Durban, South Africa – November 20th-21st, 2023
South Africa – Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) is pleased to participate in the AWASA Project Inception Meeting. The meeting, which was hosted by the Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, in Durban, South Africa, in partnership with the Paris Centre for Sociological and Political Research (CRESPPA), Université Paris 8, France, was held from November 20th to 21st, 2023.
AWASA’s Goals
AWASA is part of a joint France/Africa research program funded by the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS). The project aims to foster normative change by strengthening linkages and capacities and creating real coalitions involving researchers, civil society, decision-makers, and journalists to advocate strategically for Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) law reform, the development of comprehensive abortion care policy, and the implementation of existing related policy to the fullest extent of the law. The project will be carried out in Zambia, Namibia, the Republic of Tanzania, Senegal, Madagascar, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Meeting Objectives
The aim of this meeting was to launch the project through the establishment of a research/advocacy network. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the project objectives, determine roles and contributions of all stakeholders, and identify key actions and activities for the next phase of the project.
Meeting Structure
The meeting consisted of invited participants and was structured around a series of country-specific presentations and discussions aimed at providing context and shedding insight into the key challenges and opportunities around access to safe abortion care. These discussions were followed by a focus on how civil society, media, and academia can work more effectively together in pursuit of reproductive rights and health equity.
Significance of the Meeting
The AWASA Project Inception Meeting was a significant step forward in promoting women’s access to safe abortion care in sub-Saharan Africa. By bringing together researchers, civil society, decision-makers, and journalists, the meeting fostered collaboration and strengthened strategic advocacy efforts to improve reproductive health outcomes for women in the region.
RFLD’s EXPERTISE
The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) is a regional organization based in West Africa that works with over sixty (60) women-led organizations. RFLD is committed to promoting reproductive health and rights in sub-Saharan Africa. RFLD is actively contributing to the development and implementation of research and advocacy activities. Our organization is also playing a key role in facilitating collaboration between stakeholders and strengthening communication and knowledge sharing among project partners.
RFLD believes SHRH initiatives havebthe potential to make a significant contribution to improving women’s access to safe abortion care in sub-Saharan Africa.
RFLD Strategies:
- Conducting research on the legal, policy, and programmatic environment for abortion care in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Developing training and resources for civil society organizations on advocating for safe abortion care.
- Facilitating dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders, including researchers, civil society, decision-makers, and journalists.
RFLD’s research provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing women seeking safe abortion care in sub-Saharan Africa. RFLD’s training and resources helps to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations to advocate for safe abortion care.
