Naître fille : le coût social dès la maternité par Elisabeth APAMPA

À travers le monde, les filles continuent de subir des inégalités et discriminations dès leur naissance. De la déclaration officielle à l’accès à l’éducation, en passant par la répartition des tâches domestiques, le genre façonne les opportunités et droits fondamentaux des enfants bien avant l’adolescence. 

Pour de nombreuses filles, y compris celles du Togo, les inégalités qui dureront toute leur vie commencent par l’absence d’enregistrement de leur naissance. Selon l’UNICEF, environ 140 millions de filles dans le monde n’ont pas d’acte de naissance, les privant ainsi de droits fondamentaux. 

Enregistrement des naissances : un défi persistant

Au Togo, l’enregistrement des naissances est une priorité de l’État et de ses partenaires. Pourtant, d’importants défis subsistent. Selon l’Enquête Démographique et de Santé du Togo (EDST-III) 2013-2014, 78 % des enfants de moins de 5 ans sont enregistrés à l’état civil. Les garçons sont légèrement plus nombreux à être déclarés (79 % contre 77 % pour les filles). 

Les disparités sont encore plus marquées selon le lieu de résidence : en milieu urbain, 95 % des enfants sont enregistrés, contre seulement 69 % en milieu rural. Dans certaines régions, la situation est critique : 60 % des enfants des Plateaux et 65 % de la Kara ont un acte de naissance, contre 97 % à Lomé. Le niveau de vie du ménage influence également l’accès à ce droit : 67 % pour les foyers les plus pauvres contre 97 % pour les plus riches. Le niveau d’instruction de la mère joue un rôle décisif : 69 % des enfants de mères sans niveau scolaire sont déclarés, contre 92 % lorsque la mère a atteint le secondaire ou plus. 

« N’ayant pas été à l’école, j’ai toujours confié ce rôle à mon mari. Pour mon garçon, c’est lui qui s’est déplacé en personne. Mais lorsque j’ai eu ma fille, il m’a demandé de le faire, c’est maintenant mon rôle.», confie Kafui, mère de trois enfants à Tsévié.

L’enregistrement des naissances n’est pas un simple acte administratif, c’est la première reconnaissance de l’existence d’un enfant et de ses droits fondamentaux. Sans ce premier pas, l’égalité promise reste un rêve lointain. L’absence d’acte de naissance dès la maternité constitue le premier maillon d’une chaîne d’inégalités. Sans acte de naissance, un enfant ne peut ni être scolarisé, ni accéder à certains soins de santé, ni plus tard hériter ou voter.

Impact sur l’éducation

Ce premier document manquant devient souvent le premier jour d’école manqué. Selon l’EDST, 83 % des enfants âgés de 6 à 11 ans fréquentent l’école primaire, avec un léger avantage pour les garçons (85 % contre 82 % pour les filles). Ces écarts se creusent au secondaire : le taux net de scolarisation chute à 51 %, avec 58 % chez les garçons contre 45 % chez les filles. Ces chiffres prennent tout leur sens lorsqu’on écoute celles qui les vivent au quotidien. 

Témoignage : Elsie Blagogee

Elsie Blagogee, journaliste et survivante d’abus, témoigne des inégalités profondément enracinées au sein des familles, qui façonnent la façon dont les filles et les garçons sont éduqués. Mère de trois enfants — deux garçons et une fille — Elsie explique que, traditionnellement, les filles sont encouragées à suivre des filières courtes et moins coûteuses, afin de trouver rapidement un emploi, prendre en charge la famille et se marier. « Selon la société, la fille pourra ainsi, plus tôt, s’occuper des autres membres de la famille et de ses parents », précise-t-elle. À l’inverse, les garçons sont perçus comme les piliers du foyer. Ils sont incités à suivre des cursus plus longs et exigeants, réussir professionnellement, s’imposer financièrement et exercer une autorité considérée comme naturelle dans la société.

