Dispatches from the movement.

The Africa Francophone Hub is a dedicated platform aimed at supporting women and youth human rights defenders in 29 Francophone African countries. Established by the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement and funded by Germany’s BMZ, it focuses on protection, training, and amplification of these defenders’ voices. It features an open-access human rights observatory, a comprehensive educational platform with MOOCs and video courses, and offers rapid-response legal aid and digital security. The Hub also seeks to bridge funding gaps faced by Francophone organizations by translating local realities into regional policy advocacy.

On January 16, 2026, the Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD) finished a training program for 30 midwives in Benin, aiming to combat high maternal and newborn mortality rates in West and Central Africa. This region suffers the highest global mortality statistics, with many deaths preventable through existing interventions. Participants shared emotional experiences highlighting systemic challenges, emphasizing the importance of building trust within communities. The training equips midwives with evidence-based protocols and practical skills to enhance care quality. RFLD plans to expand these efforts through a digital platform and aims to train over 5,000 midwives by 2028.

The West Africa Francophone Feminist Fund (WAFFF) addresses the critical funding crisis faced by women’s rights organizations in Francophone West Africa, where less than 3% of global gender funding reaches. Despite their essential role in combating rising authoritarianism and promoting gender equality, these organizations are often excluded from international financing due to language barriers, bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of resources. WAFFF aims to democratize access to funding, providing urgent support in less than a week and specialized assistance tailored to local contexts. By prioritizing rapid response, legal support, and reduced administrative burdens, WAFFF empowers grassroots movements to thrive and advocate for women’s rights.

Cotonou, December 2, 2025 – In a significant gathering that brought together civil society organizations, government institutions, and international partners, Mme Dossi Gloria AGUEH, Africa Director of the…