Gertrude Nadia Sena Dossa: Head of the second Arrondissement of Porto-Novo, Benin

A native of Porto-Novo in Benin, Mrs. Gertrude Nadia Sena Dossa is a committed and dynamic young leader, distinguished by her commitment to her community and her dedication to improving the lives of the inhabitants of her arrondissement. With a degree in marketing and communication, she has demonstrated a keen sense of responsibility and competition, as well as a willingness to give her best for others, earning her the exceptional civilian distinction of Officer in Benin’s National Order of Merit.

In office since June 2020, she has put in place several initiatives and activities that have a positive impact on education, social well-being, the empowerment of women and young people, and the health of the population. Ms. Dossa is also a member of the Gender, Social Affairs and Citizen Participation Commission of the National Association of Benin Communes (ANCB).

One of Gertrude Nadia Sena Dossa’s notable achievements is her initiative to distribute school kits to pupils in her arrondissement before the start of the new school year. By offering over 1,000 school kits, she is helping to reduce the financial obstacles that many children face in their educational journey. This action demonstrates her commitment to education and her desire to offer all children the best chances of success.

In addition, Gertrude Nadia Sena Dossa organizes an annual Christmas charity lunch for orphans and street children in her town. This initiative aims to bring a little joy and comfort to those in need during the festive season. It demonstrates her compassion for the most vulnerable in society, and shows that she cares deeply about social well-being.

Empowering women and young people is also a priority for Gertrude Nadia Sena Dossa. She offers training scholarships in agri-food and other relevant fields to facilitate the professional integration of women and young people in her arrondissement. By giving them the skills they need to succeed in these sectors, she is helping to empower these individuals economically and promote the sustainable development of her community.

In terms of recreational activities, Gertrude Nadia Sena Dossa organizes inter-neighborhood soccer tournaments for the youth. These sporting events enable young ones to have fun, develop their sporting skills and strengthen social ties within the community. They also provide a platform for promoting values such as fair play, cooperation and mutual respect.

The health of the population is another major concern for Gertrude Nadia Sena Dossa. She regularly organizes free screening sessions for certain common pathologies such as diabetes and high blood pressure. By offering these screening services, she helps to raise awareness of health risks and encourages early management of medical problems.

In short, as a social and political activist, the actions she leads and supports are geared towards social well-being and the protection of the most vulnerable, through education and the empowerment of women and young people. Her holistic vision of development enables her to engage in dialogue with all the components of her area, and at the same time reveals her inspiring role as a young female political leader.

A member of UCLG Africa’s Network of Young Elected Local Officials in Africa (YELO), Gertrude Nadia Sèna DOSSA, aka “GNSD”, intends to bring her experience and skills to energize the inclusion and participation of the youth in the governance and development of territories in Africa.