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The RFLD Newsroom
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Dispatches from the movement.

Reporting, analysis and field notes from a pan-African feminist network — across women's rights, SRHR, civic space, climate justice, peace and security.

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A letter from RFLD to the partners walking with us Women's Rights
June 12, 2026 Africa

A letter from RFLD to the partners walking with us

The partners engaging with feminist movements in francophone Africa prioritize listening and understanding over mere project funding. They support the infrastructure necessary for grassroots organizations, allowing them to address local needs effectively. This newsletter expresses gratitude to these partners for their trust and commitment, which enables the movement to thrive despite challenging conditions. It highlights the importance of creating a network for women’s rights defenders and emphasizes that funding has facilitated vital resources for advocacy and community organizing. The message concludes with an invitation for potential funders to join in supporting these movements, underscoring the collaborative spirit needed for progress.

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Appel à Candidature – Bénin Women's Rights
June 1, 2026 Africa

Appel à Candidature – Bénin

The Advocacy Nexus workshop, organized by the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), is scheduled for July 21-23, 2026, in Grand-Popo, Benin. It aims to empower thirty Francophone women human rights defenders from nine West African countries through intensive training in digital advocacy, security, and networking. The initiative, funded by BMZ and GIZ, targets increasing resilience amidst shrinking civic spaces and rising threats to women’s voices. Participants will receive full financial support and engage in focused sessions on various themes, fostering collaborative coalitions to address digital and physical security challenges faced by activists in the region.

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Praia 2026: Entièrement financé (Sélection par un Panel féministe indépendant) Women's Rights
May 30, 2026 Africa

Praia 2026: Entièrement financé (Sélection par un Panel féministe indépendant)

The Praia 2026 initiative embraces an afrofeminist principle: those closest to the issues make decisions. The event features ten African afrofeminists, who will select 50 organizations based on diverse themes such as human rights advocacy, economic sovereignty, and democratic governance. Cabo Verde, a rare democratic beacon in West Africa, provides a safe haven for activists from volatile regions. With 87% of African feminist funding concentrated in English-speaking areas, bilingual representation is crucial. Given the increase in violations against West African female activists, the urgency of support is emphasized. Applications are due by June 20, 2026.

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RFLD’s Inaugural Reference Report on African Francophone Feminist Movements Women's Rights
May 27, 2026 Africa

RFLD’s Inaugural Reference Report on African Francophone Feminist Movements

The inaugural report titled “State of African Francophone Feminist Movements 2026” by RFLD highlights the significance of African francophone feminist movements, often overlooked in favor of anglophone narratives. It addresses critical issues such as funding gaps and diminishing civic spaces in the Sahel and West Africa while showcasing the innovative strategies these movements employ under challenging conditions. The report outlines RFLD’s theory of change through six key concepts and offers seven strategic recommendations aimed at the international philanthropic community. Available in both English and French, the report represents a significant step towards centering the conversation on these movements.

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Today we celebrate Africa Day — and we invite you to explore DƆNÙESÈ. Human Rights
May 25, 2026 Africa

Today we celebrate Africa Day — and we invite you to explore DƆNÙESÈ.

On May 25th, Africa Day, RFLD invites partners to explore the DƆNÙESÈ Data Center, offering twelve open tools designed for African civil society. Named after a West African term for shared knowledge, this public infrastructure aims to bridge the gap in accessing rigorous data that is often paywalled or inaccessible. RFLD identified that while vital data exists, it remains poorly documented and dominated by proprietary platforms. The tools serve various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, journalists, and policymakers, supporting advocacy on issues like women’s rights, health, and climate through bilingual and freely accessible resources.

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Afrique de l’Ouest Francophone – Appel à Candidatures (Praia Aôut 2026) – Partagez dans vos réseaux Women's Rights
May 24, 2026 Africa

Afrique de l’Ouest Francophone – Appel à Candidatures (Praia Aôut 2026) – Partagez dans vos réseaux

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) has announced its first Pan-African Afrofeminist Gathering from August 17 to 21, 2026, in Praia, Cape Verde, aimed at empowering francophone feminist organizations marginalized in favor of Anglophone counterparts. The event will involve 50 fully funded delegates from ten West African countries. This gathering aligns with a rich history of women’s resistance in West Africa, tracing back to significant figures since the 18th century. Applications open on May 24, 2026, and close on June 20, 2026, with selections made by an independent committee. For more details, visit the RFLD website.

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Afrofeminist Call for Articles · RFLD Africa Regional Office · Accra, Ghana Human Rights
May 23, 2026 Africa

Afrofeminist Call for Articles · RFLD Africa Regional Office · Accra, Ghana

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) is inviting submissions for articles exploring the role of afrofeminist civil society in implementing human rights in Africa. This call is open to activists, academics, and journalists, with a submission deadline of June 25, 2026. Selected articles will receive a $500 honorarium. Topics should engage African feminist epistemologies and address issues like marginalized women’s rights, climate justice, and civic space. Contributions can be in English, French, Portuguese, or African languages, promoting inclusion. The announcement of selected works will occur on July 25, 2026, followed by publication in August or September.

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