Benin Greens Women's Convention

The First National Benin Greens Women's Convention. The role of women in strengthening the Greens movement in Benin.

1 Background and rationale

Since the Greens Party was set up in Benin, we have all thought from time to time about the place of women in the Greens movement in Benin.

Note that women are 65% of the population in Benin. They play an active role in using our country's natural resources. Women use firewood for heating and coal for household cooking. And women maintain cleanliness in the home. They are responsible for local environmental management in our country. How can we talk of protecting this environment and its natural resources and yet ignore these women?

They want to use the opportunity offered them by the Swedish foundation Green Forum, to get together and reflect on their involvement in strengthening the Greens movement in Benin. And to analyse their active participation in national political life within the Greens party of Benin.

2 Objectives:

The first National Benin Greens Women's Convention has the following objectives:

" women will analyse their current role in environmental conservation " ensure their active involvement in strengthening the Greens movement in Benin " study the different functions of women leaders in society " study implications for Greens women in the 2006 Presidential elections " establish partnerships with women in rural areas " establish a common understanding between rural and urban women " formulate an action plan for Greens women for the next 2 years " design structures to meet their expectations within the party executive

3 Expected results of this convention

The results expected from this convention are numerous, including:

" according women within the party executive a party a structure to meet their expectations
" facilitating an annual gathering of women to discuss problems of concern " publically demonstrating by this convention the value the party places on women

4 Convention organization

Various topics will be covered at this gathering. Women with experience in environmental conservation will be called upon to speak.

Topic 1: The role of rural women in natural resource management Topic 2: Urban environmental problems and their impact on women and their children living in urban environments
Topic 3: The experiences of Swedish women in Greens politics. Historical overview and future perspectives
Topic 4: The role of Benin women in Greens politics Topic 5: The role of Benin women and perspectives for the 2006 Presidential elections Topic 6: The historical overview of Swedish women in Greens party administration and their importance in Swedish politics

Supplementary to sessions on these topics, workshops will be conducted to allow participants to contribute effectively to the convention's outcomes.

5 Impact of convention's outcomes

There will be strong media coverage of the outcomes of the First National Benin Greens Women's Convention. This will trigger public opinion and especially impact on other political parties. The Greens party will demonstrate how highly it values women in politics.

6 Future perspectives

After this convention, other conventions will be held every year to strengthen the Greens involvement in Benin politics.

7 Draft report

As soon as the convention is over, each delegate will take home a draft report, including recommendations. A date will be set to determine objectives for the next convention.

8 Final report

A final report complete with financial statement and all required receipts will be given immediately to the foundation. A video cassette and photos will be included with the final report. All documents will be given to foundation representatives before they leave Cotonou.

9 Preparations for the convention

An administrative officer will be recruited for a period of 2 weeks to assemble preparatory documents and follow up on invitations.

10 Date of the convention

The date will be fixed by consensual agreement with the foundation

11 Budget

50 participants + 1 representative of the Swedish foundation

Catering (lunch) Catering (dinner)
Accommodation
Travel for the Green foundation representative Stockholm- Cotonou - Stockholm
Accommodation for the Swedish representative Bus hire
Conference organisers
Preparatory documents. Photocopies
Television crew hire, newspapers
Photos and reporting
Administrative secretariat
Unexpected costs?