The Niger Women's Rights League (LNDF) is a pioneer, being the first organization in Niger to officially declare itself feminist in its statutes. Created in December 2022 by a group of around 20 activists, the League was officially recognized in May 2023. Six members were elected to the executive committee for a three-year term. With the support of 81 volunteers, the organization plays a crucial role in promoting women's rights in Niger, working towards a more equitable society and offering essential support to women in need. It campaigns to ensure that survivors of violence can speak out, be believed, and receive compassionate and confidential care.
Women's stories
The League's office in Niamey, the capital of Niger, has become a refuge for vulnerable women and girls. "We have set up a place where they can rest, learn about their rights through our legal clinic, and find SRHR kits (tablets for menstrual pain, reusable sanitary pads, soap, etc.). Our first beneficiaries, young women aged 20 to 35, have taken ownership of our initiatives. They invite other girls and suggest activities themselves," explains Souwaiba Ibrahim, president of the Niger Women's Rights League.
To mark its first anniversary, the League inaugurated a feminist library in May 2024. This meeting place allows young Nigerian women to discuss topics such as bodily autonomy and SRHR in a relaxed atmosphere. Each month, a book club chooses a book, the first being Love by bell hooks. "All feminist movements and sources are welcome!" adds Souwaiba Ibrahim.
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Decline in FGM
Thanks to the efforts of human rights organizations, the prevalence rate of female genital mutilation (FGM) is declining in Niger, currently standing at 2.1%. This is a welcome step forward and a glimmer of hope. Nevertheless, "we must continue to dismantle the misguided beliefs that justify mutilation and push governments to adopt and strictly enforce laws," insists the League.
Equipop's sorore support
The founders of the League met at a feminist coffee event organized in 2021 by Equipop. Financial support then enabled them to hire a consultant to help them get organized, rent an office, and purchase equipment to set up the feminist library. Equipop also released emergency funds following the 2023 coup d'état, which led to the suspension of much foreign funding.
"Equipop understands our reality and is very flexible. It was the first NGO to place its trust in us. Without its support, we would not be where we are today,"Souwaiba Ibrahim, President of the Niger Women's Rights League.
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Focus on… creating a “space of our own”
From March 4 to 6, 2024, in Cotonou, Benin, the League took part in a symposium organized by Equipop entitled "A space of our own between activism and research: let's discuss a feminist approach to SRHR!" ." Funded by AMC as part of the Foundation project, this event brought together 40 activists and researchers from 14 countries to collectively reflect on repoliticizing health and SRHR issues from a feminist perspective, as well as on actions to combat anti-rights movements.
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To be continued ...
The League is seeking a strategic partnership to secure long-term funding. This would enable it to employ at least three full-time staff and bring its ideas to fruition. Niger is also experiencing a backlash since the military abolished the Ministry of Women's Affairs and withdrew its troops from unsafe areas where terrorist groups kidnap women and girls on a daily basis. In this context of political instability, the League intends to ensure that social and legal gains are preserved and to continue to mobilize to make the voices of Nigerien women heard.
