Marie-Elise Gbèdo

Marie-Elise Gbèdo

 

Content created by Virtual Intern  Celeste Lan

Marie-Elise Gbèdo, a human rights lawyer at Barreau du Bénin (Benin Bar), fights domestic violence, female genital mutilation, sexual harassment, and other injustices. Gbèdo is President of the Association of Female Lawyers of Benin and has received awards including the “Grand Officer” title in the National Order of Benin.

Gbèdo credits her 1997 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) as a key influence on her career. In 2001, Gbèdo became the first woman to run for president in Benin, a decision inspired in part by meeting female politicians during her IVLP. In 2011, she participated in the launch of then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s Women in Public Service Project.

Gbèdo serves as a mentor to female political candidates. She empowers women through “You Can Do It Too,” a leadership and career training initiative of the US-Benin Women Alumni Association.

Marie-Elise Gbèdo emboldens women and girls and champions their rights.

Edited by Virtual Interns Regina Navarro-Gomez and Kristin Mitra