Skip to main content
NGOsource 501(c)(3) Equivalent ACHPR Observer · N°553Observateur CADHP · n° 553 Co-Chair · GIZ/BMZ SEA-T CouncilCoprésidence · Conseil SEA-T GIZ/BMZ TransparencyTransparence Candid Seal 2025Sceau Candid 2025
ACHPR 89 panel, Dakar, 12 October 2026
ACHPR 89 panel, Dakar, 12 October 2026
SEA-T Programme Director at RFLD Dakar, 14 October 2026
SEA-T Programme Director at RFLD Dakar, 14 October 2026
Partners at RFLD offices, October 2026
Partners at RFLD offices, October 2026
Advocacy Nexus 2026, Porto-Novo
Advocacy Nexus 2026, Porto-Novo
Dakar concertation with the ACHPR, Sweden and Germany, 16 June 2026
Dakar concertation with the ACHPR, Sweden and Germany, 16 June 2026
Dakar concertation on the protection of women defenders
Dakar concertation on the protection of women defenders
Political participation training, Lome, May 2026
Political participation training, Lome, May 2026
Political participation training, Dakar, May 2026
Political participation training, Dakar, May 2026
Fifty women leaders in Porto-Novo, May 2026
Fifty women leaders in Porto-Novo, May 2026
110 women leaders trained across francophone West Africa
110 women leaders trained across francophone West Africa
RFLD presides over the SEA-T Advisory Council, 2026
RFLD presides over the SEA-T Advisory Council, 2026
Launch of the Francophone Africa HUB, January 2026
Launch of the Francophone Africa HUB, January 2026
Regional consultation with the ACHPR Special Rapporteur, Dakar, November 2025
Regional consultation with the ACHPR Special Rapporteur, Dakar, November 2025
RFLD and GIZ strengthen their partnership, October 2025
RFLD and GIZ strengthen their partnership, October 2025
SEA-T sub-grants in six countries, October 2026
SEA-T sub-grants in six countries, October 2026

AIHRDFWA · RFLD, BMZ and GIZ

VoicesTémoignages

RFLD currently serves as Co-Chair of the SEA-T Programme Advisory Council, mandated to ensure the programme’s direction, priorities, and resources are meaningfully aligned with the visions of African women-led civil society. The SEA-T Programme is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.Le RFLD assure actuellement la coprésidence du Conseil consultatif du programme SEA-T, chargé de veiller à ce que l’orientation, les priorités et les ressources du programme soient réellement alignées sur les visions de la société civile africaine portée par les femmes. Le programme SEA-T est financé par le ministère fédéral allemand de la Coopération économique et du Développement (BMZ) et mis en œuvre par la Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

Film · 4 min 30

One year of impact, in four and a half minutes

From Banjul to Dakar, Porto-Novo and Lomé, the first year of the initiative told with its figures, its places and the women who carried it. Narrated, with music and subtitles.

Film · 4 min 30

Un an d’impact, en quatre minutes et demie

De Banjul à Dakar, Porto-Novo et Lomé, la première année de l’initiative racontée par ses chiffres, ses lieux et les femmes qui l’ont portée. Avec voix off, musique et sous-titres.

Voices

Perspectives from across the continent

Partners, experts and institutions on the initiative and on RFLD’s leadership, published with their agreement.

Témoignages

Des regards venus de tout le continent

Partenaires, expert·es et institutions sur l’initiative et le leadership du RFLD, publiés avec leur accord.

