Glitho Anicet, President of the Benin Judo Federation, and Eric Adébayo Olafa, Secretary General, are committed to finding solutions to increase the number of women in the sport. During a practical seminar held in Cotonou recently, Dr Slavisa Bradic, IJF Academy Education Director, had the chance to speak to four of the six women working as judo coaches in Benin, to better understand their stories and the challenges they face.
Judo coach Chantal Akogbeto started judo in February 2002. Despite initial difficulties due to the club's remoteness, she was able to build a successful competitive career, but often competing in higher weight categories than her own due to a lack of women registering to compete. She has been working as a coach since 2012 and being a female judo role model in her country is a matter of faith, passion and honour for her.
Her greatest honour was to participate in the world championships and attend IJF training camps. Chantal points out that the biggest problem is the lack of women in judo in Benin. Karen Daga has a similar experience. She started the sport in 2004 at the Douillet club, at the age of 7. The club was well developed which motivated the young judoka to progress. Her competitive career was successful at national level and she became national champion in her category several times. She is currently working as a coach at her club. Being a woman and a judoka in her country is an honour for Karen and brings a lot of respect. The greatest aspect judo she has found is her improved self-confidence. The biggest problem is the lack of support and promotion of women in judo, while the biggest advantage is respect and appreciation of and for the environment. Her biggest motivation is her passion for judo and the desire to pass that passion on to younger people, especially girls.
Natacha Gnanhoue is a representative of women in the Benin Judo Federation. She loves judo because it is her passion and her goal is to encourage girls to love it as much as she does. She started practising judo at the age of 15 and has continued to love judo even when starting her family. She now has three children. However, her project is difficult to implement due to a lack of equipment in her city.
Mika Houndjenoukon took her first steps on the tatami at the age of 3 and a half in her father's club. Growing up in the Laureates Club allowed her to develop discipline from an early age. Her competitive career began at the age of 11 and at the age of 16 she passed her black belt exam. Being a female judoka in her country is a source of pride and responsibility and what she enjoys the most is sharing knowledge with young judoka. The biggest challenge is the lack of attention and support for women's judo. Mika dreams that one day she will represent her country internationally.
The stories of these women show the strength, passion and resilience that are needed to succeed in judo. Despite the challenges, they continue to inspire and motivate new generations of judoka.
The Benin Judo Federation continues to work to promote gender equality in judo, providing the support and resources needed for development. Their efforts are key to breaking stereotypes and creating a more inclusive sporting environment. Through its numerous activities, the IJF Academy proudly continues to support gender equality in all parts of the world.