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The RFLD Newsroom
Latest News · Analysis · Field Notes

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.

All Women's Rights 367 Human Rights 157 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
RFLD Welcomes Landmark ACHPR Resolution on Access to Environmental Information and the Protection of Journalists Human Rights
March 25, 2026 Africa

RFLD Welcomes Landmark ACHPR Resolution on Access to Environmental Information and the Protection of Journalists

The Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD) applauds the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ (ACHPR) recent adoption of Resolution 657, which emphasizes the importance of public access to climate and environmental information across Africa. This groundbreaking resolution advocates for the protection of journalists and human rights defenders reporting on environmental issues and acknowledges the heightened risks they face. It highlights that safeguarding these individuals is critical for achieving fundamental human rights, particularly for women and marginalized youth disproportionately affected by environmental degradation. RFLD’s Secretary General, Mariam Moukaki, stated that the resolution is vital for ensuring transparency and accountability in the fight against climate change.

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New Policy Brief: Empowering Young Women Human Rights Defenders in West Africa and the Sahel Human Rights
March 20, 2026 Africa

New Policy Brief: Empowering Young Women Human Rights Defenders in West Africa and the Sahel

The policy brief titled “Empowering Young Women Human Rights Defenders in West Africa and the Sahel: Strengthening Youth-Led Civic Movements,” authored by Justice Alor from RFLD Ghana, was released in March 2026. It highlights the crucial yet often underappreciated role of young women in advocating for human rights and civic movements in the region. Emphasizing their grassroots efforts and the risks they face, the brief provides evidence-based analysis with recommendations for reinforcing legal protections and resources for these defenders. RFLD seeks to elevate their voices and invites all stakeholders to support the recommended actions for fostering young women-led movements.

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Job Vacancy: Regional Advocacy & Gender Justice Director Women's Rights
March 13, 2026 Africa

Job Vacancy: Regional Advocacy & Gender Justice Director

The Regional Advocacy and Gender Justice Director position at RFLD offers a three-year fixed-term contract based in Ghana and Benin, involving travel across Africa. This leadership role aims to combat intensified anti-rights movements by supporting grassroots feminist initiatives. Candidates should possess extensive experience in feminist advocacy, multi-donor budget management, and political acumen. The director will develop a continental strategy, influence policy, and oversee feminist grantmaking aimed at empowering local movements. A commitment to gender justice, intersectionality, and financial integrity is essential. Bilingual proficiency in English and French is preferred. Applications are due by March 30.

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RFLD 2025 Annual Report : Building Collective Power Women's Rights
March 10, 2026 Africa

RFLD 2025 Annual Report : Building Collective Power

The Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) has published its 2025 Annual Report, which highlights the organization’s growth as a key advocate for gender equity, human rights, and digital innovation in Africa. RFLD, headquartered in West Africa with Regional Hubs in Ghana, Benin, and The Gambia, works across 55 African Member States to promote gender justice and human rights. This report signifies a pivotal moment in the organization’s journey toward becoming a continental powerhouse in these critical areas. For more information, the press and general inquiries can be directed through the provided contacts.

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RFLD Assumes the Presidency of the GIZ Africa SEA-T Advisory Council for 2026 – A Historic Milestone for Francophone African Feminism Human Rights
March 4, 2026 Africa

RFLD Assumes the Presidency of the GIZ Africa SEA-T Advisory Council for 2026 – A Historic Milestone for Francophone African Feminism

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) has been appointed to lead the SEA-T Advisory Council in 2026, marking a pivotal development in the governance of African feminist organizations. Founded in 2012, RFLD reaches over 2.9 million women and girls yearly and seeks to address systemic funding challenges that predominantly affect Francophone feminist groups. The SEA-T program aims to empower civil society and promote gender equality across Africa through a collaborative model. RFLD’s presidency will focus on closing funding gaps, enhancing protections for women human rights defenders, generating crucial data, amplifying marginalized voices, and fostering collective advocacy efforts.

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The Law Does Not Protect Us — And The Data Proves It : A RFLD Op-Ed on the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law 2026 Report Women's Rights
March 2, 2026 Africa

The Law Does Not Protect Us — And The Data Proves It : A RFLD Op-Ed on the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law 2026 Report

The 2026 World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law (WBL) report reveals a troubling gap between legal rights for women and their actual enforcement in West Africa. Although some countries demonstrate favorable legal frameworks for gender equality, the systems required for implementation and enforcement are severely lacking. The report assesses countries like Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, which appear progressive on paper but exhibit significant deficits in institutional support. Alarmingly, all fifteen West African countries score zero on childcare support frameworks, highlighting a critical barrier to women’s economic participation. The findings underscore the urgent need for investment in feminist infrastructure to truly safeguard women’s rights.

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RFLD at CSW70: Shifting Power to Africa’s Grassroots Women's Rights
February 21, 2026 Africa

RFLD at CSW70: Shifting Power to Africa’s Grassroots

The Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) will attend the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the UN from March 9th to 19th, 2026. As a prominent Pan-African entity, RFLD aims to amplify the voices of African women and foster systemic change, particularly addressing the “Francophone Funding Gap” that limits gender funding accessibility. Their strategic plan for 2026-2028 focuses on three pillars: empowering local leaders, providing core funding to grassroots organizations, and establishing a technology hub to combat gender-based violence. RFLD invites partners to discuss investment opportunities to strengthen feminist infrastructure across Africa.

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June 12-14, 2026: RFLD hosts West Africa Feminist Data Summit in Accra, Ghana – Meet the Operating System That African Feminism Runs On Human Rights
February 18, 2026 Africa

June 12-14, 2026: RFLD hosts West Africa Feminist Data Summit in Accra, Ghana – Meet the Operating System That African Feminism Runs On

RFLD is an African-led initiative that provides vital data infrastructure to support over 450 organizations across 55 countries in their fight for women’s rights. It offers legislative tracking, digital safety monitoring, and emergency protection systems to empower grassroots advocates and ensure effective policy reforms. The West Africa Feminist Data Summit will unite more than 200 activists, researchers, and technologists to enhance gender justice through data-driven strategies. Participants will engage in workshops, master advocacy tools, and gain insights to influence legislation. The data center consolidates real-time information essential for advocacy efforts, ensuring a coordinated approach to tackling gender-based issues in Africa.

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