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Promoting equal opportunities and women's empowerment through childcare in Benin

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Promoting equal opportunity and empowerment of women through childcare Rékia and Florence, Technical High School of Pobé, Benin. Credit: Núria Branders / World Bank, 2024.

As an apprentice pastry chef and young mother of four, Rékia was able to take control of her destiny thanks to the community childcare center (ECAE- Espace Communautaire d’ Accueil des Enfants). This innovative initiative, designed to redefine the future of young mothers in vulnerable situations, offers quality childcare during their training.

In January 2024, strongly encouraged by her master pastry chef, Rékia expressed her desire to obtain her Certificate of Professional Qualification (CQP- Certificat de qualification professionnelle) in pastry, a golden opportunity for formal recognition in the field. This certificate is based on a work-study program, consisting of nine twelve-day sessions of theoretical and practical courses. However, the need to care for her daughter Florence and the two-hour distance to the nearest training center, the Technical High School of Pobè, made this dream seem impossible.

A few days later, Rékia heard on the radio that a community space for children would be set up at the training site, allowing young apprentice mothers to participate with peace of mind. Encouraged by her husband, she took the admission test organized by the Directorate of Technical Education and Vocational Training (DETFP- Direction de l’Enseignement Technique et de la Formation Professionnelle) and passed with flying colors. She joined her class in Pobè with Florence.

Initially, Rékia was apprehensive about entrusting her little girl to a stranger, especially when she heard her crying. However, she quickly realized that the community mothers were professional, dynamic, and caring, receiving regular support from the director of the Pobè Single Window for Social Protection (GUPS-Guichet Unique de Protection Sociale). After a few days, Florence was happy to see more children with whom she could play. Today marks Rékia and Florence's fourth stay at the Technical High School; they have settled in, and Florence eagerly runs into the arms of her community mothers at each encounter.

At her master pastry chef's house, Rékia continues to carry her daughter on her back to prevent her from getting hurt by the utensils and the oven. Florence grows up and distracts her at work. Rékia sometimes entrusts her to the shop next door to her workshop, but she knows it's not ideal. She hopes that a childcare system can be developed in her neighborhood now that she has seen the benefits for her and her daughter.

The Youth Inclusion Project (ProDIJ- Projet d’inclusion des Jeunes), in which the Government of Benin has been engaged since March 2021 with World Bank support, aims to increase the economic inclusion of young people between the ages of 15 and 30, with low levels of education and who are underemployed or inactive. The project supports the National Employment Agency (AnpE- Agence Nationale pour l’Emploi) and its Azoli system, which offers internships in companies and technical training lasting a few days. The project also supports (1) the Directorate of Technical Education and Vocational Training (DETFP); (2) the Fund for the Development of Continuing Professional Training and Apprenticeship (FODEFCA- Fonds de Développement de la Formation Professionnelle Continue et de l’Apprentissage) to strengthen short-term technical training (1 to 3 months); (3) vocational training organized in vocational training and apprenticeship centers lasting 2 to 3 years, leading to the certificate of professional qualification, as well as (4) technical high schools.

To encourage the participation of young women in these various training courses and their social and professional integration, it has proved necessary to offer appropriate childcare services in a safe environment, allowing both mothers and children to thrive. ProDIJ stakeholders have therefore joined forces with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Microfinance, which is responsible for setting up early childhood structures and training their staff, with the participation of their field branches, the GUPS. The Government has developed a training curriculum, trained the GUPS and more than 750 community mothers, and equipped ECAE with toys and equipment to ensure a clean, safe, and stimulating environment. After two years, 64 ECAEs were able to open and accommodate more than 1,300 children. New openings are planned as part of the project, and companies want to replicate this type of service for their employees.

ECAE responds to a need expressed by mothers and their community. The supply of childcare services is still very limited in Benin, especially outside urban areas, while demand is growing with the increasing desire of young girls to strengthen their capacities and participate in the household economy. The positive experience with the ECAE represents an opportunity for the Government of Benin to continue its efforts to improve the supply of services. This involves defining and implementing the legal framework for various models of childcare for early childhood, financing strategies, and the development of a national training curriculum.

Rékia and Florence's story illustrates how these structures can transform lives, not only providing economic opportunities for young women but also a safe and stimulating environment for their children. These Community Childcare Spaces are much more than a social project: they are a powerful lever for equal opportunities and inclusive development.


Núria Branders

Social Protection Specialist, World Bank

Saint-Martin Kodjovi Mongan Agbeshie

Social Protection Specialist, World Bank

Solène Rougeaux

Senior Social Protection Specialist , World Bank

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