Mr. Aouzou, a DSSRAJ expert, is currently Chief of Party for the Health Promotion, Sexual and Reproductive Rights Project, Phase 2 (PSDSR2) at the Beninese Association for Social Marketing and Health Communication (ABMS). He has 15 years of experience in project development and management, establishing strategic partnerships, and mobilizing stakeholders in the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including youth organizations, religious associations, sectoral ministries, local NGOs, health zones, and UNFPA.
- What was your role in FONDEMSAN?
As part of the FONDEMSAN project, I contributed to the training of religious leaders in the Aplahoué, Djakotomey, and Dogbo areas. I assisted the team in developing training tools for religious actors based on my experiences in Benin. I helped identify trainers within the national platform of religious structures committed to health promotion. I supported youth advocacy activities targeting the mayors of the three municipalities and members of the Couffo departmental administrative conference. To capitalize on best practices and collaborative learning, I participated in the project webinar to share my experience in partnering with faith-based organizations to promote SRHR. All this support enabled the project to carry out interventions with the participation of young people and religious leaders to change socio-cultural norms that are unfavorable to young people's enjoyment of SRHR.
- In your opinion, how has this project helped to advance the cause of DSSRAJ in Benin?
The working approach adopted by the consortium was one of the factors that contributed to changing standards and stakeholder attitudes. This mainly involved partnerships and support for youth organizations, religious leaders, and health structures in the health zone. The search for synergy of action and the use of best practices and lessons learned in promoting SRHR in Benin through the FONDEMSAM project are elements that have helped advance these rights in Benin.
