The RFLD Newsroom

West and Central 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.

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Impact of RFLD Subgrants and Gender Disparities in Access to Credit Affecting Women Rural Farmers in Benin and Francophone West and Central Africa

Climate Justice

March 11, 2025 Africa

Impact of RFLD Subgrants and Gender Disparities in Access to Credit Affecting Women Rural Farmers in Benin and Francophone West and Central Africa

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) plays a transformative role in empowering women rural farmers in Benin and Francophone West and Central Africa. By providing subgrants and training, RFLD supports 40 women cooperatives, promoting climate-smart agriculture and enhancing food security. The organization addresses barriers such as limited access to land and credit, enabling women to diversify crops, improve livestock management, and adopt sustainable practices. These efforts lead to increased income and educational investments for families, shifting societal perceptions of women in agriculture. RFLD’s holistic approach fosters economic independence, social equity, and environmental sustainability for marginalized communities.

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Feminist Economic Realities in West and Central Africa: Understanding and Inspiring Transformations

Economic Justice

March 9, 2025 Africa

Feminist Economic Realities in West and Central Africa: Understanding and Inspiring Transformations

Feminist Economic Realities (FERs) provide a framework for analyzing gender and economic intersections in West and Central Africa. Centered on women’s experiences, FERs reveal how traditional economic paradigms ignore the contributions of marginalized groups, emphasizing the need for transformative change. The Réseau de Femmes pour le Développement (RFLD) advocates for women’s economic rights, addressing challenges such as unequal pay and limited resources. RFLD emphasizes the importance of recognizing informal economies and reproductive labor while promoting education and sustainability. Through policy advocacy and community engagement, RFLD aims to foster inclusive growth and empower women as active participants in economic systems, seeking gender equality and social justice.

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Transforming Commitment into Action: A Gender-Responsive Approach to Addressing School Violence in West and Central Africa

Women's Rights

March 5, 2025 Africa

Transforming Commitment into Action: A Gender-Responsive Approach to Addressing School Violence in West and Central Africa

School-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) in West and Central Africa severely hampers educational rights and student well-being, manifesting as bullying, sexual harassment, and physical abuse rooted in harmful gender norms. To combat this, a gender-transformative approach is essential, addressing societal attitudes while promoting safe educational environments. Effective practices involve education and awareness, community engagement, and support mechanisms for victims. Collaborative efforts among government, NGOs, and communities enhance intervention effectiveness. Monitoring and leadership by youth can further drive change. Organizations like the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) exemplify successful initiatives, promoting gender equality and inclusive educational practices, ultimately fostering societal change.

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Building Resilience and Addressing Harmful Norms to Combat SGBV and TIP in West and Central Africa

Harmful Practices

March 4, 2025 Africa

Building Resilience and Addressing Harmful Norms to Combat SGBV and TIP in West and Central Africa

In West and Central Africa, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and human trafficking (TIP) are critical human rights issues that hinder regional stability and development. Alarmingly, many women and girls face violence, which also impacts men and boys. The economic implications are severe, as SGBV can result in significant productivity losses and perpetuate cycles of poverty. Intimate partner violence and child marriage remain prevalent due to harmful norms, requiring community education and legal reforms. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive disaster responses. Collaborative efforts from policymakers and organizations like RFLD aim to combat these issues through multi-sectoral approaches.

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Measurement of Adolescent Health in West and Central Africa

Women's Rights

March 4, 2025 Africa

Measurement of Adolescent Health in West and Central Africa

The health and well-being of adolescents in West and Central Africa are critical for their future potential, with key factors including nutrition, disease prevalence, and access to healthcare. Malnutrition, alongside mental health challenges, significantly impacts youth, necessitating comprehensive health policies and educational programs addressing both physical and mental well-being. Sexual and reproductive health remains paramount, emphasizing the need for accessible education and services to combat high pregnancy rates and STIs. Social factors like education, employment, and support networks also shape adolescents’ lives. Collaborative, multi-sector approaches involving young people’s participation are vital for effective health interventions, ultimately ensuring a healthier future for the region’s youth.

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Legislation and Public Policy on Gender-Based Violence in West and Central Africa

Women's Rights

March 4, 2025 Africa

Legislation and Public Policy on Gender-Based Violence in West and Central Africa

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a serious issue in West and Central Africa, affecting many women and girls through forms such as domestic abuse and trafficking. Cultural norms, economic inequalities, and political instability exacerbate women’s rights violations despite existing laws like Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act. Enforcement of these laws is often weak due to inadequate resources and training for officials, discouraging many survivors from seeking justice. The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement’s Dɔnùesè platform aims to monitor GBV laws, provide data for advocacy, and support civil society organizations pushing for reforms and cultural change necessary for enhancing protections for women and girls.

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Mental Health of Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in West and Central Africa

Women's Rights

March 4, 2025 Africa

Mental Health of Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in West and Central Africa

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant issue in West and Central Africa, affecting women and girls through various forms such as domestic abuse, sexual assault, and trafficking. The psychological impacts are profound, causing depression, anxiety, and PTSD, which complicate survivors’ ability to engage socially and professionally. Stigma and fear of judgment further isolate victims, hindering their access to mental health services. Case studies from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal illustrate the emotional turmoil faced by survivors. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive mental health support, community awareness, and involvement of local organizations to create a more supportive environment for healing.

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Human Rights

March 3, 2025 Africa

The Gender Lens: Empowering Women Human Rights Defenders in West and Central Africa

In West and Central Africa, women human rights defenders (WHRDs) significantly advocate for justice and equality while facing numerous gender-based challenges. The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) plays a crucial role in empowering WHRDs by providing training, resources, and support networks. This article highlights the unique experiences of 15 WHRDs and their impactful initiatives across various issues like gender-based violence, economic empowerment, and political participation. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and cooperation to create a more supportive environment for WHRDs, ensuring their crucial contributions to human rights advocacy are recognized and preserved.

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UBUNTU SOFIA: Feminist Interconnectedness and Solidarity in West and Central Africa

Human Rights

March 3, 2025 Africa

UBUNTU SOFIA: Feminist Interconnectedness and Solidarity in West and Central Africa

In West and Central Africa, feminist movements are integrating UBUNTU SOFIA principles, emphasizing interconnectedness and community. This African philosophy fosters collective responsibility and solidarity, enabling organizations to tackle gender inequality and other social issues. By acknowledging the diverse struggles women face, these movements create inclusive spaces that engage various identities and promote coalition-building across different advocacy groups. Solidarity is a strategic necessity, supporting grassroots initiatives and transnational efforts. Education plays a critical role in empowering women. Challenges persist, such as patriarchal norms and funding constraints, but by fostering collaboration and leveraging technology, feminist movements can enhance resilience and drive significant change.

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Accountability in Action: Strengthening WHRD Protection Networks in West and Central Africa

Human Rights

March 3, 2025 Africa

Accountability in Action: Strengthening WHRD Protection Networks in West and Central Africa

In West and Central Africa, women human rights defenders (WHRDs) encounter significant threats, including violence and political instability, while advocating for gender equality and social justice. The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) is vital in creating networks for their support and accountability. Effective protection necessitates clear reporting mechanisms, legal training, and community engagement to foster a culture of accountability. Philanthropic funding should focus on long-term, flexible support to meet WHRDs’ unique needs. Collaboration and the use of digital tools are crucial for amplifying advocacy efforts, ultimately ensuring WHRDs are empowered to lead in their communities and drive change.

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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