Article Details

This paper assesses the British colonial administration’s influence on women in Benin. It examines how colonial policies affected women in Benin and their responses. It explores how British colonial economic policies affected women's economic activities and social status. This paper argues that women's participation in the colonial economy through the production of cash crops and the processing of foodstuffs raised capital to establish small-scale businesses and diversified into other entrepreneurial ventures, thereby contributing to the upkeep of their households. This paper established that the colonial economy transformed women from traditional to modern economic activities, enhancing their economic independence and social status. Using a qualitative research methodology, data were collected from primary and secondary sources. The varied sources were critically analyzed in reconstructing how the British colonial administration’s policies had transformative impacts on Benin women through their participation in the colonial economy.

British administration, New influences, Economic policies, Benin woman, Change,