Togo, in few words
Regarding the country's history, Togo was marked by the Portuguese presence in 15th century. Then from 1884 to 1914, the Togoland was a German protectorate in West Africa. After the first world war, and Germany’s defeat, the country was divided into two, between France and England. The English part was attached to the Gold Coast (currently Ghana) and the French part maintained its autonomy with respect to Dahomey (currently Benin).
The last part : Togo achieved its independence on 27th April 1960. The population is approximately 8 million souls and the density is 152 habitants/km2, and composed of at least forty ethnicities in which two important are Kabye and Ewe.
Regarding the legal text and adoption of new penal code on gender equality in the country, it evolved in the past ten years: the child protection (decrease of circumcision), progress in girls’ education and access to female employment…
However, concerning children's care, the woman is rooted to her traditional role of home maker unwillingly. Even worse, the physical and sexual violence and early marriages persist!
Copyright ©Afrobaromètre 2019
“The Togolese are very conservative
on the family values and traditions.
Nearly two Togolese out of three (65%) find that in general a family has a better life when childcare is principally managed by a woman.Togo is one of the most conservative among 34 countries surveyed”
According to Afrobaromètre, an independent pan-African research network, the on ground reality in terms of gender issues shows that more efforts to be made to ensure more access to qualified job in formal sectors especially in politics.