Inspection. Report of Benin Lesbian Safe House

by Saliu Olumide Saheed

As part of my duties as the Africa Humanist Director for HuMAN, I conducted an inspection and visitation to the Safe House located in Ouidah, Benin Republic. This Safe House is home to twelve Humanist LGBTQ girls and women, providing them with security, dignity, and a communal environment where they can live without fear of persecution. The visit aimed to assess the living conditions of the residents, engage them in conversation about their experiences, evaluate the income-generating projects supported by HuMAN, and gain a deeper understanding of how the Safe House is meeting its mission.

Upon arrival, I was warmly received by Stephanie, the coordinator of the Safe House. She welcomed me into the compound and introduced me to the other residents: Olga, Fifa, Rachou, Kete, Gado, Afi, Fade, Zola, Kele, Chioma, and Oge. The group immediately presented a strong sense of unity and solidarity, a sign of the communal lifestyle they practice within the house. Each member shared her story of how she came to live in the Safe House, and their testimonies were deeply moving. Many of the women spoke of being rejected by family or facing hostility in society due to their sexual orientation. For some, their safety had been threatened to the point where they could not live freely outside. Within the Safe House, however, their lives had changed dramatically.

Olga expressed that for the first time in her life she was able to openly acknowledge and live her sexuality without fear of reprisal. Fifa described the Safe House as a family she never thought she would have, emphasizing that the sense of belonging gave her new confidence. Chioma, who oversees the grinding machine project, told me how proud she feels being able to contribute directly to the group’s survival: “Every day I run the grinding machine, I know I am helping us eat and pay for things we need.” Kete and Rachou, who coordinate the fermented drink project, highlighted how rewarding it is to see members of the neighborhood buy and enjoy their drinks: “People in the community accept what we produce, and that makes us proud.”

The inspection of the two projects showed clear evidence of success. The fermented drink project operates with creativity and resourcefulness, using recycled Coca-Cola bottles to package hygienically prepared drinks that are refrigerated and sold to the public. The grinding machine project, recently purchased with HuMAN’s support, is run diligently and has already become a steady source of income. Both initiatives provide a means of survival for the house and stand as symbols of empowerment for the women. It was encouraging to see how these small-scale enterprises are not only sustaining them but also helping to build skills and community connections.

While the projects are commendable, the living conditions of the Safe House present some challenges. The house itself is modest but kept clean and orderly by the residents. Space is limited, and with twelve occupants, congestion remains an issue. Sanitation is fair but could benefit from structural improvements to enhance long-term comfort. Power interruptions occasionally disrupt the refrigeration of drinks, which directly affects the fermented drink business. Healthcare remains another concern, as regular medical checkups are not consistently available. Despite these difficulties, the women maintain a high spirit of resilience, caring for one another and demonstrating commitment to communal living.

Another notable aspect of my visit was the depth of Humanist knowledge demonstrated by the residents. All twelve women proudly identify as irreligious and Humanist. They articulated a clear understanding of the principles of Humanism, particularly its emphasis on human dignity, rationality, freedom, and shared responsibility. Stephanie, in her role as coordinator, spoke passionately about how Humanism gave the group a philosophical framework to rebuild their lives: “We are not just housemates, we are family. This place gave us our lives back.” Others echoed similar sentiments, noting that Humanism helps them see themselves not as victims but as active participants in shaping a better future. The women’s communal lifestyle reflects these values, as they share resources, coordinate household duties, and support each other emotionally.

In conclusion, the Safe House in Ouidah is making a profound difference in the lives of its twelve residents. It has given them safety, identity, community, and the freedom to express their sexuality without fear. The income-generating projects have proven successful and demonstrate a model that can be scaled with further support. While there are ongoing challenges in space, healthcare, and infrastructure, the women remain committed to communal living, guided by Humanist values. With continued support from HuMAN, this Safe House has the potential to become not only a refuge but also a beacon of empowerment and resilience for Humanist LGBTQ communities in West Africa.