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Gender

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

RFLD at CSW70: Shifting Power to Africa’s Grassroots Women's Rights
February 21, 2026 Africa

RFLD at CSW70: Shifting Power to Africa’s Grassroots

The Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) will attend the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the UN from March 9th to 19th, 2026. As a prominent Pan-African entity, RFLD aims to amplify the voices of African women and foster systemic change, particularly addressing the “Francophone Funding Gap” that limits gender funding accessibility. Their strategic plan for 2026-2028 focuses on three pillars: empowering local leaders, providing core funding to grassroots organizations, and establishing a technology hub to combat gender-based violence. RFLD invites partners to discuss investment opportunities to strengthen feminist infrastructure across Africa.

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RFLD Dɔnùesè Data Center: Data-Driven Solutions for Women’s Rights Benin
January 13, 2025 Africa

RFLD Dɔnùesè Data Center: Data-Driven Solutions for Women’s Rights

The RFLD Dɔnùesè Data Center is pivotal in promoting gender equality in Sub-Saharan Africa through the collection, analysis, and dissemination of critical data on issues like violence against women and access to education. By collaborating with local communities, NGOs, and policymakers, the center ensures data accuracy and facilitates vital information access. Its evidence-based recommendations influence public policies, mobilizing resources for gender equality initiatives. Despite challenges in funding and data gaps, the center successfully advocates for reforms and addresses systemic issues affecting women and girls. Through workshops and partnerships, it fosters collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the impact of gender equality projects.

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Dɔnùesè Climate Justice
January 7, 2025 Africa

Dɔnùesè

RFLD a créé la plateforme Dɔnùesè, dédiée à la surveillance des lois protégeant les femmes en Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale. Ce Centre de Données, une initiative du Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement, est essentiel pour promouvoir l’égalité des genres et l’inclusion sociale. Son nom, signifiant « développement de l’information » en langue Fon, met en avant son rôle dans la collecte, l’analyse et la diffusion de données de qualité sur les questions de genre. En fournissant des ensembles de données et des analyses détaillées, il soutient les chercheurs, les organisations de la société civile et les décideurs dans la lutte contre les disparités entre les sexes.

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Men as Allies in the Fight for Gender Equality: A Message from RFLD Founder and President AGUEH Dossi Sekonnou Gloria Women's Rights
November 30, 2023 Africa

Men as Allies in the Fight for Gender Equality: A Message from RFLD Founder and President AGUEH Dossi Sekonnou Gloria

The pursuit of gender equality is a multifaceted endeavor requiring collective efforts from all members of society. AGUEH Dossi Sekonnou Gloria, Founder and President of Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), recognizes the importance of men as allies in this fight. Gloria emphasizes that men should actively work to dismantle patriarchal norms, refraining from perpetuating gender-based discrimination. RFLD engages men in initiatives, fostering allyship and shared responsibility. Men, according to Gloria, can challenge sexist attitudes, support women’s leadership, advocate for gender-inclusive policies, engage in gender equality education, and embody positive masculinity. She stresses that engaging men as allies complements rather than diminishes women’s voices. RFLD’s approach is a testament to their commitment to collective action for gender equality, fostering a just and equitable society. The fight for gender equality is a societal challenge necessitating the active engagement of all members. Men, as allies, can play a pivotal role in dismantling patriarchal structures, challenging harmful stereotypes, and promoting a more equitable world, working alongside women to create a society where everyone thrives, regardless of gender. RFLD’s work with men exemplifies effective engagement, contributing to a more just and equitable future for all.

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Bridging the Gender Gap: The Imperative of a Gender-Sensitive Macroeconomic Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa Climate Justice
November 17, 2023 Africa

Bridging the Gender Gap: The Imperative of a Gender-Sensitive Macroeconomic Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa

Unlocking Africa’s potential requires dismantling pervasive gender inequalities. RFLD’s research underscores the vital role of gender-sensitive macroeconomic policies in empowering women and driving sustainable development. By embracing these policies, we unleash inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and bolster economic resilience. Join us in reshaping Africa’s future where women play a central role in economic prosperity.

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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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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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