Many students in Benin, particularly girls, do not receive an education because of the costs involved and some cultural bias in favor of males. To this end, girls are directed towards selling in the market, or assisting parents in planting and/or farming.
Although public school is nominally free in Benin for all students aged six through eleven, these students must purchase uniforms, books, and supplies, thus making it impossible for many potential students to attend school. Because of the reluctance on part of the parents to pay for girls to attend school, families with limited funds consistently prioritize formal education for sons over daughters.
The above holds true when considering that Benin has a population of 8.8 million, of which 45% of Beninese are less than 15 years old, with boys having a primary school completion rate of 76% and girls one of 53%.
To further complete the matter the Beninese government designates 23% of its national budget towards education.* * U.S. Agency for International Development As of 2002, the literacy rate for citizens over 15 years old in Benin was 34.7%. The rates vary significantly between men and women, with 47.9% of men over the age of 15 able to read and write, as compared to women 23.3%.** ** CIA World Fact Book
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