The Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through GIZ, is gathering over 40 prominent advocates in Dakar, Senegal, to accelerate the impact of African women’s leadership and human rights. RFLD holds Observer Status at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and sits on the Working Group on Human Rights Defenders. It champions gender-sensitive reforms and strengthens protection for women human rights defenders.
Through the Afro-Feminist Initiative for Human Rights Development, RFLD amplifies the voices of African women and strengthens grassroots capacity to promote gender equality and protect human rights. The consultation will bring together CSOs, Media Actors, and State Actors to engage with Hon. Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa, at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
The Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders was established by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights with the adoption of Resolution 69. The mandate calls for the Special Rapporteur to:
- seek, receive, examine, and act upon information on the situation of human rights defenders in Africa;
- submit reports at every ordinary session of the African Commission;
- cooperate and engage in dialogue with Member States, National Human Rights Institutions, relevant intergovernmental bodies, international and regional mechanisms of protection of human rights defenders, and other stakeholders;
- develop and recommend effective strategies to better protect human rights defenders and follow up on his/her recommendations; and
- Raise awareness and promote the implementation of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in Africa.
The Society. Equality. The Africa – Transformation (SEA-T) program works with local and regional civil society actors. It promotes social transformation and citizen participation to reduce gender inequalities and rebalance power relations. SEA-T recognizes the expertise, autonomy, and initiative of its partners. It provides financial and technical support, fosters regional exchanges, and enhances advocacy efforts.
Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in collaboration with GIZ, SEA-T is an example of international cooperation that supports African-led change.
The Dakar event, scheduled for November 10-12, 2025, marks a significant milestone for the African women’s movement. By uniting over 40 activists, policymakers, community leaders, and partners, the gathering aims to drive collective action and systemic change:
- Share best practices in advocacy, protection, and empowerment of women human rights defenders.
- Develop actionable strategies to address persistent challenges such as gender-based violence, political exclusion, and economic disparities.
- Promote the integration of gender perspectives in national and regional policies.
- Foster intergenerational dialogue to ensure sustainability and innovation in the movement.
Key Issues on the Agenda
- Legal and policy frameworks for protecting human rights defenders
- Strategies for countering reprisals and safeguarding activists
- Tools for effective advocacy and public engagement
- Capacity building and resource mobilization for grassroots organizations
- The intersection of gender, climate change, and sustainable development
Despite progress, women human rights defenders still face barriers. Discriminatory laws, lack of representation, limited resources, and safety threats persist. Yet, programs like AIHRDFWA, regional partnerships, and SEA-T offer new opportunities for empowerment. By developing leadership, fostering solidarity, and leveraging international support, Africa’s gender equality movement continues to grow.
When the Dakar event concludes, participants will return home empowered with new insights, fresh connections, and a renewed resolve to drive change. These outcomes will inform advocacy and policy, inspire new initiatives, and accelerate protection and empowerment for women across Africa.
