Country programme · Nigeria

RFLD in Nigeria

RFLD is building a national network of Nigerian organisations that defend the rights of women, girls and Vulnerable Groups. We identify and support these organisations, link them to continental advocacy and share the data and training they need. They lead the work in their own communities.

Join the RFLD Nigeria Network Contact the Nigeria team

Founding intake 2026. Applications for the first cohort of the RFLD Nigeria Network close on 25 October 2026. After this intake, applications are reviewed every quarter.

6geopolitical zones covered by the network

6thematic pillars

12free, bilingual open-data tools for members

N°553RFLD Observer Status with the ACHPR

Our approach in Nigeria

A network led by Nigerian organisations

RFLD works so that women, girls and Vulnerable Groups in Nigeria enjoy their rights in full. We strengthen the women's rights ecosystem through a member network, move resources to the grassroots, carry advocacy to national and continental institutions, and produce research and data.

Organisations, not individuals. The network is open to Nigerian civil society organisations working on women's rights.
National reach. We look for a spread across the six geopolitical zones and give weight to grassroots organisations working outside Lagos and Abuja.
Continental voice. Members connect to RFLD's work with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, the African Union and ECOWAS.
Learning together. Monthly online webinars and practical trainings for members.

Six thematic pillars

What the network works on

Health and gender equality

Maternal, newborn and child health, ending malaria, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Good governance

Women's representation and the 35 per cent commitment, women peace mediators and accountable governance.

Development

Women's economic empowerment, grassroots livelihoods, cooperatives and cross-border trade.

Human rights and social inclusion

Documenting violations, inclusion of women with disabilities, protection of defenders and cases brought to the African Commission.

Ending sexual violence, GBV and harmful practices

Prevention, survivor support and referral, and ending FGM and child marriage.

Climate change and environment

Gender-responsive climate action, adaptation for grassroots women and environmental justice.

Membership

What members receive

Membership is free. We ask members to share their work, take part in network activities and uphold RFLD's values, including safeguarding and non-partisanship.

Learning

Monthly webinars on topics such as women, health and climate justice; from policy to protection against GBV; and women at the decision-making table. A one-day training, From Advocacy to Impact.

Advocacy

A route to continental platforms through RFLD's Observer Status with the ACHPR, and engagement with the African Union and ECOWAS.

Data

Free access to the twelve open-data tools of the DƆNÙESÈ Data Center, including the Maputo Protocol Hub and the Countries Data Center.

Network

Connections with 670 member organisations in more than 35 African countries, and visibility for members' work.

Founding intake 2026

How the selection works

Apply
Until 25 October 2026, through the form on this page.
Screening
26 to 30 October: eligibility check and panel review.
Results
2 to 6 November: results shared and onboarding of new members.
Convening
12 and 13 November: inaugural online convening of members.
Every quarter
After the founding intake, new applications are reviewed quarterly.

RFLD Nigeria this month

Where you will meet us

6 and 7 October 2026 · Abuja

RFLD takes part in the Nigeria National Consultation and Planning Workshop on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, organised by Expertise France under the Team Europe Initiative on Women's Leadership in the Public ICT Sector.

October 2026 · Dakar

RFLD delivers its oral statement at the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and speaks on technology-facilitated GBV, drawing on the Maputo Barometer 2026 and the African Digital Safety Compendium.

Team

Your contact in Nigeria

Nigeria Country Representative · based in Lagos

Simbiat BAKARE

Leads national partnerships, member engagement and programme delivery in Nigeria.

admin@rflgd.org

Safeguarding concerns: integrity@rflgd.org · Data protection: dpo@rflgd.org

Application form

Join the RFLD Nigeria Network

The form has seven short parts and takes about 30 minutes. Please answer every question that applies to your organisation and write N/A where a question does not apply. The form does not save as you go, so you may prefer to prepare your answers in a separate document first.

Need help to apply, including if your organisation is led by women with disabilities? Write to admin@rflgd.org.

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Thank you for your response. ✨

1.1 Full name of organisation(required)

1.2 Acronym, if any

1.3 Year founded(required)

1.4 Registration status(required)

1.5 Registration number and date of registration

1.6 Head office address(required)

1.7 State(s) where you work(required)

1.8 Geopolitical zone(s) where you work(required)

North Central (including FCT) North West North East South South South East South West

1.9 Level of work(required)

Community Local government State National Regional or continental

1.10 Phone number, with WhatsApp if available(required)

1.11 Website

1.12 Social media handles

2.1 Name of the contact person(required)

2.2 Role in the organisation(required)

2.3 Email address(required)

3.1 Main thematic pillar(s)(required)

Health and gender equality Good governance Development Human rights and social inclusion Ending sexual violence GBV and harmful practices Climate change and environment

3.2 Mission and main objectives(required)

3.3 Main activities in the last 24 months, with dates, places and results(required)

3.4 Main groups you serve(required)

Women Girls Young women Women with disabilities Rural communities Survivors of violence Other

3.5 Do you work outside major cities? Which areas?

3.6 Is the organisation led by a woman?(required)

Yes

4.1 Governing body and number of staff and volunteers

4.2 Policies in place

Safeguarding Finance Anti-fraud Data protection None yet

5.1 What would your organisation bring to the network?(required)

5.2 Why do you want to join the RFLD Nigeria Network?(required)

5.3 Referee: name, organisation and contact

5.4 How did you hear about this call?

Registration certificate or letter of recognition (if available)

Organisational profile or activity report (if available)

7.1 May RFLD publish a short profile of your organisation in the member directory?(required)

Yes

7.2 We accept the RFLD Member Charter, including safeguarding and non-partisanship(required)

RFLD across Africa

Part of a network of 670 organisations

Nigeria joins RFLD's work in more than 35 African countries, alongside our offices in Accra, Dakar, Porto-Novo, Banjul and Igolo.

Our programmes Contact RFLD