Key Social Norms Take-aways The PROJEUNES (Preventing early and forced marriage in Benin) project demonstrated that addressing early and forced marriage (EFM) in Benin requires shifting deeply entrenched social norms that define girls’ value in terms of marriageability and fertility. The project successfully fostered critical reflection among youth and community actors, challenging beliefs that favor early marriage as a protective or economic strategy. One of the key lessons is that sustained, participatory community engagement, combined with youth empowerment, can catalyze changes in collective attitudes, including reducing stigma around delaying marriage and increasing support for girls’ education and agency.
Objectives The primary objective of PROJEUNES was to prevent early and forced marriages among adolescents in the Borgou Department of Benin by addressing the root causes, including social norms, limited education, gender inequality, and weak protection systems.
Methods The evaluation used a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative data collection. This included household surveys with adolescents, focus groups, and key informant interviews with parents, community leaders, educators, and protection actors across intervention and control communes. Changes in knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and social norms were assessed.
Intervention Details Implemented from 2020 to 2022 by Oxfam and local partners, PROJEUNES focused on raising awareness, strengthening institutional frameworks, and empowering youth through clubs and peer-led discussions. The program also worked with traditional and religious leaders, parents, and service providers to create a supportive environment and facilitate social norms change. Communication tools such as community theater, radio broadcasts, and discussion guides were used to promote dialogue around EFM.
Results The project contributed to increased awareness of the negative consequences of early marriage and enhanced community support for delaying marriage. Youth participants reported improved confidence, public speaking, and capacity to influence their peers and families. Attitudes shifted, with a noted decline in the perception that early marriage is a protective or obligatory choice. Girls expressed stronger aspirations for education and autonomy. Community leaders acknowledged a reduction in early marriage cases and attributed this to the sensitization and engagement activities. However, economic hardship and family pressure remained persistent challenges.
Conclusions PROJEUNES effectively mobilized youth and communities to reflect on and challenge the social norms underpinning early marriage. The program showed that while individual attitudes can shift quickly, broader norm change requires ongoing, multi-level engagement and structural support. The project highlights the importance of empowering youth as change agents and involving entire communities to create enabling environments that support girls’ rights and choices.