Context:
In Togo, women still face significant inequalities in the workplace. They have more difficulty accessing employment and often hold positions without formal contracts. According to the OECD’s Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) of 2019, which measures discrimination, Togo had a score of 49.5%, placing it among countries with high levels of discrimination. Many women are exposed to situations of harassment (sexual or moral), discrimination, abuse of power, and other forms of gender-based violence.
Women and girls working in companies, as well as their organizations, generally have limited knowledge of their rights, are rarely involved in trade union movements, live in fear of losing their jobs, and are silent victims of workplace harassment and sexual violence. They remain powerless in the face of costly and overly lengthy legal procedures, as well as family and societal pressures.
Nevertheless, Togo has expressed its commitment to promoting women’s rights and has strengthened its legal framework to better protect them in the workplace. However, the main challenge remains the effective enforcement of these laws and policies. Several obstacles hinder this implementation: persistent inequalities in perceptions between men and women, lack of awareness of laws among some employers, and slow judicial procedures in the event of disputes. Finally, some civil society organizations still lack the technical capacity needed to fully play their role in advocacy and public influence.
Project description:
The project aims to build the capacity and skills of Togolese civil society so that it can effectively play its role in awareness-raising, social mobilization, civic monitoring, and advocacy towards companies and public authorities, in order to ensure that companies respect the rights of women and girls.
It will equip women and Togolese civil society with skills to defend their rights and negotiate better working conditions within their companies.
Specific objectives:
• Strengthening the capacities of Togolese civil society to raise awareness among companies on the rights of women and girls and to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR);
• Improve women’s working conditions by encouraging companies to comply with labor standards and rights, and to implement measures aimed at protecting women against all forms of workplace violence;
• Combat child forced labor, particularly that of young girls, including their recruitment and exploitation in the services, trade, and artisanal sectors.
Key Themes:
Women's Rights
Education
Empowerment