Networks and coalitions.
RFLD works through regional and global coalitions to protect women human rights defenders and defend civic space. These alliances give our 1,143 member organisations a direct line to the African Union human rights system and to civil society partners across the continent.
Our key networks and coalitions.
Women human rights defenders face persecution for their work. RFLD helps reduce that risk through protection mechanisms and capacity building, and by bringing defenders’ concerns into the regional and international bodies listed below.
Observer Status · Support Group member
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
RFLD holds Observer Status with the ACHPR (N°553). Through Resolution 602, adopted at the Commission’s 81st Ordinary Session in November 2024, RFLD was appointed a member of the Support Group to the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa.
Read Resolution 602Steering Group, 2025 to 2028
Vuka! Coalition for Civic Action
Vuka! is a global coalition of 225 civil society organisations working to reclaim civic space. RFLD was selected through an open assessment process to serve on the coalition’s Civil Society Steering Group from 2025 to 2028.
About Vuka!Consortium member
CHARM Africa
The Consortium for Human Rights and Media in Africa (CHARM) is a Sida-funded partnership of seven organisations promoting human rights, civic space and media freedom in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its members are CIVICUS, Civil Rights Defenders, DefendDefenders, Fojo Media Institute, the Wits Centre for Journalism, Magamba Network and RFLD.
RFLD in CHARMSteering Committee member
WADEMOS
The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network brings together civil society organisations in 15 West African countries to defend democracy and constitutional rule. RFLD sits on its Steering Committee and leads on gender equality and human rights.
About WADEMOSMember
Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR)
SOAWR is a coalition of more than 70 civil society organisations in 33 countries. It works to make sure that the rights set out in the Maputo Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa are ratified and applied in national law.
About SOAWR · RFLD and the Maputo ProtocolCo-Chair, 2026
GIZ/BMZ Africa SEA-T Advisory Council
RFLD co-chairs the Advisory Council of the GIZ and BMZ Africa SEA-T initiative, bringing the perspective of African women’s organisations into its guidance.
RFLD and GIZWhat our networks offer partners.
Reach
Work with 1,143 member organisations in more than 35 African countries, from community groups to national coalitions.
Policy access
Engage the African Union and the ACHPR through a partner with Observer Status and a seat in the Special Rapporteur’s Support Group.
Protection for defenders
Contribute to, and draw on, protection mechanisms for women human rights defenders at risk.
Shared knowledge
Use research and data from the DƆNÙESÈ Data Center and the experience of members working on the ground.
Partnership enquiries: gbenagnon.john@rflgd.org