Access and inclusion were core WILD principles that guided the training. Personal assistants, sign language interpreters, and braille materials were provided to ensure that everyone could fully participate.
Delivered in French, the training began with a powerful leadership panel featuring women leaders with disabilities who shared their journeys from self-doubt and isolation to confidence, motivation, and collective action. They spoke about the importance of peer support, building a values-based leadership identity, and committing to personal growth. The conversation encouraged participants to embrace their own leadership potential and challenge the stereotypes often placed on women with disabilities.
The training also included a session on government policies and inclusion measures that support the rights of people with disabilities. For many participants, the information was both practical and empowering. One participant shared, “I no longer see myself as a victim, but as a leader.”
Later in the day, the learning took a creative turn. WDIB invited local facilitators to lead an inclusive soap-making workshop designed to build cross-disability collaboration and solidarity. Wearing matching WDIB T-shirts, participants gathered on the patio for the demonstration. Working in diverse teams, they transformed oils and fragrances into handmade soaps, an activity that sparked laughter, teamwork, and pride in their creations.
The final portion of the training focused on turning ideas into action. Participants developed advocacy action plans to apply what they had learned in their communities. Some participants committed to mentoring young women with disabilities, while others planned advocacy campaigns addressing key issues such as mental health care, sexual and reproductive health, and maternal care. Additional initiatives included launching a social media campaign to combat gender-based violence and organizing a training for visually impaired girls on menstrual hygiene and family planning. One participant reflected: “This training gave me hope and the courage to take action.”
Reflecting on the experience, Marlise shared:
“This WILD–Benin training was a transformative experience for participants and organizers alike. It demonstrated the power of localized leadership training inspired by global programs like WILD. The training reinforced WDIB’s commitment to building bridges, strengthening inclusion, and empowering women with disabilities to lead change in their communities. Together, we build bridges. Together, we change lives.”
Now, with the training complete, participants have moved into the implementation phase of their action plans, supported by WDIB.
The WILD-Benin training was a follow-on activity from WILD 2025. Read more about the impact of the WILD 2025 program.