“The SEA-T initiative supports exactly the kind of structural strengthening African civil society needs. RFLD's work aligns with the ACHPR's mandate to protect defenders.”
Rémy Ngoy Lumbu
Commissioner and Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, ACHPR
“RFLD has built a bridge between the Maputo Protocol and grassroots implementation. The programme's focus on women's leadership is timely.”
Hon. Dr Litha Musyimi-Ogana
Commissioner, ACHPR, African Union
“ECOSOCC values partnerships that amplify citizen voices. RFLD sets a benchmark for how civil society can influence African Union policy.”
Dr Eyole Monono
African Union ECOSOCC
“WADEMOS sees the initiative as a driver for democratic resilience. RFLD's network mobilises youth and women to defend civic space.”
Paul Osei Kuffor
WADEMOS
“Protecting defenders requires a regional shield. The support allows RFLD and ROADDH to coordinate rapid responses for activists in danger.”
Mélanie Sonhaye Kombate
Programme Manager, ROADDH
“The African Centre supports RFLD's holistic approach. A new generation of rights-literate citizens is emerging across francophone Africa.”
Hannah Forster
Executive Director, ACDHRS
“FIDH recognises RFLD's role in Senegal and beyond. The initiative provides the stability needed for long-term human rights monitoring.”
Prof. Mabassa Fall
FIDH, Senegal
“WACSI endorses the capacity-building focus. RFLD is professionalising the women-led civil society sector in West Africa.”
Omolara Balogun
WACSI
“In Mali, RFLD's intervention has given young women leaders the tools to navigate a complex security landscape.”
Fatoumata Djiré
President, ROAJELF, Mali
“The training on the African human rights system is technically rigorous. The programme is building genuine expertise.”
Prof. Kalume Beya Prince
Expert, African human rights system
“LARRED appreciates RFLD's intersectional research. The data work is crucial for evidence-based advocacy.”
Prof. Pascal Dohou
LARRED
“Translating international norms into local reality is what makes this initiative so effective in Senegal.”
Sadikh Niass
African human rights expert, Senegal
“ActionAid values RFLD as a strategic partner. The funding allows deep, sustained community engagement on economic justice.”
Khaïta Sylla
Country Director, ActionAid Senegal
“Collaboration with the National Institute ensures activities align with national gender policies in Benin.”
Dossavi-Messy Annabelle
National Institute for Women, Benin
“RFLD understands that media is an advocacy tool. Journalists are being trained to report on gender with sensitivity.”
Amadou Garé
Media Canard Déchaîné
“The CIDH stands with RFLD. The focus on human rights education is essential for the region.”
Naji Moulay Lahsen
Executive Director, CIDH
“In Burkina Faso, the Coalition relies on the regional solidarity that RFLD fosters during times of crisis.”
Florence Ouattara
Coordinator, Burkinabe Coalition of HRDs
“International law provides the framework, and RFLD provides the action plan for implementation on the ground.”
Prof. Anne-Marie Nsaka N'ghov
Expert in public international law
“Community well-being is at the heart of our work. The initiative lets us integrate health rights into broader advocacy.”
Barthélémy Otolorin
EAH Bien Etre
“Synergy is strength. RFLD's coordination unites diverse organisations to combat gender-based violence effectively.”
Penda Diouf Seck
President, SYSC
“Digital activism is the new frontline. Africtivistes partners with RFLD to promote digital rights for women.”
Aisha Dabo
Africtivistes, Senegal
“Legal expertise is crucial. AJS works with RFLD to advance legislative reforms for women.”
Aminata Fall Niang
President, AJS, Senegal
“The Association of Women Jurists values the regional scope. We are learning from peers across borders.”
Bathor Seck
Association of Senegalese Women Jurists
“CIVICUS monitors civic space globally. RFLD's work is a critical counter-force in West Africa.”
Dr Paul Mulindwa
CIVICUS
“VUKA connects alliances. The initiative strengthens the women-led ecosystem, making our collective voice harder to ignore.”
Shupikai Gwabuya
VUKA
“The UN system benefits from strong local partners. RFLD ensures international goals translate to local action.”
Deodatte Bisomerine
UN system expert
“COSAPERE focuses on reproductive rights. The grant allowed us to expand our outreach to rural women.”
Mbeinda Diop
President, COSAPERE
“RADDHO stands for human rights. The partnership with RFLD amplifies our capacity to document violations.”
Fatou Diongue
RADDHO
“Youth volunteers are the backbone of change. The initiative empowers us to engage young men in the fight for equality.”
Michel Bohoumbo
Association of Young Volunteers
“Radio reaches the masses. The partnership helps us broadcast the message of equality to remote communities.”
Éric Akogbe
Radio Ekaaro Ejire
“Institutionalising gender equality is our goal. RFLD's advocacy supports our mandate to mainstream equity in public policy.”
Astou Diouf
Director of Equity and Gender Equality
“We are seeing tangible results in capacity and coordination every day across the initiative.”
John Gbenagnon
Regional Director of Strategy and Development, RFLD
“RFLD is committed to excellence. Our partnership with GIZ under SEA-T sets a new standard for funding for women’s organisations in Africa.”
Dossi Sêkonnou Gloria Agueh
Africa Director and Founder, RFLD

For BMZ, GIZ and co-fundersPour le BMZ, la GIZ et les cofinanceurs

Plan the next phase with usPréparons la phase suivante ensemble

We can share the logical framework, progress reporting and audited accounts with partners on request.Nous pouvons transmettre le cadre logique, les rapports d’avancement et les comptes audités aux partenaires sur demande.

John Gbenagnon Director of Strategy and DevelopmentDirecteur de la stratégie et du développement gbenagnon.john@rflgd.org

Funder briefingNote aux bailleurs

For funders and partnersPour les bailleurs et les partenaires

Fund the women who defend rights in Africa, nowFinancez maintenant les femmes qui défendent les droits en Afrique

Aid to women’s organisations is falling. RFLD moves funding fast to women-led organisations and defenders, in French and English, through a network of 1,143 member organisations in more than 35 African countries.L’aide aux organisations de femmes recule. Le RFLD achemine vite les financements vers les organisations de femmes et les défenseures, en français et en anglais, grâce à un réseau de 1 143 organisations membres dans plus de 35 pays africains.

RFLD currently serves as Co-Chair of the SEA-T Programme Advisory Council, mandated to ensure the programme’s direction, priorities, and resources are meaningfully aligned with the visions of African women-led civil society. The SEA-T Programme is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.Le RFLD assure actuellement la coprésidence du Conseil consultatif du programme SEA-T, chargé de veiller à ce que l’orientation, les priorités et les ressources du programme soient réellement alignées sur les visions de la société civile africaine portée par les femmes. Le programme SEA-T est financé par le ministère fédéral allemand de la Coopération économique et du Développement (BMZ) et mis en œuvre par la Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. See the partnershipVoir le partenariat

  • 1,143member organisationsorganisations membres
  • 35+African countriespays africains
  • N°553ACHPR observer statusstatut d’observateur CADHP
  • CandidSeal of Transparency 2025Sceau de transparence 2025

DonateFaire un don Partner with RFLDDevenir partenaire See our financialsVoir nos états financiers

Stay close to the movement.
Field notes, data releases and calls for proposals, in English or French. No more than one email a month.

Stand with African women. Your support moves resources to the frontline.Partner with usDonate