Togo/Women’s Rights: President Faure GNASSINGBE’s social and financial inclusion policy in course

In recent years, President Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE of Togo, supported by his government, has been dedicated to a policy of women’s empowerment through a social and financial inclusion program. Various initiatives and projects have been defined and implemented for the genuine emancipation of women, regardless of their social status.

One notable project launched in 2016 is the Financial Inclusion Support Project for Vulnerable Women (PAIFFV).

This initiative aims to ensure the financial autonomy of women in difficulty, enabling them to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

Under President Faure GNASSINGBE’s leadership and the government’s determination, the conditions of these vulnerable women are progressively improving in society.

To date, the government reports that over 13,500 women in the Maritime, Kara, and Savanes regions have benefited from more than 15,000 credits, surpassing the initial target of 10,000 beneficiaries.

This government project, supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), specifically targets disabled women, those suffering from obstetric fistula, victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation, low-income single mothers, and women porters.

Approximately 600 million FCFA have been distributed as credit, facilitating the creation of over 8,000 micro and small enterprises, with average profitability rates reaching 26.5%, as of the end of 2022, exceeding expectations.

In Togo, where women make up 51.3% of the population, as per the latest census results, it is crucial to ensure the success of initiatives aimed at the empowerment and socio-economic reintegration of women.

This will significantly reduce poverty in the country and ensure its effective development.

Kodjovi Makafui