Yesterday, Wednesday October 20, 2021, the National Assembly adopted two fundamental laws for the protection and emancipation of women in Benin. The laws in question are Law N°2021-11 on special measures for the repression of gender-based offences and the protection of women in the Republic of Benin, and Law N°2003-04 of March 3, 2003 on sexual and reproductive health.
| LAWS | CONTENT |
| VOTE ON LAW N°2021-11 on special measures for the repression of gender-based offences and the protection of women in the Republic of Benin | Combating rape, sexual harassment, domestic violence and other gender-based offences Provisions amending several other laws, including Law no. 2018-16 of December 28, 2018 on the penal code; Law no. 2017-05 of August 29, 2017 setting the conditions and procedure for hiring, placing labor and terminating employment contracts in the Republic of Benin The Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism (CRIET) can intervene in offences committed on the grounds of gender. |
| Law No. 2021-12 amending Law No. 2003-04 of March 3, 2003 on sexual health and reproduction, legalizing abortion in Benin. | The law will put an end to clandestine abortion, which is claiming many victims in the country. A consensus on the provisions of article 17-2, which states: “At the request of the pregnant woman, voluntary interruption of pregnancy may be authorized when the pregnancy is likely to aggravate or cause a situation of material, educational, professional or moral distress incompatible with the interests of the woman and/or the unborn child”. |
