Women in the border space Ketou Illara: homo domesticus versus homo oeconomicus

Abstract

Women's empowerment is a prerequisite for improving their living conditions. Since the construction of the Kétou-Illara road in 2009, socio-economic opportunities have opened up for women in the commune of Kétou. What are the socio-economic factors at play?
This research is both qualitative and quantitative. The study population consists of men and women living in the border area of ​​Kétou, specifically in the village of Illara-Kanga, whether or not they are from Kétou. The survey lasted from May to November 2017. The total number of interviews conducted is estimated at 110, with 32 women traders, 15 transporters, 58 users, and five municipal authorities, namely two village chiefs, two district chiefs, and one councilor. The data collection techniques used in this research are: direct observation, individual interview and questionnaire. The analysis model used is that of the social logic of P., Bourdieu and L., Wacquant (2014). The results obtained reveal that commercial transactions at the Illara-Kanga border mobilize the participation of both women and men. They have generated a very high and diversified concentration of border populations. This has led, at the local level, to an increase in cereal production (of which women are the main actors) and the development of other income-generating and service activities.