education and the impact of forced marriage. And USAID-supported monitoring committees work to increase the enrollment of school-age girls and improve their retention through activities like after-school study groups
Since the monitoring committee intervened in Penon’s case, many parents have realized that encouraging girls to stay in school does not prevent them from getting married later. The parents also understand that they should fight the practice of early forced marriage and give their daughters a chance to complete at least primary education. Penon’s mother, a member of the local parent-teacher association, was satisfied to know that her daughter would continue her schooling.
Changing minds, attitudes, and behaviors is no easy task, especially when actions are deeply rooted in commonly accepted and shared beliefs, perceptions, customs, and traditions. The situation is not made easier in communities where many family matriarchs have also been victims of forced marriages. Sensitization campaigns seek to empower and involve communities so that they can work together to trigger change.
Penon is now enrolled in the fifth grade. Illustrating the opportunity to increase primary school retention and completion rates, Penon’s experience also offers a glimpse into the promise of an educational future for all Benin’s girls.
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