EXECUTIVE SUMMARY __________________________________________________________________________ 3.5.2 Decentralisation and the role of traditional institutions 3.82 Increased decentralisation is necessary, not only to ensure greater participation by the grass-roots population, but also to allow for fuller expression and better management of socio-cultural diversity. However, there is always a gap between the desire expressed in the plans and programmes, and reality. Some of the weaknesses of the decentralisation process include the lack of clarity in the definition of local affairs; inadequate human and material resources and competencies in the communes; the hesitation in the effective transfer of these competences; the ambiguous status of local administrative units; political conflict; poor understanding of regulations by locally elected officials; racketeering; inappropriate intervention by supervisory authorities; poor cooperation between the decentralised services and locally elected officials; regulations not reflecting local realities; and the lack of involvement of traditional authorities and ‘royal members’ who are often at the centre of power in rural communities. This situation points to the urgent need for a decentralisation policy. 3.83 Given all of these considerations, the APR Panel recommends that the Beninese authorities adopt measures to ensure the effective transfer of competencies to the communes, including more rigorous requirements for locally elected officials (such as morality, integrity and training), improved capacity at this level, and involvement of traditional institutions in the process of decentralisation. 3.5.3 The issue of gender and the equality of the sexes 3.84 Women constitute more than half the population of Benin (approximately 52%). This cannot be ignored, first, in terms of socioeconomic development and secondly, in terms of the goal of constructing an emerging Benin. This is underscored by women’s vigour in their way of doing business in Benin. Therefore, women need to be considered when addressing the question of governance, as examined by this review process. Significant progress in improving Benin’s legal and institutional framework has been made over the past few years, but the political, economic and social rights of women and their autonomy continue to be subject to certain restrictions. This is especially true in relation to socio-cultural traditions, which remain strong in the country. In a country where women represent over half the population, the political, economic and social effects of gender inequality impede the development of an emerging Benin and the realisation of sustainable human development. 3.85 The APR Panel believes that legislative amendments, information, intercultural exchange and practical measures, as well as positive discriminatory measures, need to be used as leverage to change the socioeconomic and psycho-cultural institutional structures that continue to support these inequalities. Public authorities, territorial communities, traditional authorities, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and unions have a major role to play in this regard. The APR Panel therefore recommends that the Beninese authorities and other stakeholders, in their respective spheres and at their 25