In 1960, Benin gained its independence from France, and after decades of political and economic conflict, became a democratic republic in 1990. The country’s current constitution declares, “The State shall assure to everyone equality before the law without distinction of origin, of race, of sex, of religion, of political opinion or of social position.” However, due to the nation’s deeply entrenched gender roles, violations of women’s rights continue to persist including limited access to education, lack of representation in the political process, and high rates of domestic violence. Over the past few years, the country has begun implementing several laws and policies in order to improve women’s civil liberties and establish gender equality. Along with effective policies and legislative measures, Benin adopted a National Policy of Gender promotion which aims to achieve gender equality by 2025 and established the National Council for the Promotion of Gender Equity and Equality.
Girls are allowed equal access to sports in Benin with football, handball, and track and field ranking as the sports with the largest female participation. Football has seen a significant rise in popularity for Beninese women and girls over the past few years thanks, in part, to FIFA’s Sport and Development strategy. In January 2020 FIFA, the Beninese Football Association (FBF) and the Beninese government developed a grassroots football and physical education program. The following year, FIFA initiated its Football for School Initiative across Benin which “promotes safe and healthy lifestyles for young people and teaches them life skills through football.” Benin’s president, Patrice Talon, also recently announced plans for a new football school for women.
Meet and support global leaders creating change in Benin:
Pamela Akplogan
How does Benin compare to other countries?
Where do you want to explore next?
Women in Leadership
PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT AS OF 2020
7%
PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN IN MINISTRY POSITIONS AS OF 2020
21%
Has a Woman Ever Been Head of State or Head of Government?
No
HAS A WOMAN EVER BEEN SPORTS MINISTER?
Unknown
Title IX Timeline
1956
Women gained the right to vote (full suffrage).
1960
France granted full independence to the Republic of Dahomey (later renamed to Benin) on August 1st.
1980
Edwige Bancole became the first woman to represent Benin in the Olympics.
1981
Benin signed the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
1990
The country’s name was officially changed to the Republic of Benin on March 1st.
1992
Benin ratified CEDAW.
2000
Benin signed the Optional Protocol to CEDAW.
2004
Akouavi Bladine Sahenou became the first woman to represent Benin in the Paralympics.
2019
Benin ratified the Optional Protocol to CEDAW.
Women in the olympics
participation through the years
-
0
-
0
-
0
-
0
-
2
-
3
-
5
-
5
-
3
Women in the Paralympics
participation through the years
-
0
-
0
-
0
-
0
-
2
-
0
-
1
Elite Sports Participation
First Year Women Participated In The Olympics
1980
Year Women’s Participation In Olympics Was Equal To Men’s
2004
First Time A Woman Won An Olympic Medal
The first woman could be you!
First Year Women Participated In The Paralympics
2004
Year Women’s Participation In Paralympics Was Equal To Men’s
2004
First Time A Woman Won A Paralympic Medal
The first woman could be you!
FIFA
Fédération Internationale de Football Association
National Women’s Team?
Yes
First Year Of Play
2006
Pay Gap Comparison
Pay Unknown
Gender Initiatives
AFRO-BENIN and Oldyssey have partnered together to create an initiative that encourages older women to engage in sport.
FIFA is committed to the growth and development of women’s football around the globe.
For More Information
FIFA: Women's Development Program
AFRO-BENIN and Oldyssey Partnership
FIBA
Fédération Internationale de Basketball
National Women’s Team?
Yes
First Year Of Play
Unknown
Pay Gap Comparison
Pay Unknown
Gender Initiatives
The NBA and the Basketball Africa League are working together across Africa to raise awareness about gender-based violence, support girls’ education, and increase female involvement in basketball at all levels.
Increasing the participation of women in basketball at all levels was named as one of FIBA’s eight strategic objectives (2019- 2027) and one of FIBA’s three strategic priorities (2019-2023).
For More Information
FIBA Strategic Objectives
NBA + Basketball Africa League Partnership
LOCAL
Sports
Initiatives
Community Organizations That Have Signed The Brighton + Helsinki Declaration
Associations des Femmes Beninoises pour le Sport (AFBS) Benin
