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Sahel

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

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New Policy Brief: Empowering Young Women Human Rights Defenders in West Africa and the Sahel Human Rights
March 20, 2026 Africa

New Policy Brief: Empowering Young Women Human Rights Defenders in West Africa and the Sahel

The policy brief titled “Empowering Young Women Human Rights Defenders in West Africa and the Sahel: Strengthening Youth-Led Civic Movements,” authored by Justice Alor from RFLD Ghana, was released in March 2026. It highlights the crucial yet often underappreciated role of young women in advocating for human rights and civic movements in the region. Emphasizing their grassroots efforts and the risks they face, the brief provides evidence-based analysis with recommendations for reinforcing legal protections and resources for these defenders. RFLD seeks to elevate their voices and invites all stakeholders to support the recommended actions for fostering young women-led movements.

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RFLD’s Strategic Engagement for HIV/AIDS Policy Implementation in the Sahel and West Africa Women's Rights
March 24, 2025 Africa

RFLD’s Strategic Engagement for HIV/AIDS Policy Implementation in the Sahel and West Africa

Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) plays a pivotal role in combating HIV/AIDS in the Sahel and West Africa by emphasizing the participation of civil society, women, youth, and marginalized groups. Their comprehensive strategy includes capacity building, advocacy, community mobilization, and partnerships, aiming to hold governments accountable and ensure policies are responsive to the needs of affected communities. By focusing on human rights and gender equality, RFLD addresses the systemic barriers contributing to HIV/AIDS vulnerability. Their commitment to sustainable change and innovation fosters a movement where marginalized voices shape policy dialogue, creating more equitable and effective health programs for all.

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RFLD’s Strategic Intervention for FP/RH Reform in the Sahel and West Africa Women's Rights
March 24, 2025 Africa

RFLD’s Strategic Intervention for FP/RH Reform in the Sahel and West Africa

In the Sahel and West Africa, the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) champions family planning and reproductive health reform for women and girls. By promoting legal and policy changes, RFLD aims to enhance reproductive autonomy amidst demographic and socio-economic challenges. Their multifaceted approach includes advocacy, capacity building, community mobilization, and media engagement. RFLD emphasizes the importance of education, addressing gender-based violence, and empowering women’s leadership. By fostering collaborations and utilizing technology, they aim for sustainable impact while recognizing the interconnectedness of gender inequality, health systems, and cultural norms, ultimately striving for equitable access to reproductive rights.

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RFLD’s Role in Women’s Rights Advocacy Women's Rights
February 14, 2025 Africa

RFLD’s Role in Women’s Rights Advocacy

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) operates in sub-Saharan Africa, addressing significant challenges faced by women and girls, including limited access to sex education, high rates of teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and gender-based violence. Through advocacy, community education, and partnerships with governments, RFLD promotes comprehensive sex education and legal reforms to enhance women’s rights. Their strategies include peer education, training programs for educators, and addressing cultural barriers. RFLD’s initiatives have led to improved access to reproductive health services and support for survivors of gender-based violence, contributing positively to the lives of women and girls in the region.

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Improving Access to Safe Abortion in Sub-Saharan Africa: Policy Recommendations and Legal Reforms Women's Rights
August 25, 2024 Africa

Improving Access to Safe Abortion in Sub-Saharan Africa: Policy Recommendations and Legal Reforms

The landscape of abortion laws in sub-Saharan Africa is gradually changing, with many countries expanding legal grounds for abortion. Commitments to women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights are evident in international and regional instruments and protocols. However, challenges such as restrictive laws, lack of healthcare infrastructure, stigma, financial barriers, and limited awareness persist. African countries exhibit diverse legal stances on abortion, categorized into six groups based on permissibility. Although some countries have made progress, many women still face restrictive conditions. To improve access to safe abortion, legal reforms, comprehensive sexuality education, improved healthcare services, and partnerships are essential. Additionally, addressing stigma and providing comprehensive post-abortion care are crucial.

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For funders and partnersPour les bailleurs et les partenaires

Fund the women who defend rights in Africa, nowFinancez maintenant les femmes qui défendent les droits en Afrique

Aid to women’s organisations is falling. RFLD moves funding fast to women-led organisations and defenders, in French and English, through a network of 1,143 member organisations in more than 35 African countries.L’aide aux organisations de femmes recule. Le RFLD achemine vite les financements vers les organisations de femmes et les défenseures, en français et en anglais, grâce à un réseau de 1 143 organisations membres dans plus de 35 pays africains.

RFLD currently serves as Co-Chair of the SEA-T Programme Advisory Council, mandated to ensure the programme’s direction, priorities, and resources are meaningfully aligned with the visions of African women-led civil society. The SEA-T Programme is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.Le RFLD assure actuellement la coprésidence du Conseil consultatif du programme SEA-T, chargé de veiller à ce que l’orientation, les priorités et les ressources du programme soient réellement alignées sur les visions de la société civile africaine portée par les femmes. Le programme SEA-T est financé par le ministère fédéral allemand de la Coopération économique et du Développement (BMZ) et mis en œuvre par la Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. See the partnershipVoir le partenariat

  • 1,143member organisationsorganisations membres
  • 35+African countriespays africains
  • N°553ACHPR observer statusstatut d’observateur CADHP
  • CandidSeal of Transparency 2025Sceau de transparence 2025

DonateFaire un don Partner with RFLDDevenir partenaire See our financialsVoir nos états financiers

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