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Latest News · Analysis · Field Notes

Gates Foundation

Reporting, analysis and field notes from a pan-African feminist network — across women's rights, SRHR, civic space, climate justice, peace and security.

All Women's Rights 361 Human Rights 154 PUBLICATIONS ET ARTICLES 118 Harmful Practices 66 PEACE AND SECURITY 57 Climate Justice 53 Economic Justice 50 Benin 18 Articles RFLGD 11 Justice Économique 10 Niger 10 Togo 10 Sénégal 10 Mali 10 Burkina Faso 9 GUINEE 9 Côte d'Ivoire 8 Non classifié(e) 8 RFLD’s Strategic Plan 6 MGF 3 Charity 3 Blog 2 Inspiration 2 DEVELOPMENT 1 Science 1
Strengthening WHRD Protection Networks in West and Central Africa: A Consultation on Accountability and Gender Responsiveness Human Rights
November 12, 2023 Africa

Strengthening WHRD Protection Networks in West and Central Africa: A Consultation on Accountability and Gender Responsiveness

The West and Central Africa Consultation on Women Human Rights Defenders, organized by the African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD Initiative) and Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), unfolded in Porto Novo, Benin, on November 10, 2023. The event, marked by insightful sessions, testimonials, and interactive discussions, drew active participation from WHRDs across 20 countries. Emphasizing heightened accountability and gender responsiveness within protection networks, the consultation navigated through various themes, including actionable strategies for transparency, the gender lens, global engagement, and the strengthening of ties with regional platforms. The collaborative effort, enriched by diverse experiences, is poised to drive positive change and set a precedent for the future of resilient, accountable, and gender-responsive WHRD protection networks in West and Central Africa, amplifying the rights and contributions of Women Human Rights Defenders.

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Empowering Change: The Remarkable Journey of RFLD President AGUEH Dossi Sekonnou Gloria and the Pan-African Feminist Movement Climate Justice
November 12, 2023 Africa

Empowering Change: The Remarkable Journey of RFLD President AGUEH Dossi Sekonnou Gloria and the Pan-African Feminist Movement

The article delves into the inspiring journey of AGUEH Dossi Sekonnou Gloria, President of the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), tracing the organization’s evolution since its inception in 2012. From its humble beginnings, RFLD has grown into a formidable pan-African feminist force, operating in 27 countries with a network of 60 member organizations. AGUEH Dossi Sekonnou Gloria reflects on the challenges overcome and milestones achieved, highlighting the commitment to empowering women, advocating for gender equality, and fostering strategic partnerships that amplify the impact of the organization across the continent. The interview provides valuable insights into RFLD’s contributions to advancing women’s rights, promoting social change, and shaping a more inclusive and just Africa.

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How policies enhance gender mainstreaming in Liberia, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo: Gaps, challenges, problems, way forward, state of affairs, and perspective Climate Justice
November 11, 2023 Africa

How policies enhance gender mainstreaming in Liberia, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo: Gaps, challenges, problems, way forward, state of affairs, and perspective

The RFLD Research Team underscores the pivotal role of gender mainstreaming in achieving equality across Liberia, Niger Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo. Despite policy-driven efforts, persistent gaps, challenges, and problems hinder progress, requiring a comprehensive approach. In Liberia, Niger Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo, inadequate political will, weak institutional capacity, socio-cultural barriers, limited awareness, resource constraints, and insufficient monitoring mechanisms impede effective gender mainstreaming. To address these issues, policies can mandate gender impact assessments, set clear targets, allocate resources, establish coordination mechanisms, promote legal reforms, support public awareness campaigns, and empower women’s movements. The way forward involves comprehensive training, multi-stakeholder collaboration, advocacy for legal reforms, inclusive decision-making, robust monitoring frameworks, community engagement, resource mobilization, research, partnerships with international organizations, and periodic reviews. Despite facing a mixed state of affairs, the optimistic perspective emphasizes the growing awareness and commitment to gender equality, urging sustained efforts to overcome challenges and achieve lasting progress.

