kabarsula From survivor to human rights defender: Meet Julie Gbanmeton bandar SLOT INDONESIA

This blog contains descriptions of sexual abuse. We included this to stay true to survivors’ testimonies and their word.

“My activism dates back to when I was 11 years old because I experienced violence at that age. I was raped. And the first thing I did was speak out.

One weekend, I was left in the care of a man my parents knew. My father had something to do, so he asked the man to stay with me. Night fell, I went to bed to sleep, and while I was asleep, he committed his crime.

I screamed and screamed, but no one heard me; no one came to my rescue. After he was done, I went outside. It was 1 or 2 am. I didn’t have a phone, but I had a flashlight. I shone my flashlight on the path as I walked. Some customs officers were there. I wasn’t afraid, so I went up to them. I explained what had just happened, and that very night, they caught the man. The next day, he was taken into police custody. That’s when my father returned and found out what had happened. Legal proceedings began, the trial took place, and the man was sentenced to five years in prison.

That’s how my commitment to human rights began. After that, whenever I saw an injustice, I was shocked, and my sole concern was to grow up so I could put an end to it.

‘I decided I had to take on my responsibilities’

Today, I haven’t stopped fighting. Along the way, I’ve faced other challenges. When I was 17, I got pregnant. It happened because of ignorance! I was in high school, and I carried my pregnancy to term despite the prejudice. It wasn’t easy, but my parents supported me. If I were to give up the fight today, it would be as if I wanted my sisters to suffer the same violence and grow up in the same ignorance.

My daughter is nine years old. She was initially raised by her grandmother, but I fulfilled my role to her. I decided I had to take on my responsibilities as a mother.

Before, I didn’t talk about my story publicly because I saw it as a source of shame. But today, it’s a source of strength for me. Many people are encouraging me through this process. If I need to talk about my struggles and explain my mistakes to enlighten young girls in Benin, I’ll do so with pride. Serving others is part of my daily life. I know I have a long road ahead of me.

My family, my parents support me. My dad understands that I was born this way, that I’m against injustice. Before, I was seen as a rebellious child who did whatever she wanted. Today, my father can’t support me financially, but he encourages me.

© Amnesty International Benin

From survivor to human rights defender

Before applying to the Human Rights Stars programme, I was very interested in Amnesty International’s work. I am interested in issues related to peace, international security, and social justice – not to mention human rights, which form the foundation of my commitment. After graduating from high school, I began studying law at the Parakou University.

I was active in a young lawyers’ organization, where I served as director in charge of project management. I also headed the International Women’s Rights Day organizing committee for three years. I learned a great deal.

Together with another human rights star from the Parakou region, we launched an awareness campaign in 2025 on gender-based violence and the prevention of early pregnancies in Djougou. We held awareness sessions at two middle schools. We also organized sessions on breast cancer and on gynaecological and obstetric violence – topics about which people lack sufficient knowledge.

Since 2023, I have also been leading an organization that promotes women’s leadership and the rights of women and children. Through this organization, I am currently doing a lot of work to empower women, combat gender-based violence, and promote the rights of women and children. We are about to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child, which is very important to us. It is a day for reflection and for celebrating the progress made in protecting and defending our rights; a day to take stock of our achievements, the challenges ahead, and the long-term outlook.

Paving the way for future generations

Through my organization, I set up a contest called “Children’s Voices, Voices of Hope”. It’s designed to help children learn about their rights and responsibilities in society and to express themselves in public. I had my daughter participate; she, too, will learn to fight. In this fight I’m waging, I won’t be alone. My daughter will also be a star that shines for others. I’m going to make this dream I see before me a reality.

I have a message to share. The time has come for us, the girls and women of Benin to shine, to know our rights and defend them, and to take responsibility. By doing this, we can contribute to social change. Our country cannot be built without us.”