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Abstract
Women’s productive roles have generated important debates, heuristic as well as practical, in the scientific and development community. In Benin, women farmers are playing a key role, particularly in agriculture and cotton production, where they are involved throughout the production process. However, only a handful of them are involved in the management of farmer organizations. This article aims to identify factors that constrain or enable women’s representation in the management of cotton organizations. It uses survey data and the life history method to meet its objectives. The life history method was applied to two women leaders who are exceptions to the rule, to document their experience as board members of organizations. Both were cajoled into their positions, and then ousted unceremoniously. The results suggest that gender myths and stereotypes still determine the involvement of women in managing organizations. And the male motive in involving women in management continues to remain questionable.
