The third edition of the National Women's Leaders Forum (Fnfl) took place in Cotonou, Benin, on September 29-30, 2026, with over 200 women in attendance. The forum aimed to address challenges related to the social and economic inclusion of women in Benin, with a particular emphasis on access to financing, productive resources, markets, decision-making, and leadership. The participants engaged in discussions and formulated a series of recommendations for various stakeholders.
The forum's recommendations targeted the government, National Assembly, local authorities, financial institutions, private sector, and civil society organizations. The participants called for strengthened gender-sensitive budgeting, consultation with women at the grassroots level, and monitoring of measures to promote women's autonomy. They also urged the government to enhance the control of non-discrimination in access to credit and involve women's organizations in monitoring results.
Financial institutions, banks, and decentralized financial systems were encouraged to expand accessible solutions for women without land guarantees, adapting amounts, deadlines, and deferrals to the economic cycles of their activities. The forum also emphasized the need to bring women closer to equipment and markets. Ministries, the Food and Nutrition Development Agency (Fnda), support structures, local authorities, and partners were asked to finance pathways combining training, equipment, inputs, formalization, and outlets.
The issue of financial information was also addressed, with participants seeking accessible information in local languages on financing possibilities and available programs, as well as better financial education adapted to different levels of education. Traditional and religious leaders were invited to contribute to the transformation of social norms. The participants' recommendations aimed to promote women's economic empowerment and social inclusion.
In her address, Huguette Akplogan Dossa, president of Awln-Benin, urged participants to transform recommendations into concrete actions. She emphasized that women's place in society would no longer be requested but given based on their competencies. Akplogan Dossa called on women leaders to demonstrate solidarity and share opportunities, providing guidance and support to their peers.
Akplogan Dossa's remarks underscored the importance of collective action and responsibility among women leaders. She encouraged them to apply the advice provided by consultants, offer support to their sisters, and make their production units available to them. The forum's conclusion marked the beginning of a follow-up on the commitments made in favor of women's empowerment and social inclusion in Benin.
The National Women's Leaders Forum has provided a platform for women to voice their concerns and propose solutions to the challenges they face. The recommendations issued will be closely monitored, and their implementation will be crucial in promoting women's autonomy and economic empowerment in Benin. The government's response to these recommendations will be significant in determining the progress of women's inclusion in the country's development.
Key points
- The forum recommended strengthened gender-sensitive budgeting and consultation with women at the grassroots level.
- Financial institutions were encouraged to expand accessible solutions for women without land guarantees.
- The participants called for better financial education and accessible information on financing possibilities and available programs.