« Mes parents n’ont pas soutenu mon choix de carrière pour devenir journaliste dès le départ. J’étais esthéticienne et j’avais mon propre atelier. C’est un journaliste plus âgé qui m’a guidée, et j’ai dû m’auto-former par passion », raconte-t-elle. 

Elsie éduque ses enfants en leur donnant le libre choix de suivre leurs rêves, convaincue que filles et garçons peuvent obtenir des résultats exceptionnels lorsqu’on leur offre les mêmes opportunités. Elle insiste : « C’est pourquoi il faut supprimer très tôt les inégalités et adopter une parentalité positive. Mais surtout pour ma fille, je lutte pour qu’elle grandisse avec une communication fluide avec moi. Je l’accompagne dans ses choix professionnels, je l’aide à bâtir sa confiance en elle, son estime personnelle et sa capacité à prendre la parole en public. Ainsi, elle n’aura aucun souci à s’affirmer. »

Témoignage : Laurenda KONA

Laurenda, une étudiante en gestion des ressources humaines âgée de 19 ans, explique que sa mère leur a appris que les tâches ménagères incombaient aussi bien aux garçons qu’aux filles. Mais elle s’est vite rendu compte que cette règle n’était pas universelle.

«Mais dès que nous allions chez ma grand-mère, tout changeait : là-bas, mon frère ne fait que les travaux dit d’hommes, et tout reposait sur nos épaules pour le ménage, la cuisine. C’est là que j’ai compris que les règles ne sont pas les mêmes partout, et que le genre peut dicter des responsabilités avant même que l’on sache parler. Aujourd’hui, je crois qu’une fille a une réelle chance de réussir, mais tout dépend de son environnement. J’ai eu la chance de pouvoir faire mes propres choix. Pourtant, beaucoup de mes amies n’ont pas cet environnement favorable. Certaines finissent rapidement leur parcours scolaire, font des bourses pour accélérer leurs études, ou doivent travailler parallèlement pour soutenir leurs frais universitaires. En parlant avec elles, je me sens privilégiée, mais je constate que le système global doit s’améliorer. Il y a encore beaucoup à faire au niveau des parents. Beaucoup se désengagent après le bac, surtout pour les filles. Dans les familles où il faut faire des choix pour continuer les études, certains parents investissent beaucoup plus sur les garçons. « Parmi mes camarades, sur dix personnes, un seul garçon exprime ses difficultés. Les neuf autres sont des filles : elles affrontent quotidiennement des obstacles qu’elles cachent derrière de beaux sourires. Elles restent vulnérables. »

La voix des sages-femmes : un problème ancien mais en évolution

Pour Madame Kpeglo Alexis, sage-femme, la préférence pour les garçons n’est pas nouvelle : « Depuis la nuit des temps, ce problème existe. Les garçons sont vus comme l’avenir de la famille, tandis que les filles sont perçues comme de simples aides ménagères, appelées à quitter le foyer et à changer de nom. » Cela se traduit par des comportements discriminatoires : des pères qui refusent de payer les frais médicaux, des belles-mères qui multiplient les agressions verbales, ou encore des familles qui stigmatisent la mère. Certaines mères, traumatisées, vont jusqu’à refuser d’allaiter leur fille ou à rejeter l’enfant. Elle rapporte aussi des cas où des femmes, sous pression, consomment des produits en croyant qu’ils pourraient influencer le sexe du bébé.

Pour Madame Kpeglo Alexis, la clé reste la sensibilisation : « Il faut continuer à sensibiliser les maris, la population et même les belles-familles. Les mentalités évoluent, mais dans les cas de résistance, seule la sensibilisation peut nous aider. »

Un regard médical : la persistance d’un favoritisme

Dr Pamela Allavo, médecin généraliste, confirme que dans certaines familles, la naissance de garçons suscite plus de fierté et d’attention que les filles.

