Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD)’s Post

Governments, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, and civil society convened and set ambitious financial and policy-based commitments within the Action Coalitions. This was meant to provide a road map for reducing gender-based injustice and inequality through multi-stakeholder action and tracking accountability. Can this framework provide opportunities to hold macro-institutions accountable and fill in existing advocacy gaps? Can it help track progress on gender equality while ensuring that power is restored to marginalized women and girls? Read the analysis here Urgent Action Fund-Africa https://lnkd.in/eCSh96nY #GenderEquality #GenerationEquality #ActionCoalition6

Europe can either lead or go backwards on #genderequality Reports like this are alarming, especially when you consider that many of the countries considered "good" on gender equality are currently failing to elect more women in local and national governments. The 2024 European Parliament elections should also be a loud wake-up call as, for the first time in recent history, the proportion of elected women did not increase. And the subsequent creation of the European Council has resulted in European Union countries nominating substantially more men than women. If Europe wants to lead on gender equality, more work needs to be done to ensure women are actually leading. https://lnkd.in/eFgZSn4c

Emilie Tant and Ján Michalko, PhD have argued compellingly in ODI "why donors must finance feminist movements," as their headline puts it. Whatever happens in this week's U.S. elections, the urgent need to increase funding for feminist movements across the globe is clear, given that feminist organizations continue to receive a minimal percentage of global Official Development Assistance (ODA), despite their role in advancing gender equality. The authors propose three key steps that donors can take: 1. Overcoming biases that label feminist groups as “high-risk;” 2. Providing flexible funding, which our WomenStrong International partners worldwide have affirmed repeatedly has been so critical to their own growth, and to their belief that we trust their expertise and have faith in their choices; and 3. Supporting macroeconomic reforms that promote gender equality. At a moment when well-funded anti-gender movements pose a growing threat to women’s and LGBTQI+ rights worldwide, the article emphasizes the high risk of inaction on gender justice -- both internationally, and here in the U.S., whatever the electoral outcome. We need to trust women leaders, wherever they are, to know what the women and girls in their communities most need, in order to thrive, and we need to consider getting out front in adopting such feminist practices as core, longer-term funding, that demonstrates that trust in those brilliant women leaders, and moves our $$$ out there, right where our rhetoric is. Have a read, when you can, and let's get to work! https://lnkd.in/eDRfqA66 Marianne Clyde Geeta Mehta Helen Yang Chisina Kapungu Michelle A. Lambert #genderequity #womenseconomicempowerment #womenshealth #righttolearn #girlsrights #StopVAWG

Empowering women and promoting gender equality are essential for Kenya’s development. Ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women is crucial. Policies should focus on protecting women’s rights, combating gender-based violence, and supporting women in leadership roles. Community programs that provide training and resources for women can also drive significant change. How can we create a more inclusive society that values and uplifts the contributions of women?

15 RFLD Books for your research, advocacy, and daily work Read the stories of survivors, delve into the legal frameworks protecting women’s rights, and explore the economic realities that disproportionately impact women. Become informed advocates. Speak out against injustice, hold your leaders accountable, and support initiatives that promote gender equality. Challenge discriminatory practices within your own communities and workplaces. https://lnkd.in/ejJM8_kH

As we publish our statement on the #EUelections2024, it is clear that we are at a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality and women's rights in Europe. Although the elections occurred on June 9th, the urgency of our call to action remains critical. The gains we have made in advancing gender equality are at risk, and we must continue to build on this progress. Our statement sets the tone for the next five years of advocacy, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a strong focus on these issues in a challenging political landscape. Now, more than ever, we must ensure that the momentum for gender equality and the eradication of gender-based violence remains unwavering. Read the statement here: https://lnkd.in/d-9Xw59P #endVAWG #FeministFuture

“Women’s participation – bringing women into decision-making positions both in national governments and internationally in organisations like the UN – is key. This is the best way to ensure that we bring about the real changes needed to achieve gender equality, rather than just talking about it.” #WomenInPolitics

RFLD recognizes the limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach to gender equality in Africa. Local communities possess unique needs and solutions. Our network champions the power of local solutions by partnering with grassroots initiatives led by women. RFLD employs a multifaceted approach to find and support these initiatives. This includes building strong relationships with local organizations, conducting outreach programs, and utilizing data analysis to identify areas of greatest need. Beyond funding, RFLD provides a comprehensive support system including capacity building workshops, mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and access to resources. These initiatives empower women leaders to address their communities' specific needs effectively and create lasting change. https://lnkd.in/eUG7gjEv

Change is invariably catalysed by those who experience injustice and know what needs to change. Women’s rights organisations and women human rights defenders are the drivers of social, economic and political change. Yet women’s rights organisations are severely underfunded: only 1% of gender equality funding from international institutions and governments goes to autonomous groups led by women. #FeministActivismWorks https://lnkd.in/e9VrwQyi

I joined the match in Nairobi today in solidarity with different feminist and women's rights organizations to condemn the rampant killing of women that the country has been witnessing. In a bid to #endfemicide and all forms of violence meted on women in their various capacities and spaces, my next article will unravel the issue of gender equality and women's right in the #tourism sector in #africa . The big question is, does #tourism sector contribute to the #empowerment and #emancipation of women in Africa? #genderequality #genderjustice #womenempowerment #emancipation