Julie Gbanmeton says childhood sexual violence shaped her activism

Julie Gbanmeton, a 26-year-old law student at Parakou University in northern Benin, states in a post published by Amnesty International that surviving sexual violence as a child shaped her lifelong commitment to human rights activism. Named a Human Rights Star by Amnesty International Benin in 2024, Gbanmeton leads the organization Femmes guerrières d’Afrique pour le développement, which conducts community outreach across Benin and Togo to promote women’s leadership.

Activism Born From Childhood Assault

In her post published by Amnesty International, Gbanmeton states that her activism began when she was eleven years old after a man known to her parents raped her while she was left in his care. She recounts that she screamed for help, but no one came to her rescue. After the assault, she walked outside at one or two in the morning with a flashlight and encountered customs officers on the path. She explains that she was not afraid and immediately told them what happened. The officers caught the man that same night, and police took him into custody the following day. Her father subsequently returned, legal proceedings began, and a court sentenced the perpetrator to five years in prison.

That experience transformed her outlook on society. Whenever she witnessed an injustice afterward, she felt shocked and resolved to grow up so she could put an end to such acts.

Gbanmeton Overcame Teenage Pregnancy with Parental Support

Gbanmeton writes that she faced additional challenges at age 17 when she became pregnant due to ignorance while in high school. Despite facing social prejudice, she carried her pregnancy to term with the support of her parents. She notes that giving up the fight would mean accepting that her sisters should suffer similar violence and ignorance. Today, her daughter is nine years old. Although her grandmother initially raised the child, Gbanmeton fulfilled her responsibilities as a mother.

While she once viewed her story as a source of shame and kept it private, she now treats it as a source of strength. Her father, who currently cannot support her financially, encourages her work and understands that she opposes injustice by nature.

Gbanmeton Led Legal Advocacy and Gender-Based Violence Campaigns

Before applying to the Human Rights Stars program, Gbanmeton engaged extensively with Amnesty International’s work and focused on international security, peace, social justice, and human rights. At Parakou University, she served as project management director for a young lawyers’ organization and headed the International Women’s Rights Day organizing committee for three years.

In 2025, she collaborated with another human rights star from the Parakou region to launch an awareness campaign in Djougou regarding gender-based violence and the prevention of early pregnancies. The campaign included sessions at two middle schools, alongside educational events addressing breast cancer as well as gynaecological and obstetric violence. Since 2023, she has led her own organization focused on empowering women and protecting the rights of women and children.

Launching the Childrens Voices Contest

Ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child, Gbanmeton established a contest titled “Children’s Voices, Voices of Hope.” The initiative aims to help children learn about their rights and responsibilities in society while practicing public speaking. She enrolled her own daughter in the contest to ensure that the next generation joins the fight for rights and social change in Benin.

Victims of gender-based violence seeking assistance can turn to local human rights organizations, legal aid clinics, and specialized counselors equipped to provide confidential support and legal representation.