COTONOU, BENIN — In the Republic of Benin, the fight for women’s rights and dignity is gaining momentum. Dahoun Nondjinon Landros Biova, a sociologist and anthropologist who leads the Association des Femmes Leaders Sitsope le Refuge-Benin (AFSLR-Benin), is one of the leaders of the movement and is building a reputation as a champion for women’s rights.
“We operate within a society that relegates women to a secondary role, viewing them as objects and not central protagonists,” Landros Biova said. “Our objectives include contributing to the elimination of gender disparities, improving living conditions for women, combating forced marriages, and mobilizing against clitoridectomy, in line with national and international conventions on women’s rights.”
Although there’s been progress, gender-based violence and human rights abuses — including forced marriages, abductions, and the ongoing practice of clitoridectomy — remain prevalent across Africa and in Benin. Media outlets and international organizations keep documenting these violations, stressing the urgent need for change.
AFSLR-Benin was established to take on these challenges. Based in the Hountondji neighborhood of Cotonou, the organization was created to help eliminate gender disparities, improve living conditions for women, combat forced marriages, and mobilize against harmful practices. This means challenges still remain for women in the country. According to a World Bank blog entry from 2023, “[women] have less access [to] physical or financial assets and are underrepresented in political bodies. There is an urgency to act, especially with respect to the multiple forms of gender-based violence that women and girls are exposed to. 31.7% of women aged 20 to 49 were already in a union before the age of 18.”
Women make up nearly half of Benin’s population — 49.86 %, according to recent data — and, according to the World Bank, they play a vital role in agriculture and local markets, yet female representation in Benin’s political decision-making remains limited, with women holding only 26.6% of parliamentary seats and remaining underrepresented in mayoral, gubernatorial, and ministerial positions.
AFSLR-Benin, which was legally registered on January 22, 2018, is committed to supporting initiatives aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment. Through advocacy campaigns and community outreach in French and local languages, including banners, arts, theater, and music, the organization raises awareness about women’s rights and combats violence against women and girls. AFSLR-Benin’s educational platforms inform women and girls about their rights and avenues for redress.
In Benin, formerly known as the Kingdom of Dahomey, women warriors called Agojie historically played an important role in resisting colonial oppression. The country’s feminists point to the fact that Benin’s cultural heritage is rooted in women’s contributions to local development, particularly in rural communities.
Today, women in Benin are starting to make their presence felt in more of the country’s professional sectors. Recent legal reforms, including the November 2019 constitutional amendments enacted by the National Assembly, mandate a minimum of 24 seats for women to ensure they have political representation. Still, the ongoing struggle for gender equality continues to be a national priority.
To contact the Association des Femmes Leaders Sitsope le Refuge-Benin, email to assofem2013@gmail.com.