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Latest News · Analysis · Field Notes

Girls

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

SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS IN ARMED CONFLICT ZONES IN NORTHERN BURKINA-FASO Harmful Practices
January 11, 2024 Africa

SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS IN ARMED CONFLICT ZONES IN NORTHERN BURKINA-FASO

Sexual violence against women and girls in war-torn northern Burkina Faso is a pervasive and devastating issue. Armed conflict creates a climate of insecurity where rape, sexual slavery, and other forms of violence are used as weapons of war. These acts inflict deep physical, psychological, and social scars on victims, disrupting families and communities.

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Sexual violence against women and girls in GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Harmful Practices
January 11, 2024 Africa

Sexual violence against women and girls in GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

In Goma, DRC, sexual violence rages – a weapon of war used against women, children, and the vulnerable. This scourge leaves devastating physical and psychological scars, isolates victims, and hinders societal peace. Organizations like RFLD fight for change, urging for security, equality, and survivor support. Combating this issue requires a collective effort to address root causes, empower survivors, and build a future free from fear. It’s Goma’s story, but also a global call to action for a world where no one walks in the shadow of violence.

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Utilizing Digital Tools as a Weapon Against VAWG and a Bridge to SRH Knowledge and Services in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comprehensive Study with Implementation Strategies Women's Rights
December 6, 2023 Africa

Utilizing Digital Tools as a Weapon Against VAWG and a Bridge to SRH Knowledge and Services in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comprehensive Study with Implementation Strategies

This article examines the potential of digital tools to address two major challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa: violence against women and girls (VAWG) and limited access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and services. It highlights how mobile apps, online platforms, and telehealth services can empower survivors, raise awareness about VAWG and provide safe spaces for reporting incidents. Additionally, it explores how digital tools can provide accessible and culturally sensitive SRH information, personalize learning experiences, and bridge the gap in service access, particularly in underserved areas. The article acknowledges challenges like the digital divide, privacy concerns, and digital literacy gaps, but emphasizes the importance of partnerships, capacity building, data security, and local ownership to ensure the sustainable and impactful implementation of digital solutions. Ultimately, the article argues that leveraging digital tools offers a promising approach to creating a safer and healthier future for women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Female Genital Mutilation in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Look at Progress and Challenges Harmful Practices
November 24, 2023 Africa

Female Genital Mutilation in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Look at Progress and Challenges

Female genital mutilation (FGM) persists as a harmful practice predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa, affecting millions of girls and women. This ritualistic act, involving the partial or total removal of external genitalia, leads to severe physical and mental health consequences, including infections, complications during childbirth, chronic pain, and fertility issues, alongside impacting sexual life and relationships. While progress has been made with laws banning FGM and awareness campaigns, deeply entrenched cultural and social factors, poverty, and limited access to education and healthcare continue to perpetuate this practice. Organizations like Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) play a vital role in Sub-Saharan Africa, conducting awareness programs, providing support to survivors, advocating for legislation, and engaging communities to eliminate FGM. Yet, despite advancements, the battle against FGM persists, emphasizing the need for robust education, legal enforcement, and continued activism until this harmful practice is eradicated.

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RFLD alongside UN Women West and Central Africa is committed to ending violence against women Harmful Practices
November 23, 2023 Africa

RFLD alongside UN Women West and Central Africa is committed to ending violence against women

As a leading regional feminist organization, Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) is dedicated to driving impactful change alongside UN Women and women’s rights advocates. RFLD was honored to be selected by the UN Women Regional Office for West and Central Africa to participate in the Consultation on Advocacy, Coalition Building, and Transformative Feminist Action to End Violence against Women taking place in Abuja, Nigeria from 23-24 November 2023. The consultation aims to be interactive, engaging participants to maximize their expertise and time spent together. Throughout the two-day event, participants will have the opportunity to connect and reconnect, identify underlying values, co-create a collective vision, spot advocacy opportunities, envision success, and propose implementation mechanisms. RFLD stands poised to contribute to this crucial consultation, actively working towards advancing feminist action and ending violence against women in the region and beyond.

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