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Gender inequality in Benin is driven by regional disparities in access to healthcare and education, creating a cascading effect of disadvantage. This dataset, derived from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program, highlights how limited access to professional maternal care in certain regions leads to childbirths that are not attended by skilled healthcare providers.

This lack of professional assistance increases health risks for both mothers and infants, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting opportunities for women’s social and economic advancement.Additionally, unequal access to education further exacerbates gender disparities, particularly in primary and secondary school attendance.

In regions with fewer educational resources, girls are more likely to drop out of school early, often due to early marriage or childbearing, which in turn restricts their ability to gain skills and access better economic opportunities. This lack of healthcare and educational access creates a reinforcing cycle, where inadequate services in one area contribute to further inequality in others, entrenching gender disparities across generations.

Regional Disparities in Antenatal Care and Childbirth Support in Benin

The map reveals significant regional disparities in antenatal care and professional support during pregnancy. In Atacora region, in the north of Benin, only 25.5% of women attended neonatal visits, with 66.7% receiving professional care during childbirth. In contrast, in Littoral (Cotonou), 81.8% of women had antenatal visits, and 93.8% were accompanied by professionals.

These differences stem from varying healthcare access and infrastructure. Littoral region benefits from better healthcare facilities, more skilled professionals, and greater access to prenatal services, leading to higher rates of professional accompaniment.

In contrast, Atacora region faces challenges such as limited healthcare infrastructure and fewer trained professionals, resulting in lower antenatal care uptake and less professional support. This underscores how regional healthcare disparities directly influence maternal health outcomes.

Gender Parity in Primary and Secondary School Attendance in Benin (2001-2017)

The graph reflects the evolving gender dynamics in education across Benin, showcasing improvements in gender parity, particularly at the primary level. From 2001 to 2017, the Gender Parity Index (GPI) for primary school attendance increased from 0.75 to 0.91, indicating substantial progress in narrowing the gender gap.

This trend likely stems from policy interventions aimed at promoting equal access to education for both genders, such as targeted scholarships, infrastructure improvements, and community awareness programs that have prioritized girls' education.

However, the GPI for secondary school attendance presents a more complex picture. While it has improved from 0.62 in 2001 to 0.7 in 2017, the slower pace of change suggests persistent barriers that disproportionately affect girls’ continued education. These barriers include socio-economic factors, such as the opportunity cost of education, early marriages, and limited infrastructure in rural areas.

Furthermore, the GPI for secondary education remains below parity, indicating that while girls may have more access to primary education, retention and progression into secondary school remain significant challenges.