A ceremony was held at the SNTN park in Guéma, Benin, on September 29, 2029, to officially hand over driving licenses to 34 young women from the Borgou, Alibori, and Atacora regions. The event was attended by representatives of the mayor of Parakou, the secretary general of the Parakou prefecture, and officials from the Organization of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor (OCAL) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The project aims to strengthen the autonomy of girls and women in these regions by providing them with skills and opportunities for financial independence. The 34 young women who received their driving licenses were trained in transportation and obtained a category B license. This initiative is part of a broader project to promote the empowerment of women and girls in the region.
Dr. Fagbémi Abdel-Aziz, program director of OCAL, emphasized that the ceremony marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the project. He encouraged the recipients to continue their learning and pursue higher categories of licenses. OCAL is implementing the project with the support of UNFPA, which is providing financial backing.
The project seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in certain professions, particularly in the transportation sector. According to Yazizou Idrissou, secretary general of the Borgou prefecture, investing in women's empowerment is crucial for development. He praised OCAL's initiative for promoting women's participation in the transportation industry.
Benoît Libali, representing UNFPA, highlighted the importance of investing in women's empowerment. He noted that UNFPA's support for OCAL's project is aimed at promoting women's autonomy and access to quality information on sexual and reproductive health. The driving licenses handed over to the young women are seen as a first step towards achieving this goal.
Kora Mora Samiratou, representing the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to OCAL and its partners for the opportunity. She stated that the project has enabled them to acquire new skills and knowledge, and they are eager to continue their training and pursue higher categories of licenses.
The project is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of young women in the region, enabling them to access new opportunities and become more financially independent. With the support of OCAL and UNFPA, the beneficiaries are poised to make a positive contribution to their communities and the economy.
Key points
- The project aims to empower women and girls in Benin's Borgou, Alibori, and Atacora regions through skills training and financial support.
- 34 young women have received driving licenses as part of the project to promote women's participation in the transportation sector.
- The initiative is a collaboration between OCAL and UNFPA to promote women's autonomy and access to quality information on sexual and reproductive health.
