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Medium-Term Impact of the Elimination of School Fees on Girls’ Education in Benin, West Africa

This study measures the impact of the abolition of primary school fees for girls in rural areas of Benin, West Africa. The free primary education policy (FPE) in Benin occurred in two phases. In the first phase in 1993 (FPE phase 1), the government announced the removal of fees for girls in rural areas, and in 2000 (FPE phase 2), it started compensating schools for registering girls. This paper argues that an effective elimination of direct education costs could benefit girls’ enrollment. Still, as long as there are other education costs, household income will determine keeping the girl in school. The results indicate that FPE phase 1 likely widened the gender gap in access and completion, while FPE phase 2 reduced this gap. The policy influenced all levels of income, but the impact was more significant for the wealthiest households. Furthermore, cultural disparities persist. The effective elimination of direct school costs could enhance girls’ access and retention, but an ineffective reform can worsen the gender gap in education.