Benin has reached a turning point in its fight to protect women and girls, with the government taking bold action to ratify the African Union’s landmark convention on gender-based violence. During a cabinet meeting on November 4, 2026, under the leadership of Prime Minister Romuald Wadagni, ministers approved the transmission of the African Union Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls to parliament for ratification. This decisive step marks a significant shift in how Benin approaches the scourge of violence targeting its female population.
The decision underscores Benin’s commitment to strengthening its legal framework and aligning with continental standards to combat gender-based violence. By endorsing this convention, the government aims to fortify national protection mechanisms and send a clear message: violence against women and girls will no longer be tolerated in any form.
Why this convention represents a game-changer for Benin
The African Union Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, adopted in Addis Ababa in February 2025, stands as a binding legal instrument for member states that ratify it. Unlike previous declarations, this convention imposes concrete obligations on signatory countries to prevent and eliminate violence in all its manifestations.
Its scope is unprecedented. The convention addresses:
- Physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse
- Economic violence, including wage discrimination and denial of inheritance
- Digital harassment, cyberstalking, and online abuse
- Intimate partner violence and harmful traditional practices
What sets this convention apart is its holistic approach. It recognizes that violence is not confined to physical acts but includes systemic discrimination, economic control, and digital abuse—all of which can have lifelong consequences for survivors. By covering violence in private, public, professional, and digital spaces, the convention forces states to adopt comprehensive strategies rather than piecemeal solutions.
A particularly groundbreaking provision states that no tradition, custom, or religious belief can justify violence. This directly challenges deeply entrenched societal norms that have long been used to excuse or downplay abuse. The convention demands that human rights take precedence over cultural or religious justifications for harmful practices.
From legal commitments to tangible protection
For Benin, this ratification process comes at a critical juncture. The government has already initiated reforms to address gender inequality, but the ratification of this convention would significantly bolster these efforts. Once approved by parliament, the convention will:
- Enhance the legal arsenal against gender-based violence
- Align Benin with continental benchmarks for women’s rights
- Mandate the creation of specialized support services for survivors
- Implement measures to hold perpetrators accountable
Minister of Family and Social Action, Véronique Tognifodé, emphasized the importance of this step: « The transmission of this convention to parliament is a historic moment for Benin. Ratification will strengthen our national framework and send a powerful signal that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated in any sphere of society. »
However, she cautioned that legal changes alone are insufficient. « Ratification is only the first step. The true challenge lies in ensuring these laws are implemented, survivors are supported, and communities are mobilized to prevent violence before it occurs, » Tognifodé stated. « This is a collective responsibility. »
The digital dimension: a new frontier in the fight against violence
One of the convention’s most innovative aspects is its recognition of digital violence—a rapidly growing problem in Benin as internet access expands. Online harassment, revenge porn, cyberstalking, and blackmail are increasingly used to control, humiliate, or harm women and girls. The convention compels states to develop policies that address these modern forms of abuse, including:
- Legislation to criminalize digital violence
- Training for law enforcement and judiciary on cyber abuse cases
- Awareness campaigns to educate the public about online risks
- Protocols for social media platforms to remove harmful content quickly
Ignoring the digital dimension would leave a critical gap in Benin’s protection framework. The convention ensures that these modern threats are not overlooked in the country’s legal and social responses.
What happens next? A call for nationwide commitment
The ball is now in parliament’s court. Lawmakers must review the convention and grant the necessary authorization for ratification. If approved, Benin will join a growing list of African nations committed to ending gender-based violence. But as Minister Tognifodé noted, the work does not end with ratification.
To achieve lasting change, Benin must:
- Strengthen survivor support: Expand shelters, legal aid, and psychosocial services for victims
- Promote gender equality: Launch national campaigns to challenge harmful norms and promote positive masculinity
- Train professionals: Equip police, judges, healthcare workers, and educators to recognize and respond to gender-based violence
- Ensure accountability: Reinforce judicial mechanisms to prosecute offenders and enforce protective measures
As the world prepares to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, Benin’s move to ratify this convention sends a strong message. It demonstrates that the country is no longer willing to accept violence as an inevitable part of society. Instead, Benin is positioning itself at the forefront of a continental movement to eradicate gender-based violence once and for all.
The coming months will test whether Benin’s political will translates into real-world impact. For Prime Minister Romuald Wadagni, this is more than a legal formality—it is a moral imperative. As he has repeatedly stated, every woman and girl in Benin deserves to live free from violence, with dignity, security, and full respect for their rights.
