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RFLD

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

REJOIGNEZ NOTRE EQUIPE – Appel à Candidatures : Rejoignez la Base de Données des Formateurs et Formatrices du RFLD ! Women's Rights
June 16, 2025 Africa

REJOIGNEZ NOTRE EQUIPE – Appel à Candidatures : Rejoignez la Base de Données des Formateurs et Formatrices du RFLD !

Le Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) lance un appel aux expert(e)s afin de rejoindre sa base de données de formateurs pour ses projets en Afrique de l’Ouest, notamment au Bénin. L’organisation, qui œuvre pour les droits des femmes et le développement inclusif, recherche des spécialistes dans divers domaines tels que la santé communautaire, la justice économique, et les droits humains. Les candidatures sont ouvertes jusqu’au 12 juillet 2025, et les candidats doivent avoir une solide expérience en formation. Le RFLD s’engage à une sélection équitable tout en cherchant des experts motivés pour contribuer au progrès social.

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Nouveau Rapport du RFLD sur la Santé Maternelle et Infantile en Afrique de l’Ouest: Un Droit Universel, Un Défi Urgent en Afrique de l’Ouest Women's Rights
June 13, 2025 Africa

Nouveau Rapport du RFLD sur la Santé Maternelle et Infantile en Afrique de l’Ouest: Un Droit Universel, Un Défi Urgent en Afrique de l’Ouest

La santé maternelle et infantile demeure un enjeu majeur en Afrique de l’Ouest, où de nombreuses femmes et enfants, principalement dans les zones rurales, souffrent de complications évitables. Le Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) a mené une recherche exhaustive, révélant des défis systémiques et socio-économiques entravant l’accès aux soins. En réponse, le RFLD présente un nouveau manuel visant à promouvoir les droits à la santé maternelle et infantile. Ce document invite les décideurs et professionnels à renforcer les systèmes de santé, à améliorer les politiques publiques, et à faire de la santé maternelle et infantile un droit universel.

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RFLD & EU SEE Side Event at the ACHPR : The Primacy of Proactive Advocacy, Leveraging Early Warning Data to Fortify Civic Space in Africa Human Rights
May 9, 2025 Africa

RFLD & EU SEE Side Event at the ACHPR : The Primacy of Proactive Advocacy, Leveraging Early Warning Data to Fortify Civic Space in Africa

Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a critical role in democratic progress across Africa, yet they face ongoing restrictions from various actors. A Side Event organized by RFLD and the EU SEE Consortium during the 83rd ACHPR session highlighted the need for CSOs to utilize early warning data strategically to combat civic space restrictions proactively. Experts discussed training for advocacy, safety measures, and cross-border collaboration, emphasizing a shift from reactive to proactive strategies. The EU SEE aims to monitor the enabling environment through real-time data collection, providing insights that foster a supportive environment for civil society’s vital contributions to democracy and human rights.

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RFLD at the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Human Rights
May 6, 2025 Africa

RFLD at the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

A delegation led by RFLD Human Rights Senior Officer Mr. John Gbenagnon is participating in the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, The Gambia. RFLD promotes and protects the rights of women, youth, and minorities through partnerships and advocacy for gender policies. They focus on supporting Women Human Rights Defenders (W/HRDs) and facilitating collaboration among human rights organizations. Key activities include hosting side events on civic engagement, bilateral meetings with ACHPR Commissioners, and providing essential data for human rights violations. The RFLD’s mission centers on creating a secure environment for advocates across Africa.

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Resourcing Feminist Movements in Francophone West Africa : WHAT NEXT ? Women's Rights
April 28, 2025 Africa

Resourcing Feminist Movements in Francophone West Africa : WHAT NEXT ?

On April 24, 2025 and Alliance Magazine hosted an online meeting focused on feminist funding in Francophone West Africa. The event gathered philanthropists, donors, and activists to discuss funding disparities, particularly the marginalization of Francophone organizations compared to English-speaking ones. Key speakers emphasized the urgent need for equitable funding, addressing issues such as gender-based violence and LGBTQI+ rights. Participants called for increased donor accountability and collaboration among feminist movements. The discussion underscored the challenges faced by local organizations and the importance of systemic support to enable their crucial work in advancing social justice and women’s rights in the region.

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Consultation on Civic Space and Capacity Strengthening for Advocacy initiatives with ACHPR and UN HRC Special Mechanisms  Human Rights
April 15, 2025 Africa

Consultation on Civic Space and Capacity Strengthening for Advocacy initiatives with ACHPR and UN HRC Special Mechanisms 

RFLD is set to host the West Africa Universal Periodic Review Training and Advocacy Capacity Strengthening for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from April 23 to 25, 2025, in Porto Novo, Benin. Partnering with CIVICUS, this program aims to support 25 selected CSOs in addressing ongoing challenges in civic space, despite legal frameworks for fundamental freedoms. Key objectives include gathering stakeholder insights on civic space trends and enhancing understanding of laws and good practices. The training will cover various topics, aiming to strengthen advocacy skills and inter-institutional collaboration, thus promoting a healthier civic environment across the region.

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RFLD’s Strategic Capacity Building for SRHR and FP in the Sahel and West Africa Women's Rights
March 24, 2025 Africa

RFLD’s Strategic Capacity Building for SRHR and FP in the Sahel and West Africa

Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) focuses on enhancing the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs), women’s rights organizations (WROs), and youth organizations in Sahel and West Africa to advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Family Planning (FP). Through training, RFLD equips these entities with skills to utilize the Maputo Protocol Scorecard and engage with African human rights systems. Their approach emphasizes inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups, and fosters leadership development among youth. RFLD’s comprehensive strategies aim to create sustainable advocacy movements, promote accountability, and leverage technology to ensure SRHR and FP rights are upheld throughout the region.

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Forging Legal Pathways: RFLD’s Applied Advocacy for Women’s Rights in the Sahel and West Africa Women's Rights
March 24, 2025 Africa

Forging Legal Pathways: RFLD’s Applied Advocacy for Women’s Rights in the Sahel and West Africa

The international community enforces women’s rights and gender equality through treaties like CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol. While Sahel and West Africa have made strides in committing to these rights, challenges persist, including treaty reservations, inadequate state implementation, and a complex legal landscape. The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) advocates for legal reform by identifying gaps and collaborating with civil society. Their work emphasizes Afro-feminism, targeting the unique needs of African women. RFLD aims to enhance legal literacy, engage influential leaders, and provide access to justice, striving for sustainable change in women’s rights across the region.

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Reshaping Narratives, Reclaiming Rights: RFLD’s Strategic Media and Communication Intervention for SRHR and FP Norm Transformation in the Sahel and West Africa Women's Rights
March 24, 2025 Africa

Reshaping Narratives, Reclaiming Rights: RFLD’s Strategic Media and Communication Intervention for SRHR and FP Norm Transformation in the Sahel and West Africa

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) addresses the challenges women’s rights face in the Sahel and West Africa regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Family Planning (FP). By leveraging media and communication, RFLD strives to dismantle harmful social norms that perpetuate inequality. The organization collaborates with journalists and community leaders to foster dialogue, amplify women’s voices, and empower youth as advocates for change. RFLD also prioritizes cultural sensitivity, addressing the needs of marginalized communities while engaging men and boys to promote gender equality. Ultimately, RFLD seeks to create a sustainable movement for justice and empowerment through strategic communication.

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