The town hall of Parakou hosted an event on September 19, 2026, where Samirath Y. Kouchélé, a leader of the Bloc républicain, shared her experiences and insights gained from the Multipartite Female Political School. The event, themed "Challenges and Issues of Female Political Activism in Benin," brought together various stakeholders to discuss the role of women in politics. Kouchélé expressed her gratitude to the attendees and set the tone for the meeting, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and renewed commitment to the cause.
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 initiative is part of the Project for Strengthening Women's Leadership in Politics (Prlfp). According to Kouchélé, being a political activist means making a long-term commitment to a cause and serving one's community. She highlighted the challenges, strategies, and importance of female political activism in Benin.
Kouchélé emphasized that women must have a significant say in 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 discussion, with attendees sharing their perspectives and experiences. The participants acknowledged that women in Benin have the potential and skills to occupy decision-making positions and aspire to leadership roles.
Moustapha Orou Gankou, representing the mayor of Parakou, commended the initiative and noted the progress made in promoting women's empowerment in Benin. He cited the establishment of the National Institute for Women and the election of Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé as Vice President of the Republic as concrete examples of this progress. Gankou encouraged women to continue their engagement in politics and strive for greater representation.
The event concluded with Kouchélé calling for equality and emphasizing that women have the right to participate in politics and hold leadership positions. She expressed her gratitude to the Igd, Nimd, Care Benin Togo, and the Dutch Embassy for their support throughout her training. Kouchélé noted that while Beninese women have shown their commitment and numbers, what is lacking is genuine access to power and decision-making positions.
The Multipartite Female Political School aims to address these gaps and provide women with the necessary skills and support to take on leadership roles. By fostering a network of empowered women, the initiative seeks to promote greater gender equality in Benin's politics. The event in Parakou demonstrated the growing momentum behind this effort and the potential for positive change in the country's political landscape.
As the initiative moves forward, it will be crucial to monitor its impact and assess the progress made in promoting women's leadership in Benin. With continued support and commitment from stakeholders, the Multipartite Female Political School may help pave the way for a more inclusive and representative political environment in the country.
Key points
- The Multipartite Female Political School is a collaborative effort between Igd, Nimd, and Care Benin Togo to promote women's leadership in politics.
- The initiative aims to provide women with the necessary skills and support to take on leadership roles and promote greater gender equality in Benin's politics.
- The event in Parakou demonstrated the growing momentum behind this effort and the potential for positive change in the country's political landscape.
