Gender-based violence : CSO proposals

The theme "Gender-based violence" was at the heart of the discussions during a conference debate within the framework of the project "Advocacy for the protection of children in Benin" implemented by the non-governmental organization Children in solidarity with Africa and the world (Ong Esam) with technical and financial support from Unice. Opportunity for Civil Society Organizations and Ong Esam, to think about the lever on which it is necessary to act to reduce the phenomenon. It was wednesday 24 February 2021 at the headquarters of Ong Esam in Gbégamey (Cotonou).

One of the most frequent fundamental rights violations in the world, gender-based violence is a violation of social norms of living together, preestablished bringing some (authors) to take others by force (victims) to the point of inflicting a penalty on them that is not to their liking. The latest demographic survey on the health of the population of Benin (Edsb) informs that three girls on 10, is 27% of the fairer sex have already experienced gender-based violence by the age of 15 years. A statistic that appeals to both the State and the Osc. Worse, the pandemic linked to Covid-19 amplified the phenomenon. On a population of approximately 52% What are women in Benin?, 69% reported having suffered violations at least once in their life. It is therefore essential to stop the bleeding. And for the speakers, the primary objective will be to merge efforts for the efficient achievement of results in terms of eradicating violence against children and women in all its forms, the active participation and collaboration of women themselves is strongly encouraged. Secondly, continue the speakers, it will be brought to the attention of the competent authorities, the voice of the voiceless, and on the same occasion, appeals to each other's sense of responsibility in terms of respect for human rights and dignity, guarantees of development and a climate of peace in any society. "Education is becoming an important lever on which we must therefore act", adds Carlos Sènou Wanou, communication specialist, Reproductive health and behavior change (Sr-Csc) at JVS-Benin. Note that the Conference was also moderated by Mélaine Doukloui, promoter of the Women and Action Movement and Sybile Houeton Ogoua, lawyers, Coordinator of the Amnesty International Benin Women's Committee.

Patrice ADJAHO