Benin is a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
The Constitution of 1990 recognizes equal rights of men and women. However, discriminatory legislative measures persist in the social, economic and political domains. Social and civil legislation is strongly influenced by tradition and customs, particularly in regard to the family, women and children. Women have very limited land rights and require their husbands' authorization for certain decisions, including access to family planning services.
A new family code has been drawn up and its adoption should introduce a more equitable relationship between men and women.
