Rural homes in Benin are more and more vulnerable to climate-related shocks endangering agricultural output and lowering income. Many people react by using damaging coping mechanisms—such as taking girls out of school, marrying them off too soon, or limiting women's entrepreneurial activity—that reflect deep-seated gender biases. These policies weaken national initiatives to advance women's economic empowerment and gender equality.
A team of local PEP researchers from the University of Abomey-Calavi discovered that these conventional attitudes about marriage, household duties, and gendered work division lower women's involvement in economic activities and decision-making. The group also demonstrated that even under economic pressure, more fair social standards inside homes—such as those in matrilocal communities—can offset these effects and promote women's entrepreneurship and girls' education.
Their assessment of policy choices emphasizes that the most efficient interventions are those that promote income resilience via conditional cash transfers, entrepreneurial support, and extra-curricular education for adolescent girls. Especially when combined with community awareness and mentorship initiatives, these policies can change societal norms and create long-term gender fairness.
Find out more about the research methods, findings and policy recommendations in the following PEP publications: Reports
Working Paper coming soon | Policy Brief 282 in French| More about Women’s resilience and gender norms in Benin
