Fee exemption reform

The government of Benin has expanded its school fee exemption program for girls to include the second cycle of general secondary education in 20 underprivileged municipalities for the school year 2022-2023, as part of a pilot initiative. This measure builds on the existing exemption policy for girls in the first cycle, established in 2013, to promote gender equity and improve access to education for girls across the country. The initiative covers girls from grade 6 through their final year of secondary school.

The selected municipalities span 12 departments, including regions like Kérou in Atacora, Copargo in Donga, and Aguégués in Ouémé. The policy will relieve parents from financial burdens, with previously collected school fees being refunded where applicable. This program, which represents an annual government investment of over 3.5 billion FCFA, complements other educational subsidies and support systems aimed at reducing dropout rates among girls​.