Benin

Introduction

Benin is a country rich in ancient culture and wild animal life. Located on the northwestern coast of Africa, it has a population of 14.5 million people.

Yet, it does have some challenges with stress. The predominant sources of PTSD are road traffic accidents and first responder PTSD as well as PTSD from those who help refugees. However, domestic abuse is another major source of trauma in the nation.

Empowering women in Benin through Transcendental Meditation

We are launching a transformative initiative aimed at introducing Transcendental Meditation (TM) within a women’s organisation in Benin: the Groupe d’Actions pour l’Épanouissement des Femmes et des Filles [Action Group for the Empowerment of Women and Girls]. This project will be a partnership of the above NGO, the TM organisation represented by Dr. Nigel Kahn the international administrator for Benin, and Alliance for PTSD Recovery, a US charity.
Please read the inspiring text below from the local organiser, development economist Mazu Amoudath.

Please read the inspiring text below from the local organiser, development economist Mazu Amoudath.

Mazu Amoudath

This project seeks to support women, particularly those living in rural areas in the south of the country, who face significant economic hardship as well as high levels of psychological and emotional stress. Many of them also experience difficult family conditions, sometimes including situations of domestic violence.

At present, Benin does not yet have a resident teacher of Transcendental Meditation. To initiate this program, we are bringing in two certified teachers from neighbouring Togo to deliver the first training. This will serve as an essential pilot phase for future scaling.

Your support at this stage is crucial.

By contributing to this initiative, you are not only helping women regain inner balance, strength, and clarity, but you are also contributing to the emergence of greater harmony within communities—and, ultimately, across the country.

This project is part of a sustainable vision. The founder of the organisation, Mazu Amoudath, a development economist, intends to become a certified TM teacher herself. This will enable the program to grow independently and sustainably. In the meantime, we need to cover the costs associated with bringing in qualified teachers from Togo.

If this initiative to raise the quality of life for women in Benin resonates with you, we invite you to support it.

Together, let’s create lasting change—one woman, one family, one community at a time.

Our first tour will be for XX weeks to teach as many women and girls as possible with a projected cost of $2100 USD, which includes transportation, housing, TM fees, and all other expenses. The estimated number of women and girls to learn in this first visit will be 25–30, but we believe that this modest beginning will grow into something truly substantial.

Nigel Kahn
David Shapiro
Mazu Amoudath