SO-AVA, Benin, March 7 (Xinhua) -- A large boat parade was held Saturday afternoon in So-Ava, about 40 km north of Benin's economic capital Cotonou, to officially launch the country's celebrations for International Women's Day.
Nearly 500 women took part in the 10-km round-trip river parade, departing from the town hall. Singing and dancing to music performed by a local band, participants called for stronger protection of women's rights in Benin.
During the event, they urged the effective implementation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which Benin ratified in 1992, as well as stricter action against sexual harassment and violence against women.
Speaking at the event, Beninese Minister of Social Affairs and Microfinance Veronique Tognifode noted that International Women's Day reminds people that women's rights are not a privilege but a requirement for justice, dignity, and progress for society as a whole.
"Since 2016, with the strong political will of the Beninese government, Benin has adopted a clear and determined policy to protect women, promote their rights and strengthen their empowerment. Several laws and reforms have been adopted to better protect women and girls from violence," she said.
The prefect of the Littoral Department, Alain Sourou Oroula, said that March 8 each year "symbolizes a long march toward justice, dignity and equality for women."
"It reminds us that women's rights are neither a favor nor a concession, but fundamental, universal and inalienable human rights," he said. ■