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The RFLD Newsroom
Latest News · Analysis · Field Notes

Human Rights

Reporting, analysis and field notes from a pan-African feminist network — across women's rights, SRHR, civic space, climate justice, peace and security.

All Women's Rights 367 Human Rights 156 PUBLICATIONS ET ARTICLES 118 Harmful Practices 66 PEACE AND SECURITY 57 Climate Justice 53 Economic Justice 50 Benin 18 Articles RFLGD 11 Justice Économique 10 Niger 10 Togo 10 Sénégal 10 Mali 10 Burkina Faso 9 GUINEE 9 Côte d'Ivoire 8 Non classifié(e) 8 RFLD’s Strategic Plan 6 MGF 3 Charity 3 Blog 2 DEVELOPMENT 2 Inspiration 2 Science 1
Shrinking Civic Space and Backlash Against Advocacy Actions: Attacks on WHRDs and Impunity in Sub-Saharan Africa Human Rights
December 6, 2023 Africa

Shrinking Civic Space and Backlash Against Advocacy Actions: Attacks on WHRDs and Impunity in Sub-Saharan Africa

In Sub-Saharan Africa, WHRDs face a shrinking civic space and escalating attacks. These attacks include physical violence, sexual harassment, online attacks, legal persecution, and social ostracism. This is fueled by impunity, where perpetrators go unpunished. The consequences are silenced voices, limited progress on human rights, and a climate of fear. To address this, governments must strengthen legal frameworks, investigate and prosecute attacks, support WHRDs, raise awareness, and collaborate internationally. This is crucial to ensure the safety and security of WHRDs and create a more enabling environment for their vital work.

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The Importance of Consent for Women in West Africa: A Critical Analysis Human Rights
December 6, 2023 Africa

The Importance of Consent for Women in West Africa: A Critical Analysis

This research paper examines the importance of consent for women in West Africa, where complex cultural norms and limited access to information can create challenges in safeguarding their sexual and reproductive health. The paper delves into the current landscape, identifying the factors that hinder women’s ability to make informed decisions about their bodies and engage in consensual sexual activity. It further explores the critical role of education, awareness raising, and legal frameworks in promoting consent and empowering women. Finally, the paper calls for collective action to create a future where consent is valued and practiced universally, ensuring the protection and empowerment of all women in West Africa.

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RFLD’s MEL Director Moderates Panel on Assessing the Effectiveness of Regional Instruments Against Democratic Backsliding in West Africa Human Rights
November 29, 2023 Africa

RFLD’s MEL Director Moderates Panel on Assessing the Effectiveness of Regional Instruments Against Democratic Backsliding in West Africa

RFLD’s MEL Director moderated a panel on assessing the effectiveness of regional normative instruments against democratic backsliding in West Africa. The panel brought together experts to discuss the need for stronger implementation mechanisms, enhanced civil society engagement, and improved coordination among regional actors to effectively combat democratic erosion. They emphasized the importance of context-specific analysis and tailored approaches, and called for strengthened regional frameworks to safeguard democratic principles and promote good governance.

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International Women’s Human Rights Defenders Day: Celebrating the Trailblazers of Sub-Saharan Africa Human Rights
November 29, 2023 Africa

International Women’s Human Rights Defenders Day: Celebrating the Trailblazers of Sub-Saharan Africa

Women human rights defenders in Sub-Saharan Africa face a multitude of challenges, including intimidation, harassment, and even violence. They often operate in hostile environments where their work is met with resistance and disapproval. Additionally, they may lack access to resources, training, and support, making it difficult for them to carry out their important work.

Despite these challenges, women human rights defenders in Sub-Saharan Africa remain steadfast in their commitment to justice and equality. They are the unsung heroes of the movement for human rights, and their work is essential to creating a more just and equitable world for all.

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West Africa’s Democratic Erosion: A Call for Solidarity and Action Human Rights
November 28, 2023 Africa

West Africa’s Democratic Erosion: A Call for Solidarity and Action

The state of democracy in West Africa is deteriorating due to a series of coups, power grabs, and democratic backsliding that have threatened to undermine the region’s hard-won gains. As a Steering Committee Member of WADEMOS, a non-partisan, independent civil society-led transnational democracy solidarity network, RFLD is participating in the 5th Steering Committee Meeting to address the pressing challenges facing democracy in West Africa and promote inclusive governance.

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Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Legal Advocacy and Support for Women and Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa Human Rights
November 27, 2023 Africa

Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Legal Advocacy and Support for Women and Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa

In Sub-Saharan Africa, gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive and devastating issue, affecting women and girls of all ages and backgrounds. This article will discuss the impactful work of the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) in addressing GBV and the critical role of legal advocacy and support in ensuring justice and protection for survivors.

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Online Harassment of Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Fight for a Safe Cyberspace Human Rights
November 24, 2023 Africa

Online Harassment of Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Fight for a Safe Cyberspace

Online harassment of women in Sub-Saharan Africa is a rising concern encompassing threats, sexist comments, and non-consensual sharing of intimate content. This form of abuse induces anxiety, depression, and deters women’s social and economic engagement. Unique challenges include the absence of specific laws addressing such harassment, social norms justifying it, and limited digital access. Addressing this requires strengthened legislation, cultural reform, and empowering women. RFLD campaigns for stringent laws, conducts awareness programs, and aims to shift cultural perceptions. Their advocacy contributed to laws against online harassment in the region, emphasizing the urgent need to create a secure online space for Sub-Saharan African women, as highlighted by real cases exemplifying the severity and impact of this issue.

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Using the Law to End Violence against Women and Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa Climate Justice
November 24, 2023 Africa

Using the Law to End Violence against Women and Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa

To bolster the fight against VAWG, stronger, clearer laws and improved enforcement and access to justice are crucial. Strengthening legislation, enhancing law enforcement through training and awareness, and mitigating access barriers for survivors are essential strategies. The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), a regional feminist organization, plays a vital role in combatting VAWG. Through awareness campaigns, education initiatives, survivors support, and advocacy efforts, RFLD strives to bolster legal protections and create a safer environment for women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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