The Benin tax authority, Direction générale des impôts, has taken a significant step towards promoting gender equality in the workplace with the launch of the Réseau des femmes de l’administration fiscale du Bénin (RéFAFI-Bénin). The network was officially inaugurated on October 2, 2026, in Cotonou, following its constitutive general assembly. RéFAFI-Bénin aims to provide a platform for female tax administrators to share experiences, exchange ideas, and support each other in their careers.
The creation of RéFAFI-Bénin is a response to the underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions within the tax authority. According to data presented at the launch event, women make up approximately 28-29% of the tax authority's workforce. The network's primary objective is to enhance the skills and competencies of its members, promote their access to leadership roles, and contribute to the modernization of the tax administration. The initiative is part of a broader trend observed in several African countries, including Gabon, Togo, and Ghana.
The project was made possible with the support of Expertise France through the "Gender Equality in Taxation" (Get) project. Awa Ndiaye, head of the Get project, emphasized the significance of RéFAFI-Bénin in promoting gender equality in the tax administration. She encouraged the network to go beyond being just another organization and instead become a driving force for change, enabling women to take on more responsibilities and leadership roles.
The launch event was attended by various stakeholders, including Damas Hounsounon, president of the organizing committee, and Benito Lagloire Gbossame, deputy director-general of the tax authority. Gbossame highlighted the crucial contribution of women to the tax authority's performance and stressed the need to tap into their full potential. He expressed his support for RéFAFI-Bénin and encouraged the network to work towards preparing more women for leadership positions.
RéFAFI-Bénin will provide a range of services, including training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, to its members. The network's activities will focus on promoting the exchange of ideas, solidarity, and capacity building among its members. The tax authority has assured RéFAFI-Bénin of its support and commitment to ensuring the network's sustainability beyond the Get project.
The constitutive general assembly of RéFAFI-Bénin also saw the adoption of the network's founding texts, the validation of its name and logo, and the election and installation of its bureau members. The network's leadership will play a crucial role in driving its activities and achieving its objectives. RéFAFI-Bénin is expected to become a key player in promoting gender equality and empowering women in the tax administration.
The launch of RéFAFI-Bénin is a significant milestone in the efforts to promote gender equality in the tax administration. The network's success will depend on its ability to engage its members, build partnerships, and secure support from stakeholders. With the support of the tax authority and Expertise France, RéFAFI-Bénin is well-positioned to make a positive impact on the lives of female tax administrators in Benin.
Key points
- The creation of RéFAFI-Bénin aims to address the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions within the tax authority.