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Unmasking Systemic Injustices: Challenges in Legal Equality, Sexual Exploitation, and Harmful Practices in West and Central Africa Harmful Practices
November 10, 2023 Africa

Unmasking Systemic Injustices: Challenges in Legal Equality, Sexual Exploitation, and Harmful Practices in West and Central Africa

In West and Central Africa, the work of the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) stands as a crucial force against the backdrop of pervasive challenges like legal inequality, sexual exploitation, and violence. Despite the cultural richness, numerous countries in the region continue to grapple with laws that perpetuate discrimination based on sex and gender, creating an environment conducive to violence and discrimination. RFLD’s dedicated efforts play a pivotal role in challenging these systemic issues, working towards dismantling discriminatory legal frameworks and fostering an environment where individuals, particularly women and girls, are protected from sexual exploitation and violence. Through its initiatives, RFLD actively contributes to the movement to end harmful practices, envisioning a future where justice, equality, and human rights prevail across West and Central Africa.

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RFLD Hosts Delegation from African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders Human Rights
November 10, 2023 Africa

RFLD Hosts Delegation from African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) and the African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD Initiative) are two pan-African organizations working to promote and protect the rights of women human rights defenders. During a recent visit to RFLD’s office in Porto-Novo, Benin, the WHRD Initiative delegation discussed the upcoming West and Central Africa consultation of women human rights defenders. This consultation is an opportunity for women human rights defenders in the region to come together, share their experiences, and develop strategies for strengthening their work. The consultation is expected to be a productive and impactful event that will contribute to the strengthening of the women’s human rights movement in West and Central Africa.

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Watch the Video – Rural Women, Rural Power: RFLD’s Economic Justice Fund Drives Economic Growth and Gender Equality Climate Justice
November 8, 2023 Africa

Watch the Video – Rural Women, Rural Power: RFLD’s Economic Justice Fund Drives Economic Growth and Gender Equality

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) has launched a new video highlighting the transformative impact of its Economic Justice Fund on the lives of rural women in West and Central Africa. The program provides small grants to rural women to invest in agriculture and other income-generating activities, enabling them to increase their incomes, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to the economic development of their communities. The video features inspiring stories from several women who have benefited from the fund, demonstrating how it has helped them start or expand their businesses, send their children to school, and build a brighter future for themselves and their families. RFLD invites partners and donors to watch the video and consider making a donation to support its ongoing efforts to empower rural women and achieve gender equality in West and Central Africa.

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Celebrating Africa Youth Day: Upholding the Rights of Young Women and Girls Across the Continent Climate Justice
November 1, 2023 Africa

Celebrating Africa Youth Day: Upholding the Rights of Young Women and Girls Across the Continent

In celebrating Africa Youth Day, it’s crucial to acknowledge the resilience of young people while also highlighting the specific challenges faced by women and girls across the continent. RFLD, a leading organization dedicated to supporting young women and girls, stands at the forefront of addressing these challenges. Through advocacy, education, and empowerment initiatives, RFLD aims to combat early marriage, limited educational opportunities, and exploitative work environments. Their commitment to amplifying the voices of young women and girls aligns with the spirit of Africa Youth Day, advocating for their rights, safety, and a future free from constraints. By nurturing an environment of equality and opportunity, RFLD endeavors to empower young women and girls, enabling them to shape their destinies and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the continent

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Fighting Gender Inequality and Violence in Francophone West Africa: A Worrying Prognosis Climate Justice
October 30, 2023 Africa

Fighting Gender Inequality and Violence in Francophone West Africa: A Worrying Prognosis

In a context where laws in favor of women’s rights face profound obstacles, French-speaking West Africa, including countries such as Benin, Togo, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria and Guinea, faces a series of significant challenges. These include the persistence of discriminatory cultural and social customs, tolerance of violence against women and weak law enforcement. To meet these challenges, a multidimensional approach is required. This involves deconstructing the patriarchal system, challenging discriminatory social norms and empowering women economically. Proposed solutions include awareness-raising and education to transform gender norms, development of protective laws and policies, empowerment of women and girls, access to support services and active community participation.

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