WUNRN
BENIN - EDUCATION FOR GIRLS WITHOUT
FEAR, ABUSE
After Nehivena’s sixth grade
teacher in Benin sexually abused her at school, he left her badly hurt and
alone in the classroom. With difficulty, the 12-year-old made her way home
where her mother immediately took her for medical care and contacted the
police.
The officer referred Nehivena’s mother to SIN-DO, a Global Fund for
Women grantee that stepped in to pay Sabina’s medical expenses and support her
family in filing charges against the teacher.
“It is thanks to SIN-DO that Nehivena is still alive,” said Nehivena’s
mother.
Support from SIN-DO helped to convict the teacher and enabled Nehivena
to resume her studies at a different school.
Sexual harassment in Beninese schools is a significant reason for low
enrollment of girl students. SIN-DO’s programs reach the most marginalized
adolescent girls through community-based training sessions on sexual
harassment, forced marriage, and importance of girls’ education.
“I have two daughters who had never been to school,” said Madame
Lissassi Gbegan, whose daughter received her basic education certificate
through a SIN-DO program. “SIN-DO provided school materials and visited them in
school and at home to motivate them.”
Through their wide range of community programs, this Global Fund
grantee, with a staff of just eight, has benefited over 40,000 women and girls
in
The case study highlights the role of girl-focused community
organizations, including SIN-DO. With the adoption of
“Because of SIN-DO, we have changed our mentality regarding the
education of our children. We recognize the importance of girls’ education,”
said Adklommč Village Chief, Barnabč Koido.
Since 1998, Global Fund has awarded $158,000 in funding to SIN-DO.
Currently, Global Fund supports nearly 200 community organizations in 78
countries that are working to secure girls’ rights, access to education and
well-being.