« Beaucoup de familles ne se pressent pas pour déclarer une fille à l’état civil. Pour un garçon, les démarches sont rapides, mais pour une fille, elles traînent », souligne-t-elle, ajoutant que certains parents sont plus attentifs aux soins, vaccins et régime alimentaire des garçons. 

« Beaucoup de femmes se sentent moins valorisées tant qu’elles n’ont pas eu de fils. Certaines finissent par se sentir coupables ou inutiles, ce qui peut mener à une détresse émotionnelle, voire à une dépression post-partum. » Pour elle, l’égalité dès la maternité nécessite une approche globale : sensibiliser les familles à l’importance de déclarer tous les enfants, accompagner les mères psychologiquement, responsabiliser les pères, et former les soignants pour détecter et soutenir les femmes en souffrance. « C’est tout un travail culturel et médical qui doit être mené ensemble », conclut-elle.

Témoignage : Diane N’Gonou

Selon Diane N’Gonou, sociologue, les rôles traditionnels dictent que, indépendamment de la réussite académique ou professionnelle d’une femme, la société valorise d’abord son mariage et sa maternité. « Même lorsqu’une femme occupe un poste à responsabilité ou est intellectuellement accomplie, elle est jugée si elle n’est ni mariée ni mère », précise-t-elle. Cela limite les rêves de nombreuses filles, surtout en milieu rural. »

Pour Diane, l’éducation et le soutien parental feront la différence. « Dans ma famille, nous étions trois filles, et nos parents nous ont donné la chance de rêver grand et de poursuivre nos ambitions. Le mariage est pour nous un choix, et non une mesure de réussite. » Aujourd’hui, mariée et mère d’un garçon, Diane veille à lui transmettre les valeurs de l’égalité et du respect des femmes. « Je lui montre qu’aucune tâche n’est réservée à un sexe, que ce soit le jardinage ou la cuisine. Je veux qu’il devienne un homme accompli, conscient de ce qui est juste et respectueux des femmes. » Elle conclut : « La fille porte la société. Nous devons lui transmettre très tôt de grandes valeurs, supprimer les rôles genrés et offrir les mêmes chances qu’aux garçons. »

À long terme, ces inégalités créent un effet cumulatif : moins de scolarisation, moins de compétences professionnelles, dépendance économique, vulnérabilité sociale et reproduction des stéréotypes dans la génération suivante. Elles contribuent à maintenir des hiérarchies de genre rigides, limitant les opportunités des filles et des femmes. La sensibilisation précoce, l’éducation inclusive, l’égalité dans l’héritage et la participation aux décisions familiales apparaissent ainsi comme des leviers pour briser ce cycle et garantir l’égalité dès la naissance au Togo et partout.

Causes et conséquences

De multiples facteurs socioculturels, économiques, administratifs, liés au genre et intersectionnels contribuent aux inégalités. La pauvreté, par exemple, reste un obstacle majeur à l’enregistrement des naissances. Bien que les frais aient été réduits et éliminés en 2022, la distance et les lacunes en matière d’information entravent toujours l’inscription.

L’héritage constitue un autre facteur de désavantage structurel. Au Togo, les femmes bénéficient de 80 % des droits successoraux accordés aux hommes, selon un rapport de la Banque mondiale. Dans les zones rurales où dominent les coutumes patriarcales, les filles héritent rarement des terres familiales ; lorsqu’elles le font, les parcelles sont souvent de moindre qualité et certaines coutumes interdisent aux femmes de léguer la terre à leurs descendants, renforçant ainsi la dépendance économique.

Plusieurs initiatives locales, institutionnelles et communautaires œuvrent à réduire ces écarts dès la petite enfance.

Politiques visant à mettre fin à la discrimination 

En 2014, une réforme du Code des personnes et de la famille a été adoptée, interdisant les pratiques coutumières discriminatoires, notamment en matière d’héritage, de tenure foncière et de mariage des enfants. Cette réforme a été renforcée par des modifications législatives en 2022, garantissant aux femmes des droits égaux en matière d’héritage, de protection contre le harcèlement et d’accès aux droits successoraux, même en cas de remariage.

