growing threats to democratic freedoms, this program aims to equip feminist civil society actors, human rights defenders, and independent media with the tools, networks, and resources needed to resist repression, mobilize for change, and shape democratic societies.
Project Overview
Geographic Focus
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Mali
- Togo
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Niger
- Guinea Conakry
- Senegal
Key Beneficiaries
Our programs will specifically target minority groups, ethnic minorities, and women human rights defenders, supporting feminist organizations and movements to improve their effectiveness, influence, and sustainability.
Key Activities
1. Emergency Aid and Protection for HRDs and Minority Groups ▶
RFLD will provide essential emergency aid, including secure relocation, legal support, and digital security assistance to women human rights defenders and minority groups in immediate danger. Through our strong network and early warning system, we will respond quickly to threats, ensuring these key actors can safely continue their vital work.
2. National Security Audits for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) ▶
Four visits will be conducted in 4 targeted Francophone countries (Benin, Senegal, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire) to carry out in-depth security audits of national CSOs. These audits aim to identify vulnerabilities in their physical operations and online presence, particularly in contexts of shrinking civic space. The results will enable organizations to implement customized security measures based on their specific risks.
3. Digital Security Training and Retreat Program #VoixDesFeministes ▶
This program is designed to equip women and minority groups civil society members with essential information security skills. It addresses the lack of participation of these groups in digital security training and focuses on combating online violence and cyber-harassment. Participants, selected through a competitive process, will undergo online training before attending physical workshops on the fundamentals of digital security, feminist security principles, and facilitation skills. Exceptional participants will gain access to "Tech Sisters," an intensive digital security assessment program for grassroots organizations.
4. Establishment of Dada Hub Cities (Support Centers) ▶
Five support centers (in Benin, Mali, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal), called Dada Hub Cities (Dada means "sister" in the Fon language), will be established in key cities. These hubs will provide vital resources to HRDs and minority groups in danger, serving as safe spaces offering legal, psychological, and logistical support, as well as networking opportunities with peers and mentors. By fostering a sense of community, the Dada Hubs will strengthen defenders' capacities, providing them with the tools and resources needed to overcome challenges and continue their essential work.
5. Representation of Grassroots Organizations at African Union GIMAC Meetings ▶
We will facilitate the participation and representation of grassroots organizations in side events focused on women's rights during the African Union's GIMAC (Gender Is My Agenda Campaign) meetings. This essential platform will enable the sharing of ideas and experiences, allowing grassroots activists to highlight their work, discuss challenges, and propose solutions. By amplifying the voices of those directly affected by gender inequalities, these events will inform GIMAC discussions and influence policy outcomes, fostering collaboration and solidarity among activists.
6. Francophone Dialogue on Gender in West Africa ▶
This dialogue will serve as an essential regional platform for stakeholders (government representatives, CSOs, international partners) to discuss best practices and strategies for promoting gender equality in Francophone West African member states. By organizing this forum, participants can share ideas, challenges, and innovative solutions, fostering enhanced collaboration and collective commitment to gender equality.
Organizational Profile: RFLD
Long-Term Objectives (2023-2028 Strategic Plan)
- Advance gender equality and social justice, including climate justice.
- Encourage the participation of youth and women, with a focus on the leadership of women human rights defenders and minorities.
- Empower women and youth to participate actively in decision-making processes.
- Ensure the realization of sexual and reproductive rights for all.
- End harmful practices and violence against women and girls.
Key Strengths
RFLD is particularly proud of our feminist organizational leadership and our unique intersectional approach, which allows us to effectively address the combined challenges faced by women defenders, minority groups, and people with disabilities. Our ability to achieve significant legislative advances demonstrates the effectiveness of our advocacy. We are also proud of the Dɔnùesè Data Center, a major strength that provides essential data for evidence-based advocacy, and our engagement in digital activism to amplify feminist voices.
Approach to Learning, Monitoring, and Evaluation
At RFLD, we approach learning, monitoring, and evaluation (SM&E) as dynamic and integrated processes. We systematically collect data disaggregated by sex, age, disability, and sexual orientation to measure both achievements (number of people trained, laws influenced) and qualitative changes (evolution of social norms). We prioritize direct feedback from our beneficiaries and partners and conduct regular audits to ensure transparency and effectiveness.
A key lesson we have learned is the imperative of an intersectional approach; the challenges faced by our key groups cannot be addressed in isolation. We also recognize the centrality of local leadership and community ownership for lasting change. We apply these lessons by systematically integrating intersectional analysis into our program design and by strengthening our "mini-grants" model to empower grassroots groups.