Accelerating the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence Against Girls and Adolescents in Benin

This initiative contributes to ending harmful practices and violence against girls and adolescents including child marriage in Benin. To achieve this UNICEF works to equip girls and women better to take ownership of their rights and access appropriate social and protective services. Project activities include: (1) strengthening Benin’s capacity to respond to sexual and gender-based violence against girls and adolescents; and (2) providing technical assistance to key government structures at both national and sub-national levels. The project also works with communities to bring about gender transformative behaviour change by mobilizing and empowering community actors to fight against harmful traditional practices and support girls’ and adolescents’ rights.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased synergy between health and protection services to combat gender-based violence against girls and adolescents; (2) improved delivery of care and prevention services for girls and adolescents at risk or victims of violence by staff trained and sensitive to the rights of girls and adolescents; and (3) increased participation of adolescents and young women and men women’s associations watch committees religious leaders and families in the defence and protection of the rights of girls and adolescents.