Autonomisation économique des femmes en milieu rural du Bénin : cas des bénéficiaires du Guichet Unique de Protection Sociale - GUPS à Bonou

This research analyzes income management strategies and economic empowerment of artisan and merchant women in Damè-Wogon, Bonou commune, Benin. Through a qualitative approach supported by quantitative data involving 50 GUPS beneficiaries, the research draws on methodological individualism of Simmel and Weber (1977) and strategic analysis of Crozier and Friedberg (1977) to analyze the influence of social protection mechanisms on economic empowerment. Data collected through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and direct observation reveal that small businesses (food vendors, spice sellers, fish sellers and manufactured goods vendors) and small crafts (hairdressing, tailoring, weaving and photography) constitute the main income-generating activities. Analysis of management strategies shows that 42% of income is invested in children’s education, 18% in personal needs, 16% in reinvestments, 10% in goods purchases, 8% in savings, 4% in workshop construction and 2% in taxes. These findings reveal diversified income utilization strategies and highlight the significant contribution of GUPS to women’s economic empowerment in the Beninese rural context.