The 'Positive Masculinity' Campaign Puts Togolese Men in the 'Social Role' of Women

From January 11 to 31, 2021, MenEngage Togo led a campaign to promote gender equity and equality, focusing on positive masculinity to challenge stereotypes and raise awareness. The campaign uses striking visual aids to convey its message, showing men in traditionally female roles to emphasize that men remain men even when performing these tasks. Key figures like Kokou Edem Agboka and Elsa M’béna BA highlight the importance of understanding gender equality as beneficial for both men and women. Rosaline Tsékpuia from Girl’s Motion underscores that gender stereotypes hinder social development and that men can benefit from supporting women in their social roles. The campaign also targets women to break down barriers they may have erected against positive masculinity.

Il s'agit ici d'un reportage sur une mission médico-chirurgicale gratuite au profit des populations des milieux ruraux au Togo.

C'est un portrait que j'ai fait d'une jeune entrepreneure dans le domaine cosmétique. Falone Alognon qui je jure que par le Nappy prépare elle même ses produits avec de la matière première essentiellement locale.

Shoes made from recycled tires in Togo (video)

In Togo, shoes are being made from a mix of leather and recycled tires. The custom-made shoes, branded as 'Mablé Agbodan handmade in Togo,' are making their first appearance on the market.

Togo: Homosexuality and Justice Do Not Align

In Togo, access to justice is challenging, especially for vulnerable groups like the LGBT community, who face discrimination, stigmatization, and violence. Lawyer Thérèse Donou, a laureate of the 'Justice Makers' project by International Bridges to Justice, fights for equal justice in Togo. The LGBT community encounters barriers to justice due to societal intolerance and the risk of imprisonment for their sexual orientation. Associations like MEN'S and Afrique Arc-en-ciel work to defend LGBT rights, but face obstacles such as police discrimination. Togo's penal code criminalizes homosexuality, leading to calls for depenalization rather than legalization, as a step towards justice for all.

The Togolese government ready for 'dialogue', opposition in the streets

The Togolese government has announced its readiness to engage in dialogue with the opposition amidst ongoing protests demanding democratic reforms and the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé. Despite the government's call for restraint, thousands of opposition supporters continue to demonstrate, leading to clashes with the military. Regional leaders, including the presidents of Ghana, Benin, and Guinea, have offered to mediate the crisis. The opposition seeks a two-term presidential limit, while the government proposes a referendum for term limits that would not be retroactive, allowing Gnassingbé to run in future elections.