Women’s Rights

The West Africa Feminist Data Summit 2026 took place in Porto-Novo, Benin, from July 28 to 30, engaging 100 delegates from 21 countries under the theme “Decolonizing Data: Architecting Feminist Digital Futures in West Africa.” The summit addressed critical issues like the transition of statistics into laws, focusing on gaps in feminist data, digital censorship, and protection frameworks for women human rights defenders. Outcomes included eight policy briefs, a ratified Regional Feminist Data Agenda for 2026-2028, and the establishment of a cross-border encrypted data collective. The summit aimed to empower grassroots organizations and enhance their role in data-driven advocacy.

The Maputo Barometer 2026 presents a citizen audit of 49 African countries, assessing adherence to the promises made in the Maputo Protocol, which was adopted 23 years ago. Countries are evaluated on their anti-GBV laws, girls’ education, and political representation, while also providing detailed legal files on issues like abortion and family planning. The report highlights the performance of various nations, revealing some that excel while others have neglected their commitments. The Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) also hosted journalist Ruth Hallows to discuss obstetric violence, highlighting ongoing challenges and fostering international attention on women’s rights in Africa.

La décennie de leadership de Dossi Sekonnou AGUEH au sein du Réseau africain des femmes leaders pour le développement (RFLD) a profondément marqué l’écosystème féministe africain. Le RFLD s’est attaché à créer des systèmes solides pour renforcer la visibilité et la crédibilité, deux éléments essentiels à un plaidoyer féministe durable. Parmi ses principales réalisations figurent la création d’un réseau féministe continental légalement enregistré, d’une infrastructure de données féministes, d’un fonds de ressources pour les organisations et d’une école de leadership féministe. Pour la période 2026-2036, le RFLD ambitionne de diversifier ses sources de financement, d’étendre son action au-delà des régions francophones et de garantir la transmission institutionnelle des connaissances. La vision et l’engagement d’AGUEH ont été d’un soutien précieux pour d’innombrables femmes africaines.

The RFLD Africa Team, based in our Ghana Office in Accra, gathered on Monday 29 June for its 3rd Quarter 2026 planning session and we are delighted to…

The Strategic Plan 2023–2028 outlines four key objectives: Gender Equality, civil liberties and health rights, economic and climate justice, and governance and civic participation. Applicable to over 35 countries, this plan serves as a practical roadmap based on partners’ requests, emphasizing operational strategies that directly connect to actual programs, re-granting efforts, and data systems. The document is available in English and French, ensuring accessibility for diverse stakeholders. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the effectiveness and accountability of initiatives addressing vital societal issues.