Pour atteindre les enfants non enregistrés, le Ministère de la Justice, avec l’appui de l’UNICEF, a mis en place des bureaux mobiles d’enregistrement civil dans les zones reculées, apportant des services aux communautés et visant une couverture universelle des naissances d’ici 2030.

Le Programme d’Identification Nationale Biométrique (e-ID Togo), piloté par l’Agence Nationale d’Identification (ANID), constitue une initiative majeure pour l’inclusion civique. Il attribue à chaque individu vivant au Togo un Numéro d’Identification Unique (NIU) basé sur des données biométriques et démographiques. Ce dispositif ne remplace pas la carte d’identité nationale ni les autres pièces d’identité officielles, mais représente un outil complémentaire, particulièrement utile pour les personnes jusque-là non enregistrées dans le système administratif. Pour de nombreuses filles et femmes, notamment en milieu rural, il constitue déjà une opportunité de disposer d’une identité officielle de base, en attendant l’obtention d’autres documents.

Programmes d’autonomisation 

Le gouvernement togolais a mis en place plusieurs initiatives, parmi elles, le Programme d’Excellence pour les Femmes en Afrique (PEFA). Il propose aux jeunes femmes une formation de deux ans afin de développer leurs compétences professionnelles, entrepreneuriales et de leadership. 

La Fondation ASAAL, avec le projet Reines des Sciences et Technologies, stimule l’excellence dans les matières scientifiques et suscite des vocations chez les jeunes filles.

L’éducation sensible au genre et sans violence de Plan International Togo a créé des classes préscolaires à Plateaux et Centrale, où filles et garçons participent aux mêmes activités, reçoivent des messages d’égalité et impliquent les parents.

À Lomé, certains pères adoptent des pratiques de masculinité positive, déconstruisant les rôles traditionnels de genre et partageant équitablement les tâches domestiques avec leurs enfants. « J’ai décidé d’apprendre à ma fille et à mon fils à cuisiner ensemble. C’est une forme de justice », confie un père bénévole des Lacs, à KloLogo.

Les radios communautaires dans les zones rurales diffusent régulièrement des émissions interactives sur les droits des filles, la parentalité positive et l’égalité des sexes. Les initiatives religieuses et traditionnelles réformatrices impliquent certains leaders religieux et chefs traditionnels qui travaillent avec les communautés pour mettre fin aux mariages précoces et encourager la scolarisation des filles, contribuant ainsi à transformer les mentalités de l’intérieur.

Ces initiatives montrent qu’il est possible de prévenir les stéréotypes de genre dès la petite enfance, de valoriser les filles et de favoriser une participation égale dans tous les aspects éducatifs et sociaux.

Appels à l’action

Les inégalités de genre sont ancrées tôt, souvent inconsciemment. Des solutions sont possibles dès qu’on agit localement. Des politiques nationales doivent mieux intégrer la petite enfance et la dimension genre.

L’égalité des sexes doit commencer dès la maternité, dans les foyers, les écoles et les services publics. C’est en s’attaquant aux racines de l’inégalité que le Togo pourra bâtir une société inclusive.

« Ce reportage a été réalisé avec le soutien du programme de micro-subvention communautaire de l’African Women in Journalism Project. »

English  – Being born a girl: the social cost from birth onwards by Elisabeth APAMPA

Across the world, girls suffer inequality and discrimination from birth. From official registration to access to education and the distribution of domestic tasks, gender shapes children’s opportunities and fundamental rights long before adolescence. These inequalities, often invisible, accumulate over the years and reinforce considerable social and economic disparities. 

