Legal reforms in Benin could open more jobs for women
By Maame Efua Kwaduah
Research Officer with the Centre Africain d’Etudes Supérieures en Gestion (CESAG) in Dakar-Sengegal, Nassibou Bassongui, has highlighted the potential of legal reforms to improve women’s participation and earnings in the labor market in Benin.
In an interview with The New Finder at the Women and Jobs in Africa Policy Research Workshop in Accra, Bassongui shared insights from his research on how removing restrictions on women’s rights to work in the industrial sector can affect their employment outcomes.
He explained that across Africa, women continue to face significant gaps in the workforce not only in terms of participation but also in the income they earn, which often remains lower than that of men.
According to him, the study focuses on the industrial sector in Benin, where legal reforms have recently expanded women’s rights to work in previously restricted roles. The research investigates whether such reforms translate into tangible benefits for women, including higher participation in the labor market and improved income levels.
The aim of our research is to produce evidence that can inform policymakers and support efforts to bridge the gender gap in employment,” he stated.
He stressed that evidence-based research is crucial to shaping policies that can effectively address inequality and create equal opportunities for women.
He noted that the research also seeks to provide practical recommendations for governments, industry stakeholders and development partners.
By understanding how legal reforms affect women’s work and income, policymakers can better design programs and interventions that promote inclusive economic growth.
The findings, Mr. Bassongui emphasized are particularly relevant for countries across Africa that are seeking to close gender gaps in employment and income. By producing evidence on the outcomes of legal reforms the study can guide decision-makers to implement strategies that ensure women can compete on equal terms with men in the labor market.
Mr. Bassongui’s presentation at the workshop underscored the importance of combining legal reform with targeted interventions to support women’s employment. His research highlights how removing barriers to work is only the first step empowering women to seize opportunities and achieve financial independence requires ongoing policy support and monitoring.
