Skip to main content
NGOsource 501(c)(3) Equivalent ACHPR Observer · N°553Observateur CADHP · n° 553 Co-Chair · GIZ/BMZ SEA-T CouncilCoprésidence · Conseil SEA-T GIZ/BMZ TransparencyTransparence Candid Seal 2025Sceau Candid 2025
The RFLD Newsroom
Latest News · Analysis · Field Notes

West Africa

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.

All Women's Rights 555 Human Rights 258 PUBLICATIONS ET ARTICLES 252 Harmful Practices 92 Climate Justice 81 Economic Justice 80 PEACE AND SECURITY 57 Sénégal 33 Benin 20 Articles RFLGD 12 GUINEE 11 Togo 11 Niger 11 Burkina Faso 10 Justice Économique 10 Mali 10 Côte d'Ivoire 9 Non classifié(e) 8 RFLD’s Strategic Plan 6 Charity 4 DEVELOPMENT 3 MGF 3 Inspiration 2 Blog 2 Science 1
Understanding regional early warning frameworks and human rights protection mechanisms Women's Rights
May 11, 2026 Africa

Understanding regional early warning frameworks and human rights protection mechanisms

The West Africa Civil Society Capacity Building Training took place from May 6-8, 2026, in Porto-Novo, Bénin, organized by CIVICUS and hosted by the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD). This event gathered 30-40 civil society representatives from 15 ECOWAS member states to address the persistent gap between early warning data and effective advocacy. The training focused on understanding and utilizing frameworks from the African Union and ECOWAS to enhance human rights protection and civic space advocacy. Participants committed to forming a regional community of practice, emphasizing collaboration, evidence-based advocacy, and the development of early warning mechanisms for impactful responses.

Read article
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.

Read article
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.

Read article
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.

Read article
From Dialogue to Action: Strengthening Local Governance in Bembèrèkè, Pèrèrè, Sinendé, and Kalalé Human Rights
December 16, 2024 Africa

From Dialogue to Action: Strengthening Local Governance in Bembèrèkè, Pèrèrè, Sinendé, and Kalalé

On December 16, 2024, the Borgou departmental consultation was officially launched, attended by key officials from the region. President Dossi Sêkonnou Gloria AGUEH emphasized citizen engagement in local budget development and the importance of female leadership. The initiative, supported by the U.S. Embassy, aims to analyze local governance issues within the municipalities of Bembèrèkè, Kalalé, Pèrèrè, and Sinendé. RFLD advocates for increased representation of women and youth in decision-making to foster inclusive governance. Workshops will cover topics such as transparency, civic rights, and local development, aiming to empower citizens and enhance community well-being in the Borgou region.

Read article
Towards Justice and Healing: A Powerful Report on Women’s Human Rights in West Africa Women's Rights
December 4, 2024 Africa

Towards Justice and Healing: A Powerful Report on Women’s Human Rights in West Africa

The report titled “Towards Justice and Healing,” released by the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) in June 2024, addresses the plight of women victims of human rights violations in West Africa. Amid the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, it emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and action. Covering 15 countries, the 254-page document details various forms of violence, including domestic abuse and female genital mutilation, and presents case studies illustrating their severe impacts. It includes recommendations for improving justice and accountability systems, protecting victims, and promoting healing, aiming for a future free from violence and discrimination for women.

Read article
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.

Read article
Philanthropy for Women’s Rights: Strengthening WHRD Protection Networks Women's Rights
August 15, 2024 Africa

Philanthropy for Women’s Rights: Strengthening WHRD Protection Networks

The Women Leaders Network for Development – Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) is a regional organization working with 60 grassroots and national women-led organizations across 27 countries in West Africa. They aim to promote and protect the rights of youth and women, ensure their participation in decision-making, and combat discrimination and violence. Specifically, the challenges faced by Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in West Central Africa and the Sahel are highlighted, emphasizing the need for support. Protection networks play a crucial role, but face challenges such as insufficient funding and risks to their staff. Philanthropic support is key to addressing these issues and driving systemic change. The call to action urges prioritizing the protection of WHRDs and amplifying their voices.

Read article

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

Stay close to the movement.
Field notes, data releases and calls for proposals, in English or French. No more than one email a month.

Stand with African women. Your support moves resources to the frontline.Partner with usDonate