In Togo, this reality is tangible. Being born a girl can mean facing social bias from the very first days of life: choice of school, division of labour, and even access to healthcare are influenced by gender. According to UNICEF, approximately 140 million girls worldwide do not have a birth certificate, depriving them of fundamental rights. Although considerable improvements and actions have been implemented over the years, these inequalities manifest themselves from early childhood, influencing girls’ life trajectories and future opportunities. Awareness of girls’ rights often comes too late. Learning about equality from an early childhood is fundamental. The foundations of social and economic equality are laid in the early days of life. This report aims to raise awareness, spark public debate, and encourage concrete action to ensure equal rights from birth in Togo, regardless of one’s place of residence.

Birth registration: a persistent challenge

In Togo, birth registration is a priority for the government and its partners. However, significant challenges remain. According to the Togo Demographic and Health Survey (EDST-III) (2013-2014), 78% of children under the age of 5 are registered with the civil registry. Slightly more boys are registered than girls (79% compared to 77%). Without a birth certificate, a child cannot attend school, access certain healthcare services, inherit property or vote.

The disparities are even more pronounced depending on place of residence: in urban areas, 95% of children are registered, compared to only 69% in rural areas. In some regions, the situation is critical: 60% of children in the Plateaux region and 65% in Kara have a birth certificate, compared to 97% in Lomé. The mother’s level of education plays a decisive role: 69% of children whose mothers have no schooling are registered, compared to 92% when the mother has completed secondary school or higher. Household income also influences access to this right: 67% for the poorest households compared to 97% for the richest.

‘I had trouble registering my daughter. For my son, my husband went in person,’ says Kafui, a mother of three in Tsévié.

According to the report The Right Start in Life (2024), 77% of births are registered worldwide, but 150 million children under the age of 5 remain unregistered, and 50 million registered children still do not have a birth certificate. Behind these disparities lies a hierarchy: boys are seen as future pillars of society, destined to go far in their studies and ensure the continuation of the family line, while girls are often destined for marriage and to support the household from an early age.

Birth registration is not a simple administrative act; it is the first recognition of a child’s existence and fundamental rights. Without this first step, the promise of equality remains a distant dream.

Although the Togo data shows near parity between boys and girls, global evidence highlights gendered risks when children remain undocumented. A 2019 UNICEF publication points out that in some countries, only fathers or male relatives have the legal responsibility to register a child, creating barriers if men are absent. However, in Togo, any parent can register a birth. In Tsévié, Kafui, a mother of three, had trouble registering her daughter. 

“I had trouble registering my daughter. For my son, my husband went in person,” she recalls. Such barriers leave girls at risk. 

UNICEF notes that undocumented girls face heightened risks of child marriage. They also face exclusion from education and other child protection failures. For girls, birth registration is not a simple administrative act; it is the first recognition of a child’s existence and fundamental rights. Without this first step, the promise of equality remains a distant dream.

Impact on education

Inequalities continue into primary school. According to the EDST, 83% of children aged 6 to 11 attend primary school, with a slight advantage for boys (85% compared to 82% for girls). These disparities widen in secondary school: the net enrolment rate drops to 51%, with 58% for boys compared to 45% for girls. The absence of a birth certificate from birth is the first link in a chain of inequalities. It restricts girls’ access to school, increases the risk of early marriage and weakens their legal protection throughout their lives. These figures take on their full meaning when we listen to those who experience them daily.

Testimonial: Elsie Blagogee

Elsie Blagogee, a journalist committed to issues of gender-based violence and herself a survivor of sexual, economic, psychological, verbal and physical violence, testifies to deeply rooted inequalities within families. These experiences, from childhood and later in the home, still shape the way girls and boys are raised. A mother of three children — two boys and a girl — Elsie explains that, traditionally, girls are encouraged to pursue shorter, less expensive courses of study so that they can quickly find a job, take care of the family and get married. ‘According to society, this will enable girls to take care of other family members and their parents at an earlier age,’ she explains. Conversely, boys are seen as the pillars of the household. They are encouraged to pursue longer and more demanding courses of study, succeed professionally, establish themselves financially and exercise authority that is considered natural in society.

