A webinar on "Women and Local Political Engagement: Crossed Experiences and Action Levers" was held on September 28, bringing together women leaders from Togo, Benin, and France's Grand Est region. The event was organized by the Grand Est region as part of its decentralized cooperation with Togo's Central region and Benin's Borgou and Alibori departments. The project aims to support regionalization and strengthen local governance and decentralization.
The webinar saw participation from representatives of the Grand Est region, Gescod, and local officials from Togo and Benin. Members of the Association of Women Elected Officials of Togo's Central Region (AFeLORCeT) and the Union of Women Municipal Councillors of Benin's Alibori, Atacora, Borgou, Collines, and Donga departments (UFeC/2ABCD) also attended. The event provided a platform for dialogue and mutual learning, aiming to enhance women's participation and responsibility in local politics.
During the webinar, participants shared their experiences, challenges, and strategies for effective participation in local politics. The event highlighted the main obstacles to women's participation and identified potential solutions for more inclusive governance. An approach emphasizing participation was adopted, allowing for testimonies, cross-examination, and collective identification of action plans.
Kalessou Kwakou, president of the regional council, emphasized the need for more opportunities like the webinar to promote the political anchorage of women leaders in the region. Tchagnao Sourou Ladi, president of AFeLORCeT, stressed the importance of continuous training for women leaders to overcome challenges and increase their political engagement.
Ouronilé Adam Daouda, Gescod-Togo representative, noted that despite progress in increasing women's representation in local institutions, their effective access to responsibilities and participation in decision-making remain significant challenges. The webinar provided a valuable opportunity for women leaders to exchange ideas and experiences.
The webinar allowed participants to present their organizations' missions, operations, and priorities. AFeLORCeT and UFeC/2ABCD shared their experiences, promoting a better understanding of their roles and challenges. The event facilitated the identification of collective action plans to support women's political engagement.
The collaboration between Togo, Benin, and the Grand Est region demonstrates a commitment to promoting women's participation in local politics. By sharing experiences and best practices, women leaders can work together to overcome common challenges and foster more inclusive governance.
Key points
- The webinar aimed to enhance women's participation and responsibility in local politics.
- Participants identified potential solutions for more inclusive governance.
- The event promoted dialogue and mutual learning among women leaders from Togo, Benin, and France.
