Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD)

The mission of the Network of Women Leaders for Development is to empower women and youth across Sub-Saharan Africa by fostering an inclusive and equitable future where their rights are protected, their voices are heard, and they actively participate in shaping the decisions that impact their lives. The Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) stands as a pivotal regional organization, strategically registered in Ghana, The Gambia, and the Republic of Benin, with a mission to empower women and youth across Sub-Saharan Africa. RFLD is registered in Ghana, Benin, and The Gambia, with offices in each country. The Ghana office acts as a regional hub, engaging with the African Union and UN organs. The Benin office serves as a regional hub for Francophone countries, while the Gambia office engages with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). RFLD’s operational framework is built upon the foundational principles of rights promotion and active participation in decision-making processes that directly affect marginalized communities. Through a robust network, RFLD fosters effective development cooperation, employing a multifaceted approach that addresses critical areas such as gender equality, human rights, economic justice, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and climate justice. RFLD’s core philosophy is rooted in the belief that sustainable change is contingent upon the empowerment of women and marginalized groups, equipping them with the necessary tools to assert their rights and actively contribute to societal progress. At the regional level, RFLD holds a significant position within the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) of the African Union. We are part of the Working Group of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and hold Observer Status with the ACHPR.