Benin
National Assembly
Historical data on women
Data on women’s right to vote and to stand for election, the date at which the first woman entered parliament, and female Heads of State or Government
Women's suffrage
Date of independence
For countries that become independent after 1940
1960
Women’s right to vote
Women’s right to vote
Year in which women obtained the right to vote
1960
National or local
Suffrage: National or Local
National
Restricted or unrestricted suffrage
Suffrage: Restricted or Universal
Universal
Notes
Suffrage: Additional Notes on right of suffrage
Prior to independence, Article 10 of the 1956 framework law gave the right to vote for the territorial assemblies to both sexes over 21. Universal suffrage was first exercised in the 1957 elections. Universal suffrage was confirmed at independence.
Women’s right to stand for election
First woman in parliament
First woman in parliament
Year in which first woman entered parliament
1979