In September 2026, a transformative experience unfolded for young women in Benin. During their company immersion, learners from the #projet3M discovered the trade of welding and practised alongside professionals. This experience allowed them to acquire new skills, strengthen their self-confidence and calmly envision their future in non-traditional trades. It was a powerful demonstration that welding was a profession for girls and women too.
The immersion represented far more than a technical training exercise. It was an opportunity for young women to step into spaces that had historically been reserved for men, to test their abilities against real-world challenges and to discover untapped potential within themselves. As they worked alongside seasoned professionals, they learned not only the techniques of the trade but also the confidence that came from mastering something new and demanding.
The learners acquired new skills that would serve them well in their future careers. They strengthened their self-confidence, discovering that they were capable of succeeding in environments that many had assumed were beyond their reach. And they began to envision their futures with a sense of calm assurance, knowing that they had the abilities and the determination to pursue careers in non-traditional trades.
The #projet3M was implemented by Développement international – Éducation internationale with national partners FAWE Benin, Renej-Bénin, and with the financial support of Le développement international du Canada – Affaires mondiales Canada and the Embassy of Canada to Burkina Faso and Benin. This collaborative effort reflected a shared commitment to creating opportunities for young women to access skills development and pursue careers in fields where they had historically been underrepresented.
The immersion experience was part of a broader strategy to promote gender equality in technical and vocational education and training. By exposing young women to non-traditional trades such as welding, the project challenged stereotypes, expanded horizons and created pathways to economic empowerment. It recognised that when girls and women were given the opportunity to explore diverse career options, they could thrive in any field they chose.
The experience also demonstrated the importance of partnerships in advancing gender equality. By bringing together international organisations, national partners and the private sector, the #projet3M created a comprehensive support system for young women seeking to enter non-traditional trades. This collaborative approach ensured that learners received not only technical training but also mentorship, guidance and the encouragement they needed to succeed.
As the immersion concluded, the learners emerged with new skills, renewed confidence and a clearer vision for their futures. They had broken barriers, challenged assumptions and proven that welding was indeed a profession for girls and women. Their journey served as an inspiration to others and as a reminder that when young women were given the opportunity to explore their potential, they could achieve remarkable things.