The issue of violence against women, including in digital spaces, remains a pressing concern that requires constant mobilization. To raise awareness about protection mechanisms and strengthen actions against this phenomenon, the Academy of Constitutional, Administrative, and Political Sciences (Ascap) organized a roundtable discussion on September 22, 2026, at the Chant d'Oiseau in Cotonou, Benin. The event aimed to bring together various stakeholders to discuss ways to address violence against women in public spaces.
Women in Benin continue to face various forms of violence, both in the streets and on social media. The persistence of this phenomenon and the emergence of new practices in digital spaces have prompted Ascap to enhance reflection on protection mechanisms. The roundtable discussion, supported technically and financially by the Hanns Seidel Foundation, gathered several actors committed to promoting and protecting women's rights.
The discussions focused on Benin's legal arsenal for protecting women, gender-based digital violence, and the role of civil society, in collaboration with the National Women's Institute (Inf), in monitoring the implementation of laws. Participants examined the current state of women's rights in Benin and the challenges that remain.
At the end of the exchanges, participants emphasized the need to strengthen awareness-raising, advocacy, and prevention actions. Special attention must be given to new forms of violence that develop in digital spaces to better protect women and guarantee respect for their rights.
The event provided a platform for stakeholders to share experiences and best practices in addressing violence against women. Ascap's initiative demonstrates the commitment of Benin's academic and civil society institutions to addressing this critical issue.
The issue of violence against women requires a multifaceted approach that involves government agencies, civil society, and individuals. Ascap's roundtable discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to effectively address this phenomenon.
The outcome of the roundtable discussion is expected to contribute to the development of effective strategies to prevent and combat violence against women in Benin. The implementation of the recommendations made during the event will be closely monitored by Ascap and its partners.
Key points
- The Academy of Constitutional, Administrative, and Political Sciences (Ascap) organized a roundtable discussion to address violence against women in public and digital spaces.
- The event highlighted the need to strengthen awareness-raising, advocacy, and prevention actions to protect women from violence.
- Participants emphasized the importance of addressing new forms of violence that develop in digital spaces to better protect women and guarantee respect for their rights.
