As a group of young LGBTQ women living in Ouidah, Benin Republic, a community deeply rooted in religious and traditional beliefs we have come together to embrace humanism as a worldview grounded in reason, compassion, and respect for human dignity. We do not believe in God and we do not belong to any religion. Our choice is shaped by personal reflection and our lived experiences in a society where religious norms often marginalize or silence those who live outside of traditional expectations, particularly LGBTQ individuals.

We find strength and solidarity in humanism because it allows us to affirm our identities, seek justice, and build supportive relationships based on shared humanity rather than religious dogma. In a context like ours, where conformity to religious belief is often expected, being openly non-religious and humanist is both an act of courage and a declaration of freedom. We are applying to HuMAN Partners to find community, resources, and advocacy support that align with our values and affirm our existence as secular, queer women committed to human rights and equality.

Description of Project

In Ouidah, Benin, LGBTQ+ girls often face exclusion from education, employment, and community life. The project aims to change this by providing a food grinding machine as a tool for empowerment and sustainable development. The machine will be used to process local crops such as maize, cassava, peppers, and millet into flour and paste staple products that are in high demand in local markets.

This initiative creates a pathway to financial independence by allowing participants to generate income through grinding services and the sale of value-added products. It also offers practical training in machine use, hygiene, cooperative management, and entrepreneurship, giving the girls vital skills to build their futures.

Beyond economics, the project fosters social inclusion by creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to work together and engage with the wider community. As the group supplies local markets and builds relationships, their presence challenges stigma and highlights their role as active, valuable members of society.

The project is designed for sustainability, with profits reinvested into machine maintenance and future expansion. It also supports environmental goals by promoting local food processing and reducing waste.

This project combines practical livelihood development with social impact, offering a replicable model for LGBTQ+ empowerment. In a region where marginalization is common, this project provides not only tools for survival but also the foundation for dignity, community, and lasting change.

Budget

Electrical Grinding Machine: $220

wiring and installation : $30

Total : $250

Quantity:

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Benin: Electric Grinder for Lesbian Humanist Safe House

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/HumanistsHelp