Promoting equal opportunities and gender equality

Context

Togo has been committed to equal opportunities, gender equality and a stronger role for women since 1985.

The country has launched numerous reforms aimed at improving the protection of women’s rights and combating discrimination, especially in respect of family law, protection against violence and harassment, and equitable access to economic and agricultural means of production.

Despite the progress made, the implementation of the reforms remains challenging, especially at community level. Women still have only limited access to economic and political participation. This is also detrimental to social cohesion in the country.

Objective

Institutional structures in Togo are improved to reduce inequalities and discrimination against women.

Approach

The project is supporting the following measures:

• It is integrating equal opportunities and gender equality into national political strategies. In doing so, it is also raising awareness among civil society, public institutions and private companies. The project is helping to change societal norms by creating space for dialogue on gender issues and offering inclusive approaches to dispute resolution involving traditional and religious authorities.
• It is organising information campaigns and training designed to help girls and young women to better defend their interests.
• It is improving the quality of legal support services by involving traditional and religious authorities as well as the courts. Adapted and inclusive judicial mechanisms enable better protection of women’s rights and equitable access for women to the legal system.

Last update: March 2025