BENIN : PLURIELLES and community actors mobilize against GBV

28 January 2025

As part of its commitment to advancing women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, the PLURIELLES project and its partners actively advocate for the protection and respect of the rights of women and adolescent girls in the regions where they operate.

Last November, the commune of Athiémè was selected by the PLURIELLES project and the Youth Organizations Coordination of the Mono Department to celebrate the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)” campaign. The event began with a city-wide caravan, followed by the official launch during a ceremony held at the Athiémè town hall.

Joined by Power Holders (PH) involved in the PLURIELLES project, motorcycle taxi drivers known as Zémidjan, religious leaders, and local elected officials, women and adolescents from the Mono Department marched through the streets to raise awareness about violence against women in the community.

Women’s Rights Allies Raise Their Voices

During the ceremony at Athiémè town hall, several influential figures from the commune addressed the audience.

Marcelline LAKOUSSAN highlighted the devastating impact of gender-based violence, stating: “GBV—whether physical, psychological, sexual, or economic—destroys lives and jeopardizes the future of our community.” She stressed the importance of remaining vigilant and committed to raising awareness to combat this issue.

Following her remarks, Codjo Antoine LASSEHIN, President of the Athiémè Commune Development Association, expressed deep concern over the high prevalence of GBV in the commune. He also extended his gratitude to the organizations that have made the fight against GBV a priority.

Recognizing the critical impact of GBV on the development of the commune, Mètonou Gaétan AKPASSO pledged, on behalf of the leaders, local elected officials, and other power holders in Athiémè, to take a more active role in combating GBV. He committed to do his best to ensure that no further cases of GBV are reported in his community.

Sylvie EHAKO ADOHINZIN, Gender Equality and GBV Advisor for the PLURIELLES project, stated: “This project strives to give a voice to the voiceless and cannot remain on the sidelines of an initiative whose medium-term goal is to eradicate GBV.”

Emphasizing that populations have the power to say no to GBV, Sylvie noted that victims can be of any gender, women are disproportionately affected. She called for collective involvement in the fight against GBV. Additionally, she pointed out: “The resurgence of sexual abuse of girls by their fathers is what led to the decision to host these events in this locality.”

A Unifying Initiative

The PLURIELLES project adopts a multisectoral approach, integrating health, human rights, and economic empowerment to strengthen the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls. By mobilizing stakeholders from across various sectors, the project fosters collective action against gender-based violence and works toward equality and dignity for all.

The PLURIELLES project is implemented in Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali by a consortium comprising Santé Monde, Lawyers Without Borders Canada, and SOCODEVI, thanks to financial support from Global Affairs Canada.