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Women

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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Shattered silence, rising voices: From harassment to exploitation, women in Mozambique and Angola’s oil, gas, and mining sectors are demanding change, pushing for safe working conditions and equal opportunities.

Climate Justice

December 22, 2023 Africa

Shattered silence, rising voices: From harassment to exploitation, women in Mozambique and Angola’s oil, gas, and mining sectors are demanding change, pushing for safe working conditions and equal opportunities.

The oil, gas and mining sectors are important to the economies of Mozambique and Angola. They generate substantial revenues for the governments and create jobs. However, these sectors…

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Breaking the Silence: Addressing the Intersection of VAWG, SRH, and Disability in West Africa

Women's Rights

December 6, 2023 Africa

Breaking the Silence: Addressing the Intersection of VAWG, SRH, and Disability in West Africa

In West Africa, women and girls with disabilities face compounded challenges of VAWG, limited access to SRH, and discrimination. This article explores the intricate links between these issues and their devastating consequences. It calls for action through legal reforms, awareness campaigns, accessibility measures, empowerment initiatives, and innovative solutions to break the silence and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

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Utilizing Digital Tools as a Weapon Against VAWG and a Bridge to SRH Knowledge and Services in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comprehensive Study with Implementation Strategies

Women's Rights

December 6, 2023 Africa

Utilizing Digital Tools as a Weapon Against VAWG and a Bridge to SRH Knowledge and Services in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comprehensive Study with Implementation Strategies

This article examines the potential of digital tools to address two major challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa: violence against women and girls (VAWG) and limited access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and services. It highlights how mobile apps, online platforms, and telehealth services can empower survivors, raise awareness about VAWG and provide safe spaces for reporting incidents. Additionally, it explores how digital tools can provide accessible and culturally sensitive SRH information, personalize learning experiences, and bridge the gap in service access, particularly in underserved areas. The article acknowledges challenges like the digital divide, privacy concerns, and digital literacy gaps, but emphasizes the importance of partnerships, capacity building, data security, and local ownership to ensure the sustainable and impactful implementation of digital solutions. Ultimately, the article argues that leveraging digital tools offers a promising approach to creating a safer and healthier future for women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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The Importance of Consent for Women in West Africa: A Critical Analysis

Human Rights

December 6, 2023 Africa

The Importance of Consent for Women in West Africa: A Critical Analysis

This research paper examines the importance of consent for women in West Africa, where complex cultural norms and limited access to information can create challenges in safeguarding their sexual and reproductive health. The paper delves into the current landscape, identifying the factors that hinder women’s ability to make informed decisions about their bodies and engage in consensual sexual activity. It further explores the critical role of education, awareness raising, and legal frameworks in promoting consent and empowering women. Finally, the paper calls for collective action to create a future where consent is valued and practiced universally, ensuring the protection and empowerment of all women in West Africa.

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Human Rights

November 29, 2023 Africa

International Women’s Human Rights Defenders Day: Celebrating the Trailblazers of Sub-Saharan Africa

Women human rights defenders in Sub-Saharan Africa face a multitude of challenges, including intimidation, harassment, and even violence. They often operate in hostile environments where their work is met with resistance and disapproval. Additionally, they may lack access to resources, training, and support, making it difficult for them to carry out their important work.

Despite these challenges, women human rights defenders in Sub-Saharan Africa remain steadfast in their commitment to justice and equality. They are the unsung heroes of the movement for human rights, and their work is essential to creating a more just and equitable world for all.

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Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Legal Advocacy and Support for Women and Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa

Human Rights

November 27, 2023 Africa

Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Legal Advocacy and Support for Women and Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa

In Sub-Saharan Africa, gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive and devastating issue, affecting women and girls of all ages and backgrounds. This article will discuss the impactful work of the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) in addressing GBV and the critical role of legal advocacy and support in ensuring justice and protection for survivors.

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Breaking Silences, Empowering Voices: A Call to Action for Women’s and Girls’ Sexual Health in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa

Economic Justice

November 24, 2023 Africa

Breaking Silences, Empowering Voices: A Call to Action for Women’s and Girls’ Sexual Health in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa

Women and girls in rural Sub-Saharan Africa encounter multifaceted obstacles to their sexual health, stemming from limited access to reproductive healthcare, cultural taboos surrounding sexuality and contraception, and prevalent sexual violence. Restricted access to healthcare due to distant facilities and financial constraints, coupled with cultural taboos inhibiting open discussions about sexual health, contributes to barriers in seeking reproductive care. Moreover, pervasive sexual violence in rural areas adds further strain, leading to severe physical and psychological repercussions for victims. Despite these challenges, initiatives aiming to enhance access to reproductive healthcare services have emerged, encompassing healthcare provider training, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement. The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) plays a pivotal role in advancing women and girls’ sexual health in rural Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on healthcare training, awareness campaigns, and community involvement. RFLD’s efforts, along with similar organizations, are crucial in addressing the challenges faced by rural women and girls and ensuring equitable access to necessary healthcare services in the region.

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Online Harassment of Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Fight for a Safe Cyberspace

Human Rights

November 24, 2023 Africa

Online Harassment of Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Fight for a Safe Cyberspace

Online harassment of women in Sub-Saharan Africa is a rising concern encompassing threats, sexist comments, and non-consensual sharing of intimate content. This form of abuse induces anxiety, depression, and deters women’s social and economic engagement. Unique challenges include the absence of specific laws addressing such harassment, social norms justifying it, and limited digital access. Addressing this requires strengthened legislation, cultural reform, and empowering women. RFLD campaigns for stringent laws, conducts awareness programs, and aims to shift cultural perceptions. Their advocacy contributed to laws against online harassment in the region, emphasizing the urgent need to create a secure online space for Sub-Saharan African women, as highlighted by real cases exemplifying the severity and impact of this issue.

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Female Genital Mutilation in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Look at Progress and Challenges

Harmful Practices

November 24, 2023 Africa

Female Genital Mutilation in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Look at Progress and Challenges

Female genital mutilation (FGM) persists as a harmful practice predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa, affecting millions of girls and women. This ritualistic act, involving the partial or total removal of external genitalia, leads to severe physical and mental health consequences, including infections, complications during childbirth, chronic pain, and fertility issues, alongside impacting sexual life and relationships. While progress has been made with laws banning FGM and awareness campaigns, deeply entrenched cultural and social factors, poverty, and limited access to education and healthcare continue to perpetuate this practice. Organizations like Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) play a vital role in Sub-Saharan Africa, conducting awareness programs, providing support to survivors, advocating for legislation, and engaging communities to eliminate FGM. Yet, despite advancements, the battle against FGM persists, emphasizing the need for robust education, legal enforcement, and continued activism until this harmful practice is eradicated.

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RFLD alongside UN Women West and Central Africa is committed to ending violence against women

Harmful Practices

November 23, 2023 Africa

RFLD alongside UN Women West and Central Africa is committed to ending violence against women

As a leading regional feminist organization, Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) is dedicated to driving impactful change alongside UN Women and women’s rights advocates. RFLD was honored to be selected by the UN Women Regional Office for West and Central Africa to participate in the Consultation on Advocacy, Coalition Building, and Transformative Feminist Action to End Violence against Women taking place in Abuja, Nigeria from 23-24 November 2023. The consultation aims to be interactive, engaging participants to maximize their expertise and time spent together. Throughout the two-day event, participants will have the opportunity to connect and reconnect, identify underlying values, co-create a collective vision, spot advocacy opportunities, envision success, and propose implementation mechanisms. RFLD stands poised to contribute to this crucial consultation, actively working towards advancing feminist action and ending violence against women in the region and beyond.

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