The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) was pleased to host a delegation from the African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders on November 9, 2023, at its office in Porto-Novo, Benin. The delegation was led by co-directors Constance Mukarati and Mary PaisDa Silva
The visit was an opportunity for RFLD and WHRD Initiative to discuss their shared commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of women human rights defenders in West and Central Africa. The two organizations also discussed their ongoing collaboration on a regional consultation of women human rights defenders, which will be held in Porto-Novo on November 10, 2023.
The consultation will bring together women human rights defenders from 20 countries in West and Central Africa to discuss the challenges and opportunities they face in their work. The consultation will also provide a platform for women human rights defenders to share best practices and develop strategies for strengthening their networks and movements.
About RFLD
The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) is a pan-African feminist organization with a network of 60 member organizations in sub-Saharan Africa. RFLD is committed to working with women and girls to create a more just and equitable world. RFLD’s work focuses on four key areas: economic justice, political participation, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and peace and security.
About WHRD Initiative
The African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders (AIWHRD) is a pan-African network of women human rights defenders and women’s rights organizations working to promote and protect the rights of women human rights defenders in Africa.
The visit of the WHRD Initiative delegation to RFLD’s office in Porto-Novo was a significant step in strengthening the collaboration between the two organizations in promoting and protecting the rights of women human rights defenders in West and Central Africa.
The upcoming West and Central Africa consultation of women human rights defenders is also expected to be a productive and impactful event that will contribute to the strengthening of the women’s human rights movement in the region.
