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Human Rights

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

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Standing together for women human rights defenders

Women's Rights

October 1, 2026 Africa

Standing together for women human rights defenders

On October 1, 2026, the Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD) met with Her Excellency Mrs. Catharina Cappelin, the Ambassador of Sweden to Senegal, at the Swedish Embassy in Dakar. This gathering highlighted the long-standing partnership between the embassy and civil society efforts in the region to promote human rights and gender equality. RFLD expressed appreciation for Ambassador Cappelin’s impactful work, which fosters an environment for women human rights defenders to voice their needs. The meeting preceded the upcoming African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights session, where RFLD will represent diverse women’s experiences. The dialogue established new ideas for future collaboration.

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Join us online l West Africa Feminist Data Summit 2026 opens today

Human Rights

July 28, 2026 Africa

Join us online l West Africa Feminist Data Summit 2026 opens today

The West Africa Feminist Data Summit 2026 begins today in Porto-Novo, Benin, and offers online access via live Zoom broadcasts for those unable to attend in person. Scheduled from July 28 to 30, at 09:00 GMT+1, participants can join using Webinar ID 899 5188 8920, with no separate registration needed. The summit will gather around one hundred delegates to create a Regional Feminist Data Agenda, establish a cross-border encrypted data collective, and enhance funding for grassroots initiatives, aligned with three resolutions from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. English and French will be the working languages.

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Advocacy Nexus, Bénin, du 13 au 15 juillet 2026 : l’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone renforce la résilience numérique de ses défenseuses

Human Rights

July 17, 2026 Africa

Advocacy Nexus, Bénin, du 13 au 15 juillet 2026 : l’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone renforce la résilience numérique de ses défenseuses

Le Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) a organisé à Porto-Novo, du 13 au 15 juillet 2026, une formation de trois jours intitulée « Advocacy Nexus ». Trente défenseuses des droits des femmes, issues de plusieurs pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest, ont participé à des ateliers axés sur le plaidoyer numérique, la sécurité et la création de coalitions transnationales. Cette initiative vise à renforcer les capacités de la société civile en proposant une formation pratique aux outils de plaidoyer, à la sécurité numérique et à la gestion de crise, en s’appuyant sur des cadres juridiques tels que le Protocole de Maputo. Ce programme, qui s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’Initiative afroféministe pour le développement des droits humains, met l’accent sur un engagement continu, afin que les participantes puissent mettre en pratique leurs compétences et leurs connaissances pour soutenir efficacement leurs communautés.

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Today we celebrate Africa Day — and we invite you to explore DƆNÙESÈ.

Human Rights

May 25, 2026 Africa

Today we celebrate Africa Day — and we invite you to explore DƆNÙESÈ.

On May 25th, Africa Day, RFLD invites partners to explore the DƆNÙESÈ Data Center, offering twelve open tools designed for African civil society. Named after a West African term for shared knowledge, this public infrastructure aims to bridge the gap in accessing rigorous data that is often paywalled or inaccessible. RFLD identified that while vital data exists, it remains poorly documented and dominated by proprietary platforms. The tools serve various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, journalists, and policymakers, supporting advocacy on issues like women’s rights, health, and climate through bilingual and freely accessible resources.

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This Week: RFLD Equips 110 Women Leaders Across Francophone West Africa

Women's Rights

May 18, 2026 Africa

This Week: RFLD Equips 110 Women Leaders Across Francophone West Africa

From May 19 to 23, 2026, the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) will launch a significant regional initiative to enhance women’s political participation in Francophone West Africa, as part of the Afrofeminist Initiative for Human Rights Development. Despite improvements over the past two decades, women’s political involvement remains below parity goals outlined in various frameworks, leading to their marginalization in decision-making processes. The SEA-T program aims to initiate social transformation and citizen participation to address gender inequalities. Key stakeholders emphasize that women’s political participation is crucial for sustainable development and institutional accountability, ultimately leading to more inclusive policies and increased citizen trust in institutions.

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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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RFLD to Award US$582,000 in Regranting Capital to Twenty African Civil Society Organisations

Human Rights

May 4, 2026 Africa

RFLD to Award US$582,000 in Regranting Capital to Twenty African Civil Society Organisations

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) will distribute US$582,000 in grants to twenty African civil society organizations through two key initiatives: NAFASI and AIHRDFWA. NAFASI focuses on digital civic space, while AIHRDFWA emphasizes human rights development in Francophone West Africa. The selection process will prioritize organizations’ alignment with strategic goals, operational capacity, and commitment to supporting women and vulnerable groups. RFLD aims to streamline funding flows from European donors directly to grassroots organizations, ensuring accountability and impactful action. This initiative reflects a shift towards localized, African-led development and enhances the resilience of civil society in challenging environments.

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RFLD Welcomes Andrea Bolaños Vargas – New UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders

Women's Rights

April 21, 2026 Africa

RFLD Welcomes Andrea Bolaños Vargas – New UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders

Andrea Bolaños Vargas has been appointed as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders at a crucial time when repression against women activists is intensifying. A Colombian political science graduate with significant experience in human rights, her work emphasizes migration and gender issues. As the fifth rapporteur since 2000, her role is vital in a global context marked by shrinking civic space and the criminalization of dissent, particularly targeting Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs). Organizations like RFLD express their support for her mandate, emphasizing the importance of protecting women who challenge patriarchal systems and advocating for actionable frameworks for justice.

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Regional Meeting on Early Warning and Civic Space Advocacy

Human Rights

April 15, 2026 Africa

Regional Meeting on Early Warning and Civic Space Advocacy

A Regional Meeting on Early Warning and Civic Space Advocacy will take place from May 6-8 in Porto Novo, Benin, organized by RFLD and CIVICUS, and funded by Norad. The event, titled “From the Local to the Regional Community,” addresses the gap between early warning data and effective advocacy in West Africa. It aims to equip civil society practitioners with skills in governance, human rights, and conflict-sensitive analysis. Participants, including representatives from CSOs, NGOs, and regional bodies, will enhance their understanding of early warning systems, develop advocacy strategies, and strengthen collaborative efforts for impactful responses.

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RFLD welcomes 316 new member organizations from 10 countries : RFLD accueille 316 nouvelles organisations membres provenant de 10 pays

Human Rights

March 26, 2026 Africa

RFLD welcomes 316 new member organizations from 10 countries : RFLD accueille 316 nouvelles organisations membres provenant de 10 pays

A diverse coalition of organizations from ten different countries has joined an RFLD network as Members aimed at enhancing efforts in development, climate justice, human rights protection, and gender equality. This expansion indicates a dynamic collaboration focused on amplifying collective impact across the continent. The network encourages exploring the profiles and contributions of its members through the provided link. As these new partnerships develop, updates will be shared to highlight progress. Organizations interested in joining the coalition are invited to apply via the membership link. Collectively, this effort aims to foster sustainable development and social justice.

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