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

The sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls in French-speaking Africa: a persistent taboo Human Rights
November 20, 2023 Africa

The sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls in French-speaking Africa: a persistent taboo

Access to sexual and reproductive rights for women and girls in French-speaking Africa remains a major challenge, mainly due to the persistent taboo surrounding these issues. These rights face numerous obstacles, including limited access to appropriate health services, restrictive abortion laws, an alarming prevalence of sexual violence, and restrictive social and cultural norms. Awareness-raising, capacity-building for NGOs, the adoption of favorable laws, and access to health information and services are crucial steps towards full recognition of the sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls in French-speaking 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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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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