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RFLD update: our panel joins the African Commission’s main agenda in Dakar Women's Rights
September 21, 2026 Africa

RFLD update: our panel joins the African Commission’s main agenda in Dakar

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) will participate in the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Dakar, October 2026, with a focus on protecting women human rights defenders from sexual exploitation and harassment across Africa. Their main panel, titled “Defending without being exposed,” aims to address recognition, protection, funding, and legal frameworks that support these defenders. RFLD, comprising 1,143 organizations in over 35 countries, brings 40 defenders to engage the Commission directly, emphasizing collaboration to safeguard their rights and amplify women’s voices in human rights advocacy.

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ACHPR, Sweden and Germany Convene at the RFLD Dakar Office on the Protection of Women Human Rights Defenders in West Africa Human Rights
June 16, 2026 Africa

ACHPR, Sweden and Germany Convene at the RFLD Dakar Office on the Protection of Women Human Rights Defenders in West Africa

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) hosted a high-level consultation in Dakar on June 16, 2026, emphasizing the protection of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in West Africa. Key participants included institutional representatives from Sweden, Germany, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). The gathering highlighted the importance of collaborative action among state actors, civil society, and continental mechanisms to address the discrepancies between existing human rights frameworks and their actual implementation. The discussion focused on ongoing challenges faced by WHRDs, particularly amidst regional political tensions, while underscoring the need for sustained support and recognition of their vital work.

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Accra, 12–14 June 2026: Decolonizing Data — Download the full package Human Rights
May 16, 2026 Africa

Accra, 12–14 June 2026: Decolonizing Data — Download the full package

RFLD is excited to announce the West Africa Feminist Data Summit 2026, taking place in Accra, Ghana, from June 12 to 14, 2026. The event will gather around 100 feminist activists, data journalists, and women rights defenders to explore the theme “Decolonizing Data: Architecting feminist digital futures in West Africa.” The Summit aims to advance three key resolutions from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights related to environmental information, data access for human rights, and protection against digital violence. Attendees will engage in discussions across eight thematic tracks, making it a significant gathering for coordinated advocacy in the region.

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ACHPR 87th Ordinary Session : RFLD & WACSI Joint Oral Statement under the Observer Status of the Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD) Human Rights
May 12, 2026 Africa

ACHPR 87th Ordinary Session : RFLD & WACSI Joint Oral Statement under the Observer Status of the Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD)

From May 11 to 20, 2026, the Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD) and the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) advocated for civic space, human rights accountability, and Pan-African cooperation at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. They highlighted the deterioration of civic space in Africa due to democratic backsliding, digital repression, and increasing restrictions on freedoms. Furthermore, they stressed the need for accountability in implementing human rights judgments, the intersection of climate injustice and rights violations, and emphasized gender-sensitive strategies to support women and marginalized communities. RFLD and WACSI called for collaboration to protect civic freedoms as essential for democratic stability and development.

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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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20 ans du Protocole de Maputo au Bénin : Quelles leçons tirées? Women's Rights
September 30, 2025 Africa

20 ans du Protocole de Maputo au Bénin : Quelles leçons tirées?

Il y a 20 ans, le Bénin a ratifié le Protocole de Maputo, un engagement en faveur des droits des femmes. Cet anniversaire rappelle les avancées, comme l’augmentation de la représentation féminine en politique, bien qu’elle reste insuffisante. Le Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) œuvre pour traduire les promesses du Protocole en réalité, en éduquant la population sur les droits et en plaidant pour des lois en accord avec les engagements de Maputo. Toutefois, des défis persistent, tels que les violences basées sur le genre. L’avenir des droits des femmes dépend d’une mise en œuvre efficace des lois et d’une sensibilisation accrue.

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African Human Rights Advocacy Forges Ahead – RFLD Facilitates ACHPR NGOs Forum Steering Committee in Laying 2026-2031 Strategic Groundwork Human Rights
July 26, 2025 Africa

African Human Rights Advocacy Forges Ahead – RFLD Facilitates ACHPR NGOs Forum Steering Committee in Laying 2026-2031 Strategic Groundwork

The ACHPR NGOs Forum Steering Committee Meeting, conducted on July 25-26, 2025, in Banjul, The Gambia, aimed to refine human rights advocacy in Africa. Hosted by ACDHRS and led by Mrs. Hannah Forster, it gathered diverse regional representatives who engaged in strategic planning for the ACHPR’s objectives for 2026-2031. Key goals include enhancing the human rights framework, encouraging CSO engagement, and advocating for underrepresented groups. Discussions highlighted essential challenges like extremism and the need for improved communication, capacity building, and resource mobilization. This meeting set the stage for vital advancements in human rights initiatives across the continent.

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RFLD at the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Human Rights
May 6, 2025 Africa

RFLD at the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

A delegation led by RFLD Human Rights Senior Officer Mr. John Gbenagnon is participating in the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, The Gambia. RFLD promotes and protects the rights of women, youth, and minorities through partnerships and advocacy for gender policies. They focus on supporting Women Human Rights Defenders (W/HRDs) and facilitating collaboration among human rights organizations. Key activities include hosting side events on civic engagement, bilateral meetings with ACHPR Commissioners, and providing essential data for human rights violations. The RFLD’s mission centers on creating a secure environment for advocates across Africa.

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