FEMNET (The African Women’s Development and Communication Network) is a pan-African feminist membership-based network established in 1988. It works to advance women’s rights and amplify African women’s voices through advocacy, capacity strengthening, movement building, and influencing policy at national, regional, and global levels.

The conference brings together FEMNET members, partners, and allies to:

  • Reflect on progress made in advancing gender equality,
  • Take stock of challenges and opportunities,
  • Co-create strategies and share programming priorities for the future,
  • Strengthen solidarity and learning across the feminist ecosystem in Africa.

Over 100 delegates from across Africa and beyond, including:

  • FEMNET member organizations,
  • Women’s rights activists and feminist leaders,
  • Development partners,
  • Government and intergovernmental representatives,
  • Young feminists, LGBTIQ+ advocates, and SRHR champions.

FEMNET is grounded in pan-African feminism and guided by:

  • Solidarity & Sisterhood
  • Intersectionality
  • Collective Action
  • Accountability & Transparency
  • Decolonial and Anti-Oppression Principles

FEMNET is , a pan-African feminist network that embraces diversity, FEMNET is committed to fostering inclusive, non-discriminatory, and safe spaces for dialogue and learning among its members.

We recognize that women and girls in Africa are diverse in their identities, lived experiences, and needs and we respect the autonomy of our members to engage with these topics based on their contexts, priorities, and strategies.

Our approach is guided by feminist values of dignity, inclusion, intersectionality, and human rights, and we oppose all forms of discrimination, stigma, and violence.

FEMNET programming targets and addresses the felt advocacy needs at regional and national level, and we are led by these realities in our work.

No. FEMNET is an independent, non-partisan, and non-religious organization. However, it engages with policy and legislative processes to advance feminist principles and human rights for all women and girls in Africa.

Membership is open to African women’s rights organizations and individual feminists. Visit www.femnet.org for details on eligibility, benefits, and the application process.

In both instances, FEMNET follows a competitive selection process. Calls for applications are shared through the member listserv and FEMNET’ s social media platforms. Applications are reviewed by relevant teams within the Secretariat, formed based on the thematic focus of the advocacy space or grant. In selecting members to support, FEMNET strives to ensure sub-regional representation, age and ability diversity, and thematic alignment. Priority is given to members with up-to-date membership status.

Due to resource constraints, FEMNET is not able to support all members.9. How does FEMNET ensure inclusivity and diversity within its programming?

FEMNET intentionally prioritizes the voices and leadership of:

  • Girls and Young Women
  • Women and girls with disability
  • Women and girls from rural areas
  • Women and girls from indigenous communities
  • Rural and grassroots women
  • Sexual minorities
  • Sex workers
  • Survivors of violence

FEMNET programs are designed using inclusive, participatory, and intersectional approaches.

The conference will produce:

  • A Programming Framework and strategic directions for the period 2025 to 2028,
  • A summary report capturing key insights, decisions, and recommendations,

A solidarity statement to be shared with the Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Women, Peace and Security, calling for an end to conflict in the continent that is worsening the situation of women and girls

Yes, selected sessions will be open to accredited media representatives. FEMNET also encourages coverage that aligns with ethical feminist journalism standards. Media inquiries should be directed at the Communications Desk.

FEMNET places the utmost importance on safeguarding and participant well-being throughout the Programming Conference.

To uphold our feminist principles of care, dignity, and safety, we have:

  • Developed and shared a Conference Safeguarding Policy, outlining expected behavior, reporting mechanisms, and protection measures.
  • Designated safeguarding focal points on-site to respond to any concerns in a timely, confidential, and survivor-centered manner.
  • Provided orientation to staff, facilitators, and volunteers on safeguarding protocols and the creation of safe, inclusive spaces.
  • Ensured the venue and logistics meet accessibility, security, and safety standards, including private spaces for personal support or debriefing when needed.
  • Established clear reporting and accountability mechanisms for any form of harassment, discrimination, or harm.

Designated a first aid and medical team on standby to address any medical emergencies