Elsie shares her personal journey. The eldest child in her family and the product of rape, she also suffered violence in her quest for paternal love, leaving a deep void in her life. « My parents did not support my career choice to become a journalist from the outset. I was a beautician and had my own salon. It was an older journalist who guided me, and I had to teach myself out of passion, » she says. She recalls that her family had four children — two girls and two boys — and that one of the boys has since passed away. According to her, this lack of support was linked to a lack of information and the transmission of stereotypes inherited from previous generations. Her sister was luckier, but for Elsie, trauma and family pressures made her personal and professional orientation complex. Today, these experiences have shaped her vision of education.

Elsie educates her children by giving them the freedom to follow their dreams, convinced that girls and boys can achieve exceptional results when given the same opportunities. She insists: « That’s why we need to eliminate inequalities early on and adopt positive parenting. But above all, for my daughter, I strive to ensure that she grows up communicating openly with me. I support her in her career choices and help her build her self-confidence, self-esteem and public speaking skills. That way, today and tomorrow, she will have no trouble asserting herself. « 

At age 7, girls spend 3 to 5 times more time on domestic chores than boys (MICS Togo, 2021). ‘My brother plays while I sweep and do the dishes. I do this every day after school.’ – Adjowa, 9, Lomé

Testimonial: Laurenda KONA, 19, Bachelor’s degree in HRM

« I come from a family of three children: two girls and one boy. At home, my mother always insisted that my brother learn domestic tasks, convinced that just because he is a boy does not mean he should remain passive at home. For us girls, life seemed easier at home. But as soon as we went to my grandmother’s house, everything changed: there, my brother only did what were considered men’s jobs, and everything else fell on our shoulders, from cleaning to cooking. That’s when I realised that the rules are not the same everywhere and that gender can dictate responsibilities even before we learn to speak. Today, I believe that girls have a real chance of success, but it all depends on their environment. I was lucky enough to be able to make my own choices. However, many of my friends do not have this favourable environment. Some finish their schooling early, take out loans to speed up their studies, or have to work at the same time to support their university fees. Talking to them, I feel privileged, but I realise that the overall system needs to improve. There is still a lot to be done at the parental level. Many parents disengage after their children finish secondary school, especially when it comes to girls. In families where choices have to be made about continuing education, some parents invest much more in their sons. ‘Among my classmates, out of ten people, only one boy expresses his difficulties. The other nine are girls: they face obstacles every day that they hide behind beautiful smiles. They remain vulnerable.’

The voice of midwives: an old but evolving problem

For midwife Kpeglo Alexis, the preference for boys is nothing new: « This problem has existed since the dawn of time. Boys are seen as the future of the family, while girls are perceived as mere domestic helpers, destined to leave home and change their name. « 

However, she has observed a change: « Today, parents are making an effort. Each family experiences the situation differently depending on the number of daughters or sons they have. In our practice, we do not see the sex of the child: we see a complete being, to whom we give the necessary care and follow-up. « 

But pressure persists in some circles that are very attached to tradition. This translates into discriminatory behaviour: fathers who refuse to pay medical expenses, stepmothers who repeatedly verbally abuse their stepdaughters, or families who stigmatise the mother, sometimes for reasons of inheritance or succession. ‘It’s an uphill battle for women,’ she sums up. Some mothers, traumatised, go so far as to refuse to breastfeed their daughters or reject the child. She also reports cases where women, under pressure, consume products believing that they could influence the sex of the baby. The psychological impact is profound: during an ultrasound scan, if the announced sex does not correspond to the father’s wishes, some women fall into depression even before giving birth. For Ms Kpeglo Alexis, the key remains awareness: « We must continue to raise awareness among husbands, the population and even in-laws. Attitudes are changing, but in cases of resistance, only awareness can help us. « 

Causes and consequences

Each family handles these situations based on the information available to them, the parents’ wishes and their personal experiences. There are many factors at play: socio-cultural, economic, administrative, gender-related and intersectional, depending on the geographical area.

