The Benin's Direction générale des impôts (DGI) has taken a significant step towards promoting the role of women within its administration. On October 2, 2026, the constitutive general assembly of the Réseau des femmes de la Direction générale des impôts (Refaib) was held in Cotonou. The network aims to create a framework for solidarity, capacity building, and professional promotion, ultimately giving more visibility and responsibilities to women in the tax administration.
The initiative, which has been in the works since 2025, seeks to provide women with a structured framework to better value their skills and contribute more to the DGI's performance. According to Damas Hounsounon, president of the organizing committee, women make up around 28-29% of the tax administration's workforce but are underrepresented in leadership positions. The network aims to address this issue and tap into the potential of women to enhance the DGI's performance.
The Refaib network is apolitical, non-denominational, non-unionized, and non-profit. It will not be a platform for claims or partisan expressions but rather a space for solidarity, mutual aid, capacity building, and professional promotion for women in the DGI. The network's primary goal is to support women in their careers and help them take on more leadership roles within the tax administration.
During the assembly, participants reviewed the network's founding texts, chose its name and logo, and elected and installed its bureau. Awa Ndiaye, head of the Gender Equality in Taxation (Get) project, hailed the creation of the network as an important step. She emphasized that a women's network is essential for sharing experiences, providing mutual support, and building confidence.
Ndiaye also stressed the importance of sustaining the initiative beyond the Get project. Benito Gbossamè, deputy director-general of the DGI, launched the proceedings on behalf of the director-general. He acknowledged the need to increase women's presence in decision-making bodies and expressed his support for the network, highlighting its potential as a platform for exchange, solidarity, training, and mentorship.
Gbossamè encouraged the network's members to preserve its apolitical, non-denominational, and non-unionized character. He also urged them to work towards preparing more women for leadership roles and strengthening cohesion within the DGI's services. The network is expected to play a vital role in promoting women's empowerment and enhancing the DGI's performance.
The launch of the Refaib network marks a significant milestone in Benin's efforts to promote gender equality in the tax administration. The network's success will depend on the active participation and commitment of its members. With the support of the DGI and international partners, the Refaib network is poised to make a positive impact on the lives of women in the tax administration and contribute to the country's economic development.
Key points
- The Refaib network aims to increase women's presence in leadership positions within Benin's tax administration.
- The network will provide a platform for women to share experiences, receive support, and build confidence.
- The initiative is expected to enhance the performance of the DGI and promote gender equality in the tax administration.
