Francophone women unite for equality

Tashi Farmilo

The Francophone Network for Equality and Women’s Rights (Réseau francophone pour l’égalité et les droits des femmes, RFEDF) held its first virtual information session on November 19, bringing together national advisory bodies dedicated to advancing gender equality across the French-speaking world. The meeting focused on introducing the Network’s mission, governance structure, and goals, while also officially launching its visual identity and digital platforms.

The event was led by Bérangère Couillard, president of France’s High Council for Gender Equality and inaugural president of the RFEDF, alongside Louise Cordeau, C.Q., president of Quebec’s Council on the Status of Women and secretary general of the Network. Participants included representatives of consultative bodies from francophone states and governments working in the field of women’s rights.

Created through a joint initiative by the governments of Quebec and France during the 19th Summit of La Francophonie, the RFEDF offers a new international forum for dialogue, cooperation and coordinated action. Its mandate includes fostering the sharing of knowledge, research and best practices on topics such as preventing violence against women, promoting women’s health and increasing female participation in decision-making bodies.

The Network also aims to embed gender equality across a broader spectrum of policy issues, including environmental sustainability, governance and peacebuilding. To support its work, the RFEDF will host conferences, webinars, seminars, and workshops. It is also building a virtual library of publications and research, and will circulate updates through an official newsletter and social media outreach.

The Network’s general secretariat is housed in Quebec and administered by the Quebec Council on the Status of Women. France has provided €100,000 in startup funding. The RFEDF is aligned with the recommendations of the Generation Equality Report, which followed the 2021 Generation Equality Forum organized by France and Mexico under the auspices of UN Women. The RFEDF’s first general assembly and annual event will be held in spring 2026 in Quebec.

“After the remarkable success of the fourth conference on feminist diplomacy held in Paris, France continues to build, with its francophone partners, the foundations needed to make equality between women and men a cornerstone of our public policies. This first meeting marks the start of a promising and ambitious cooperation in support of women’s rights, to which the High Council for Gender Equality is fully committed,” said Bérangère Couillard.

“The Quebec government’s initiative in helping create this Network reflects our shared will to build a francophone space of dialogue that puts equality and cooperation at the heart of our work. Quebec’s expertise in matters of gender equality and women’s rights will serve as an inspiration and contribute to fostering a true culture of equality in our institutions and the communities they serve,” said Louise Cordeau, C.Q.

For more information on the RFEDF, upcoming events and publications, or to contact the Network directly, visit www.rfedf.org