In some Togolese communities, girls are sometimes perceived as assets to be used early on for domestic work or marriage. This discrimination is particularly evident in early marriages. Every year, nearly 15 million girls under the age of 18 are married worldwide, or 37,000 every day. Early marriage hinders education and limits future prospects.

Forced marriages occur in both northern and southern Togo. They are a response to religious and social traditions, dowries and the fear of pregnancy outside marriage. In some Muslim communities, girls as young as 12 can be married to much older men. Between 2015 and 2020, the teenage birth rate was 79 births per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19, with 17% giving birth before the age of 18.

Poverty remains a major obstacle to birth registration. Administrative fees, although reduced and made free in 2022, and the cost of travelling to remote centres are barriers. According to UNICEF, 22% of children in Togo do not have a birth certificate, a proportion that rises to 31% in rural areas. Mothers, who are often responsible for the formalities, sometimes have less decision-making power, exacerbated by restrictive social norms.

Inheritance is another factor contributing to structural disadvantage. In Togo, women have 80% of the inheritance rights granted to men, according to a World Bank report. This disparity is particularly marked in rural areas, where patriarchal customs predominate. Girls rarely inherit family land, and when they are entitled to do so, they often receive plots of lesser quality. In addition, certain customary practices prohibit women from passing on this land to their descendants, thereby reinforcing their economic dependence.

A sociologist shares a story that reveals the psychological consequences of gender norms from birth. A close relative of her family, whose mother already had several sons, was hoping to have a daughter. During an ultrasound scan, the sex was announced as female. At birth, the child turned out to be a boy. The mother fell into a deep depression, which she tried to downplay: ‘I’m not sick, I just want my daughter.’ Her husband, who wanted a daughter, was prepared to marry a second wife. This story not only illustrates how socio-cultural expectations can affect women’s mental health, but also shows that the desire to have a daughter or a son in some families is often linked to specific social or economic interests. It highlights the importance of deconstructing gender stereotypes from the moment of motherhood.

Testimonial: Diane N’Gonou

According to Diane N’Gonou, a sociologist, graduate of the University of Lomé and mother, gender inequalities begin at birth in our cultures. ‘Society determines gender roles very early on. At birth, a “mould” is drawn for girls: what is permitted or expected of them becomes an obligation throughout their lives,’ she explains. For Diane, these traditional roles dictate that, regardless of a woman’s academic or professional success, society values her marriage and motherhood above all else. ‘Even when a woman holds a position of responsibility or is intellectually accomplished, she is judged if she is neither married nor a mother. This judgement comes first from women, then from men,’ she says. She points to a striking disparity in families: « In mixed-gender sibling groups, boys have more freedom to fulfil themselves than girls. Men’s success is measured by their careers, while for girls, their professional achievements are always reduced to their domestic role or their relationship status.‘ Diane also points to the sometimes restrictive role of mothers themselves, who perpetuate these stereotypes: ’Some mothers still say that an accomplished woman must be married and a mother. This limits the dreams of many girls, especially in rural areas. »

She illustrates this point with the popular expression: ‘When you have a daughter, you are rich.’ According to her, this phrase reflects a stereotype: daughters are seen as a ‘profitable’ asset for the family because they can marry early. For Diane, education and parental support will make all the difference. ‘In my family, there were three girls, and our parents gave us the chance to dream big and pursue our ambitions. For us, marriage is a choice, not a measure of success.’ Now married and the mother of a boy, Diane is keen to pass on the values of equality and respect for women to him. ‘I show him that no task is reserved for one gender, whether it’s gardening, cooking or anything else. I want him to become a well-rounded man who knows what is right and respects women.’ She concludes: « Girls are the future of society. We must teach them important values from an early age, eliminate gender roles and offer them the same opportunities as boys. « 

In the long term, these inequalities have a cumulative effect: less schooling, fewer professional skills, economic dependence, social vulnerability and the reproduction of stereotypes in the next generation. They contribute to maintaining rigid gender hierarchies, limiting opportunities for girls and women. Early awareness, inclusive education, equality in inheritance and participation in family decisions are therefore key levers for breaking this cycle and guaranteeing equality from birth in Togo and everywhere else.

