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The RFLD Newsroom
Latest News · Analysis · Field Notes

Women’s 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 366 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
Story 1 : Maputo Protocol Audit – Story 2: Obstetric Violence: RFLD Welcomes a U.K. Sunday Times Journalist in Porto-Novo Women's Rights
July 21, 2026 Africa

Story 1 : Maputo Protocol Audit – Story 2: Obstetric Violence: RFLD Welcomes a U.K. Sunday Times Journalist in Porto-Novo

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.

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Explore RFLD’s SRHR work : the whole portfolio Women's Rights
July 20, 2026 Africa

Explore RFLD’s SRHR work : the whole portfolio

This month marks the 23rd anniversary of the adoption of the Maputo Protocol in Mozambique. In celebration, RFLD has compiled its entire sexual and reproductive health and rights portfolio online, featuring six thematic areas such as safe abortion and family planning, each aligned with the Protocol. The portfolio includes RFLD’s commitments on malaria and maternal health, the West African Francophone Feminist Fund supporting feminist organizations, and an upcoming Africa Portfolio Grant opening in September 2026. As Co-Chair of the SEA-T Programme Advisory Council, RFLD emphasizes that bodily autonomy underpins all rights, inviting exploration and collaboration.

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The Maputo Protocol turns 23 🎉 | Le Protocole de Maputo a 23 ans Women's Rights
July 11, 2026 Africa

The Maputo Protocol turns 23 🎉 | Le Protocole de Maputo a 23 ans

On July 11, 2026, the Maputo Protocol, adopted by the African Union in 2003, will mark its 23rd anniversary, advocating for women’s rights in 46 of 55 AU member states. To commemorate this milestone, RFLD has launched the Maputo Protocol Hub, providing critical resources for advocates, including a ratification tracker, translations of the Protocol in four African languages, and various educational materials. However, challenges remain, with seven states signing but not ratifying, and uneven implementation across ratifying countries. RFLD encourages collaboration for better advocacy and supports grassroots initiatives through the WAFF Fund and available materials.

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More than ten years leading RFLD and serving the African feminist movement Women's Rights
July 10, 2026 Africa

More than ten years leading RFLD and serving the African feminist movement

RFLD operates on three levels: empowering individuals, supporting network organizations, and engaging the broader ecosystem. It trains women, girls, and vulnerable groups to claim their rights and leadership roles. With 670 member organizations, RFLD provides resources, management tools, and technical support to strengthen their capacity. The organization engages policymakers and media through public tools and advocacy efforts, aiming to create visibility and support for African feminist initiatives. Led by Dossi Sekonnou AGUEH, RFLD has established a continental network, infrastructure, and resilience programs, calling for funding diversification, continental expansion, and institutional continuity for sustained impact over the next decade.

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Plus de dix années à la tête du RFLD et au service du mouvement féministe africain Women's Rights
July 10, 2026 Africa

Plus de dix années à la tête du RFLD et au service du mouvement féministe africain

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.

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Do you have a copy of RFLD’s Strategic Plan ? Women's Rights
June 25, 2026 Africa

Do you have a copy of RFLD’s Strategic Plan ?

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.

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Tracking women’s leadership and feminist movements across 37 African countries. Women's Rights
June 23, 2026 Africa

Tracking women’s leadership and feminist movements across 37 African countries.

The RFLD Africa Women in Leadership Tracker is an innovative platform that unifies verified data, Afrofeminist analysis, and advocacy for the advancement of women in leadership across Africa. It serves three primary audiences: donors seeking robust evidence, civil society organizations looking for comparative insights, and journalists needing reliable statistics. Features include a dashboard with regional comparisons, 37 country profiles, gender analytics based on frameworks like Beijing+30, and a tracker for the Maputo Protocol. The platform also offers downloadable datasets and outlines a Theory of Change with specific targets for 2025 and 2030, alongside notable contributors to the initiative.

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The Dakar WHRDs roundtable, in the words of African media — 30 articles · 6 countries · 3 languages Human Rights
June 19, 2026 Africa

The Dakar WHRDs roundtable, in the words of African media — 30 articles · 6 countries · 3 languages

On June 16, 2026, the Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD) held a high-level Afrofeminist consultation in Dakar focused on protecting Women Human Rights Defenders in West Africa, under the theme of solidarity and engagement. Key figures included Special Rapporteur Hon. Prof. Remy Ngoy Lumbu and representatives from Sweden and Germany. Following the event, it garnered significant media attention, with approximately 30 articles published across 28 outlets in six countries, including Senegal, Nigeria, and Morocco, in multiple languages. The initiative highlighted the urgent need for stronger protections amid shrinking civic space for women defenders.

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ACHPR, Sweden and Germany Convene at the RFLD Dakar Office on the Protection of Women Human Rights Defenders in West Africa Human Rights
June 16, 2026 Africa

ACHPR, Sweden and Germany Convene at the RFLD Dakar Office on the Protection of Women Human Rights Defenders in West Africa

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) hosted a high-level consultation in Dakar on June 16, 2026, emphasizing the protection of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in West Africa. Key participants included institutional representatives from Sweden, Germany, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). The gathering highlighted the importance of collaborative action among state actors, civil society, and continental mechanisms to address the discrepancies between existing human rights frameworks and their actual implementation. The discussion focused on ongoing challenges faced by WHRDs, particularly amidst regional political tensions, while underscoring the need for sustained support and recognition of their vital work.

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