The Africa Francophone Hub is a centralized ecosystem designed to protect, train, and amplify the voices of women and youth human rights defenders across 29 countries in Francophone Africa. A specialized regional platform created by the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), it is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM (Dakar Time) | 3:00 PM (Cotonou Time)
Format: Online
Connection Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 824 8965 9045
Password: 361443
A Watchdog & Data Center: It operates as a regional monitor (the first open-access, gender-disaggregated human rights observatory) that tracks threats against human rights defenders, specifically focusing on digital surveillance, legal restrictions, and violence against women
An Educational Platform: It features a comprehensive “Student Portal” designed to build the capacity of learners through two primary learning tracks:
MOOC Certification (Course Catalog): A structured curriculum offering downloadable syllabi and certification in Legal Frameworks (Maputo Protocol, CEDAW, AU CEVAWG), Advocacy & Mobilization (Civic Spaces, Feminist Mobilization, Advocacy Theory, Women in Action), Management & Governance (Feminist Governance, Internal Policies, Corporate Social Responsibility), Economic Rights (Women Business Law), Peace & Security (UN Res 1325), Climate Justice, Protection (Risk Assessment for HRDs), and Afro-feminist Leadership.
Video Courses: An extensive library of expert-led video sessions covering practical skills and thematic deep dives, including Women’s Leadership, Solidarity, and Technology; Project Management, Communication Plans, and Civic Space; Sexual & Reproductive Health, Land Rights, and Economic Security; Resource Mobilization, Media, and Data Research; International Conventions like ILO 190 and the Maputo Protocol; and Organizational Management topics such as HR, Financial Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Afro-Feminism for Male Champions.
A Protection Network: It acts as a “shield,” providing rapid-response legal aid and digital security support to activists facing immediate danger or prosecution.
A Strategic Bridge: It aims to address the “resource gap” in which Francophone organizations often receive less funding and attention than Anglophone ones due to language barriers. The Hub translates local realities into regional policy agendas (advocating at the African Union and ACHPR levels)
Explore :
