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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 526 PUBLICATIONS ET ARTICLES 248 Human Rights 234 Harmful Practices 92 Climate Justice 80 Economic Justice 79 PEACE AND SECURITY 57 Benin 20 Sénégal 20 Articles RFLGD 12 Niger 11 Togo 11 Burkina Faso 10 Justice Économique 10 Mali 10 GUINEE 10 Côte d'Ivoire 9 Non classifié(e) 8 RFLD’s Strategic Plan 6 DEVELOPMENT 3 Charity 3 MGF 3 Inspiration 2 Blog 2 Science 1
The sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls in French-speaking Africa: a persistent taboo Human Rights
November 20, 2023 Africa

The sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls in French-speaking Africa: a persistent taboo

Access to sexual and reproductive rights for women and girls in French-speaking Africa remains a major challenge, mainly due to the persistent taboo surrounding these issues. These rights face numerous obstacles, including limited access to appropriate health services, restrictive abortion laws, an alarming prevalence of sexual violence, and restrictive social and cultural norms. Awareness-raising, capacity-building for NGOs, the adoption of favorable laws, and access to health information and services are crucial steps towards full recognition of the sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls in French-speaking Africa.

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Bridging the Gender Gap: The Imperative of a Gender-Sensitive Macroeconomic Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa Climate Justice
November 17, 2023 Africa

Bridging the Gender Gap: The Imperative of a Gender-Sensitive Macroeconomic Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa

Unlocking Africa’s potential requires dismantling pervasive gender inequalities. RFLD’s research underscores the vital role of gender-sensitive macroeconomic policies in empowering women and driving sustainable development. By embracing these policies, we unleash inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and bolster economic resilience. Join us in reshaping Africa’s future where women play a central role in economic prosperity.

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Strengthening WHRD Protection Networks in West and Central Africa: A Consultation on Accountability and Gender Responsiveness Human Rights
November 12, 2023 Africa

Strengthening WHRD Protection Networks in West and Central Africa: A Consultation on Accountability and Gender Responsiveness

The West and Central Africa Consultation on Women Human Rights Defenders, organized by the African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD Initiative) and Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), unfolded in Porto Novo, Benin, on November 10, 2023. The event, marked by insightful sessions, testimonials, and interactive discussions, drew active participation from WHRDs across 20 countries. Emphasizing heightened accountability and gender responsiveness within protection networks, the consultation navigated through various themes, including actionable strategies for transparency, the gender lens, global engagement, and the strengthening of ties with regional platforms. The collaborative effort, enriched by diverse experiences, is poised to drive positive change and set a precedent for the future of resilient, accountable, and gender-responsive WHRD protection networks in West and Central Africa, amplifying the rights and contributions of Women Human Rights Defenders.

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Empowering Change: The Remarkable Journey of RFLD President AGUEH Dossi Sekonnou Gloria and the Pan-African Feminist Movement Climate Justice
November 12, 2023 Africa

Empowering Change: The Remarkable Journey of RFLD President AGUEH Dossi Sekonnou Gloria and the Pan-African Feminist Movement

The article delves into the inspiring journey of AGUEH Dossi Sekonnou Gloria, President of the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), tracing the organization’s evolution since its inception in 2012. From its humble beginnings, RFLD has grown into a formidable pan-African feminist force, operating in 27 countries with a network of 60 member organizations. AGUEH Dossi Sekonnou Gloria reflects on the challenges overcome and milestones achieved, highlighting the commitment to empowering women, advocating for gender equality, and fostering strategic partnerships that amplify the impact of the organization across the continent. The interview provides valuable insights into RFLD’s contributions to advancing women’s rights, promoting social change, and shaping a more inclusive and just Africa.

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How policies enhance gender mainstreaming in Liberia, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo: Gaps, challenges, problems, way forward, state of affairs, and perspective Climate Justice
November 11, 2023 Africa

How policies enhance gender mainstreaming in Liberia, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo: Gaps, challenges, problems, way forward, state of affairs, and perspective

The RFLD Research Team underscores the pivotal role of gender mainstreaming in achieving equality across Liberia, Niger Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo. Despite policy-driven efforts, persistent gaps, challenges, and problems hinder progress, requiring a comprehensive approach. In Liberia, Niger Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo, inadequate political will, weak institutional capacity, socio-cultural barriers, limited awareness, resource constraints, and insufficient monitoring mechanisms impede effective gender mainstreaming. To address these issues, policies can mandate gender impact assessments, set clear targets, allocate resources, establish coordination mechanisms, promote legal reforms, support public awareness campaigns, and empower women’s movements. The way forward involves comprehensive training, multi-stakeholder collaboration, advocacy for legal reforms, inclusive decision-making, robust monitoring frameworks, community engagement, resource mobilization, research, partnerships with international organizations, and periodic reviews. Despite facing a mixed state of affairs, the optimistic perspective emphasizes the growing awareness and commitment to gender equality, urging sustained efforts to overcome challenges and achieve lasting progress.

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Unmasking Systemic Injustices: Challenges in Legal Equality, Sexual Exploitation, and Harmful Practices in West and Central Africa Harmful Practices
November 10, 2023 Africa

Unmasking Systemic Injustices: Challenges in Legal Equality, Sexual Exploitation, and Harmful Practices in West and Central Africa

In West and Central Africa, the work of the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) stands as a crucial force against the backdrop of pervasive challenges like legal inequality, sexual exploitation, and violence. Despite the cultural richness, numerous countries in the region continue to grapple with laws that perpetuate discrimination based on sex and gender, creating an environment conducive to violence and discrimination. RFLD’s dedicated efforts play a pivotal role in challenging these systemic issues, working towards dismantling discriminatory legal frameworks and fostering an environment where individuals, particularly women and girls, are protected from sexual exploitation and violence. Through its initiatives, RFLD actively contributes to the movement to end harmful practices, envisioning a future where justice, equality, and human rights prevail across West and Central Africa.

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RFLD Hosts Delegation from African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders Human Rights
November 10, 2023 Africa

RFLD Hosts Delegation from African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) and the African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD Initiative) are two pan-African organizations working to promote and protect the rights of women human rights defenders. During a recent visit to RFLD’s office in Porto-Novo, Benin, the WHRD Initiative delegation discussed the upcoming West and Central Africa consultation of women human rights defenders. This consultation is an opportunity for women human rights defenders in the region to come together, share their experiences, and develop strategies for strengthening their work. The consultation is expected to be a productive and impactful event that will contribute to the strengthening of the women’s human rights movement in West and Central Africa.

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RFLD’s President Mrs AGUEH Joins Panel of Experts on Childcare and Equality Human Rights
November 10, 2023 Africa

RFLD’s President Mrs AGUEH Joins Panel of Experts on Childcare and Equality

Mrs AGUEH Dossi Gloria, President of the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), joined a panel of experts on childcare and equality. The panel discussed the challenges to gender equality in caregiving and how to overcome them, focusing on advocacy, policy, and research in Francophone Africa.

Gender equality in caregiving is important for women’s economic empowerment, children’s well-being, and creating a more just and equitable society. To promote gender equality in caregiving, governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals can work together to implement policies and programs that support working parents and caregivers, and to challenge harmful gender stereotypes about caregiving.

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