Empowerment of Rural Women in Benin through Community Health, Digital Tools, and Climate Resilience
1
Institut de Promotion de la Santé et de l'Environnement, cotonou, Bénin
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Title: Empowerment of Rural Women in Benin through Community Health, Digital Tools, and Climate Resilience Author: Nicette Essy CHEKETE Theme: Determinants of Health, Health Equity, and Sustainable Development Goals
BACKGROUND:
Rural women in Benin face persistent barriers to health, education, and economic resources, limiting their opportunities for empowerment and well-being. These challenges are compounded by environmental pressures and limited access to digital tools. Strengthening women’s autonomy is essential to improve community health, foster resilience against climate change, and promote sustainable development. This project was designed to implement a holistic approach combining health promotion, educational initiatives, digital engagement, and ecological interventions.
METHODS:
Between 2022 and 2025, 800 women participated in the project through: WhatsApp groups for sharing health information, educational content, and peer support; Community learning circles fostering practical skills and collective problem-solving; Environmental initiatives including reforestation and the construction of community water wells; Literacy workshops and artistic activities to encourage social inclusion, self-expression, and intergenerational learning.
RESULTS:
The project led to multiple positive outcomes: Significant improvement in women’s knowledge and practices related to reproductive health, nutrition, and disease prevention; Acquisition of cultivable land and enhanced economic autonomy, enabling sustainable livelihoods; Strengthened transmission of knowledge and sustainable practices across generations; Increased community cohesion and resilience, better preparing participants to face social, economic, and environmental challenges.
CONCLUSIONS:
This integrated, multisectoral model demonstrates that combining health promotion, education, digital tools, and ecological actions generates sustainable and transferable change. By empowering women and strengthening community resilience, the approach contributes to advancing health equity, local development, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The project serves as a replicable example of holistic community health interventions that address both social and environmental determinants of health. Word count: 298
Title: Empowerment of Rural Women in Benin through Community Health, Digital Tools, and Climate Resilience Author: Nicette Essy CHEKETE Theme: Determinants of Health, Health Equity, and Sustainable Development Goals
BACKGROUND:
Rural women in Benin face persistent barriers to health, education, and economic resources, limiting their opportunities for empowerment and well-being. These challenges are compounded by environmental pressures and limited access to digital tools. Strengthening women’s autonomy is essential to improve community health, foster resilience against climate change, and promote sustainable development. This project was designed to implement a holistic approach combining health promotion, educational initiatives, digital engagement, and ecological interventions.
METHODS:
Between 2022 and 2025, 800 women participated in the project through: WhatsApp groups for sharing health information, educational content, and peer support; Community learning circles fostering practical skills and collective problem-solving; Environmental initiatives including reforestation and the construction of community water wells; Literacy workshops and artistic activities to encourage social inclusion, self-expression, and intergenerational learning.
RESULTS:
The project led to multiple positive outcomes: Significant improvement in women’s knowledge and practices related to reproductive health, nutrition, and disease prevention; Acquisition of cultivable land and enhanced economic autonomy, enabling sustainable livelihoods; Strengthened transmission of knowledge and sustainable practices across generations; Increased community cohesion and resilience, better preparing participants to face social, economic, and environmental challenges.
CONCLUSIONS:
This integrated, multisectoral model demonstrates that combining health promotion, education, digital tools, and ecological actions generates sustainable and transferable change. By empowering women and strengthening community resilience, the approach contributes to advancing health equity, local development, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The project serves as a replicable example of holistic community health interventions that address both social and environmental determinants of health. Word count: 298
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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