On September 22, 2026, a roundtable discussion was held at the Chant d'Oiseau in Cotonou, Benin, to address the respect of women's rights in public spaces. The event was organized by the Académie des Sciences constitutionnelle, administrative et politique (ASCAP) with technical and financial support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation. The meeting brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from the German Embassy and the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
The roundtable discussion focused on Benin's legal framework for protecting women, gender-based online violence, and the role of civil society in monitoring the implementation of laws in favor of women's protection. The Institut National de la Femme (INF) was also represented, highlighting the importance of collaboration between organizations. Discussions emphasized the need for continued awareness-raising, advocacy, and prevention efforts.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including a representative of the President of ASCAP, Pre Dandi GNAMOU, who was unable to attend in person. Other participants included representatives from the German Embassy and the Hanns Seidel Foundation. The presence of communicators and civil society organizations underscored the commitment to addressing women's rights issues.
The discussions highlighted the need to address new forms of violence in online spaces. Participants emphasized that women's protection requires a multi-faceted approach, including education, awareness-raising, and support for victims. The importance of collaboration between government institutions, civil society, and international partners was also stressed.
According to the organizers, the roundtable discussion aimed to promote a culture of respect for women's rights in Benin. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, best practices, and challenges in promoting women's empowerment. The outcome of the discussion will inform future initiatives and advocacy efforts.
The ASCAP roundtable is part of a broader effort to promote women's rights and protection in Benin. The country has made progress in recent years in addressing violence against women, but challenges persist. Continued efforts are needed to ensure that women and girls can live free from violence and enjoy their fundamental rights.
The initiative by ASCAP, with the support of the Hanns Seidel Foundation, demonstrates the commitment of civil society and international partners to promoting women's empowerment in Benin. The outcome of the roundtable discussion will contribute to the development of effective strategies to prevent and respond to violence against women.
Key points
- The roundtable discussion highlighted the need for continued awareness-raising and advocacy efforts to address women's rights issues in Benin.
- The event emphasized the importance of collaboration between government institutions, civil society, and international partners in promoting women's empowerment.
- The discussions underscored the need to address new forms of violence in online spaces and provide support for victims of violence.
