The city of Parakou in Benin recently hosted a significant event aimed at empowering female political leaders. On September 19, 2026, Samirath Kouchélé, a prominent political figure and member of the Bloc républicain, organized a session to share her experiences and insights gained from the Multipartite Female Political School. This initiative is part of a broader project to strengthen women's leadership in politics.
The Multipartite Female Political School is a collaborative effort between three organizations: the Institute for Democratic Governance (Igd), the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (Nimd), and Care Benin Togo. This project, known as the Project for the Reinforcement of Women's Leadership in Politics (Prlfp), seeks to equip women with the necessary skills and knowledge to actively participate in politics. Samirath Kouchélé's presentation focused on the challenges and strategies of female political activism in Benin.
During the session, Kouchélé emphasized the importance of women's engagement in politics, highlighting that it is a voluntary and long-term commitment to serving a cause and community. She discussed the challenges women face in politics and the strategies required to overcome them. According to Kouchélé, women must be able to significantly influence decision-making processes. To achieve this, she stressed the need for training, networking, and mentorship, with the support of political parties, families, and men.
The event provided a platform for open dialogue and exchange between Kouchélé and the attendees. Participants acknowledged that women in Benin possess considerable potential and are well-equipped to occupy decision-making positions and aspire to leadership roles. Several speakers noted that women's participation is crucial for the health of democracy. Moustapha Orou Gankou, representing the mayor of Parakou, praised the initiative and cited recent advancements, such as the creation of the National Women's Institute and the election of Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé as Vice President of the Republic.
In her concluding remarks, Kouchélé called for greater equality and emphasized that women are capable of participating in politics and deserve to hold positions of power. The audience responded positively to her message. Kouchélé expressed gratitude to the Igd, Nimd, Care Benin Togo, and the Dutch Embassy for their support throughout her training. She noted that while Beninese women demonstrate enthusiasm and dedication, they still face challenges in accessing genuine positions of power.
The event in Parakou is part of a larger effort to promote women's leadership in Benin. By providing women with the necessary tools and support, organizers hope to increase female participation in politics and decision-making processes. As Kouchélé and other female leaders continue to push for greater representation, they are working to create a more inclusive and equitable political landscape in Benin.
The success of initiatives like the Multipartite Female Political School and the Project for the Reinforcement of Women's Leadership in Politics will be closely watched in the coming years. As Benin continues to evolve and grow, the role of women in shaping the country's future will likely become increasingly important. With leaders like Samirath Kouchélé at the forefront, there is optimism that women's empowerment will become a defining feature of Benin's democratic development.
Key points
- Empowering women to participate in politics is crucial for a healthy democracy.
- The Multipartite Female Political School is a collaborative effort to strengthen women's leadership in politics.
- Women in Benin face challenges in accessing genuine positions of power despite their enthusiasm and dedication.
