RFLD plays pivotal role in giving West Africa Women their voices
By CHARM team
Women remain a key player in the advancement of civic space and human rights. Throughout history, we have witnessed the role women play in ensuring that human rights are upheld. However, they have often been overshadowed by their male counterparts, and the spotlight has been dimmed in some instances.
CHARM partner, Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement, (RFLD) whose part of their mandate reads “equip women and girls with knowledge, skills, and resources to claim their rights effectively,” seeks to change this narrative. Based in Porto Novo, Benin, the organization has been spearheading campaigns that promote and expand the civic space of Western Africa through a feminist approach to issues.
In an era where women remain disenfranchised, RFLD has pushed for the literacy of women rights through imparting knowledge on the different instruments of powers that push for feminist movements to reclaim their spaces. Part of this empowerment includes inviting them to the tables where conversations that matter take place.
Recently RFLD sent a 13-person delegation to participate in the upcoming 6th Gender Is My Agenda Campaign (GIMAC) African Union Strategic Engagement in Accra, Ghana, a prestigious event focuses on achieving gender equality and educational sustainability in Africa. Through CHARMs funding, five women under the age of 30 participated in the discussions which drew participants from government officials, Civil society organizations and the African Union representatives.
“We believe empowering young women is crucial. This funding amplifies their voices and ensures they have a seat at the table,” said RFLD Senior Program Manager Mr. John Gbenagnon.
Another key area that RFLD empowers women is analyzing policies, and adding their voices to curbing of detrimental practices that disempower women. For instance, RFLD was at the forefront of advocating for the protection of Gambian girls from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a move that was critical in the country’s decision to uphold its ban on FGM. The organization issued an article titled “Gambia’s FGM Vote: A Betrayal of Women and Girls,” highlighting the potential consequences of overturning the ban. This advocacy, along with collaborative efforts from sister organizations, played a pivotal role in mobilizing support and raising awareness about the dangers of FGM.
On the frontline, RFLD President, Ms Agueh Dossi, was appointed as an Ambassador for the African Governance Support Project’s “Governance Roadshow” The show seeks to promote good governance, human rights, and justice in Africa. Key to note is Ms Dossi has been championing women’s rights in West Africa through research, advocacy, and empowerment initiatives, which we believe played a big part in her being appointed for this role.
The integration of gender equality and social inclusion has ensured that RFLD continues to uphold women’s rights birthing a stronger and more resilient civic society and better advocacy and civil space, mainly championed by women across the continent. We believe that CHARM partnership continues to ensure that women understand their power and use it to its fullest.
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