The promotion of gender equality in Benin has seen the active involvement of men and boys through positive masculinity groups, supported by UNFPA and the World Bank-funded SWEDD project. Leaders in these groups challenge harmful gender norms and encourage equitable behaviours among young men, creating supportive environments for women and fostering inclusive community growth.

Comè, Benin - “When I started, I thought housework was only for women,” says Rodrigue Padé Kwasi, a 29-year-old with a bright smile and thoughtful eyes, as he addresses a group of young men gathered under a tree in his village. “But now, I understand it’s about sharing responsibilities. Helping at home doesn’t make you less of a man—it makes you a better partner.”

Kwasi is the leader of the “Club des Garçons Engagés,” or the Committed Boys Club, a group committed to reshaping perceptions of masculinity and supporting women’s empowerment in Benin. Every week, he gathers young men to discuss topics like gender equality, family planning, and positive masculinity. The sessions are part of the Sahel Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend (SWEDD) initiative, with technical support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

In a country where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched, Kwasi’s work is nothing short of transformative. “Before, these ideas weren’t even considered,” he explains. “Now, these young men are not just listening—they’re changing.”

Turning heartbreak into hope

Kwasi’s journey to leadership began with personal pain. “I was engaged once,” he shares, “ But she left me, and I realized I had to change—not just for others, but for myself.” Instead of wallowing in despair, Kwasi turned to self-education. “I told myself, if I don’t prepare, failure will follow me everywhere. So, I began to learn—not just about relationships, but about life skills and respect.”

That personal growth led him to the Boys Club. “When the opportunity came, the community chose me to lead. I saw it as a chance to make a difference—not just for the boys, but for their families and communities too.”

The sessions are anything but lectures. Using a mix of French and local languages to ensure everyone understands, he fosters open and inclusive discussions. “There are boys here who are apprentices, those who dropped out of school, and some who’ve never had formal education,” he says. “We all learn together.”  The group covers topics that are often taboo in rural communities. “We talk about family planning, about laws protecting women, about sharing household tasks. These are things many of us never thought about before,” he says.

Kwasi’s approach is warm and disarming. “At first, they’re shy,” he laughs. “But once we get familiar, they open up. They share their thoughts, their struggles. It’s amazing to see how much they’re willing to learn.”

Changing minds, changing lives

The impact of Kwasi’s work is tangible. “I’ve seen changes,” he says proudly. “One man told me his wife noticed he was helping more at home. Another said he started talking to his wife before making decisions—something he never did before.”

The young men listen intently during sessions. “It’s not just about teaching them,” he explains. “It’s about creating a space where they feel heard, where they can grow.”

Benin has made strides in promoting gender equality, but challenges remain. Patriarchal norms often limit women’s opportunities, and gender-based violence is still prevalent. However, projects like SWEDD are turning the tide, emphasizing the importance of engaging men as allies in the fight for women’s empowerment.

A club for each village

Kwasi dreams of expanding the Boys Club network. “Right now, we’re in a few villages. But what if every village had a group like this?” he asks, his eyes lighting up. “When both men and women are educated, everything becomes easier—relationships, families, communities.”

For Kwasi, the Boys Club, is more than a project; it’s a mission. “I’ve learned so much through this work—about myself, about others, about what’s possible,” he says. “If we keep going, we can create a better future for everyone.”

As the session wraps up, the young men linger, asking questions, sharing stories. Kwasi listens patiently, his smile never fading. It’s clear that for these boys, he’s more than a mentor—he’s a role model, a friend, a beacon of hope.

“We all have the power to change,” he says, looking around at the eager faces. “Sometimes, we just need someone to show us how.”