A medical perspective: the persistence of favouritism

Dr Pamela Allavo, a general practitioner interviewed for this survey, confirms that preferences related to the sex of the child remain deeply rooted in some families. ‘The birth of a boy is often greeted with much more enthusiasm and pride than that of a girl,’ she explains. She observes that while the first few births of girls are generally accepted, disappointment becomes apparent from the third child onwards, to the point where the child may be marginalised. She even cites the case of a husband who stopped speaking to his wife because she did not give birth to the son he so desired. This preference is also reflected in administrative practices: ‘Many families are in no hurry to register a girl with the civil registry. For a boy, the process is quick, but for a girl, it drags on,’ she points out, noting that this deprives children of fundamental rights such as access to education and social services.

On a daily basis, she also notices a difference in medical care: some parents are more attentive to the care, vaccinations and nutrition of a boy than to those of a girl. The pride in saying ‘my son is vaccinated’ is more pronounced, which illustrates an uneven level of vigilance. The doctor emphasises the psychological weight of these expectations, which affect fathers as well as mothers: « Many women feel less valued until they have a son. Some end up feeling guilty or useless, which can lead to emotional distress or even postpartum depression. ‘ For her, equality from the moment of motherhood requires a comprehensive approach: raising awareness among families of the importance of registering all children, providing psychological support to mothers, empowering fathers, and training healthcare professionals to identify and support women in distress. ’It’s a cultural and medical effort that must be undertaken together, » she concludes.

Communities taking action

Despite the many challenges associated with gender inequality, several local, institutional and community initiatives are working to reduce these disparities from early childhood onwards.

The Togolese government has implemented several initiatives. Among them, the Programme d’Excellence pour les Femmes en Afrique (PEFA) stands out. Launched by the Togolese government, it offers two years of training to young women selected on the basis of rigorous criteria. They develop their professional skills, leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, and are then supported in entering the public or private sector or starting their own business. This programme contributes directly to the empowerment of girls and the reduction of inequalities. In 2014, a reform of the Personal and Family Code was adopted, prohibiting discriminatory customary practices, particularly in relation to inheritance, land tenure and child marriage. This reform was reinforced by legislative amendments in 2022, guaranteeing women equal rights in matters of inheritance, protection against harassment and access to inheritance rights, even in the event of remarriage.

In 2024, the ‘ƉEZƆ’ (‘get involved’) project, launched in collaboration with German Cooperation (GIZ), aims to strengthen the participation of women and girls in political, social and economic spheres. This project has led to the adoption of gender-sensitive municipal resolutions and the implementation of advocacy measures for gender equality. It will continue for a total of three years.

The National Biometric Identification Programme (e-ID Togo), led by the National Identification Agency (ANID), is a major initiative for civic inclusion. It assigns each individual living in Togo a Unique Identification Number (NIU) based on biometric and demographic data. This system does not replace the national identity card or other official identity documents, but is a complementary tool that is particularly useful for people who were not previously registered in the administrative system. For many girls and women, especially in rural areas, it already provides an opportunity to obtain a basic official identity while waiting for other documents.

The Ministry of Justice, with the support of UNICEF, has set up mobile civil registration offices in remote areas. These units enable rural families to register their children directly in their communities, thereby reducing the obstacles associated with distance and travel costs. The aim is to ensure full coverage of births in Togo by 2030 and to guarantee that every child, girl or boy, has access to their fundamental rights from birth.

In Lomé, some fathers are adopting positive masculinity practices, deconstructing traditional gender roles and sharing domestic tasks equally with their children. « I decided to teach my daughter and son to cook together. It’s a form of justice, » says a volunteer father from Lacs, in KloLogo. These initiatives show that egalitarian education also requires adults to set an example and that men can play an active role in combating gender stereotypes.

Since 1988, Plan International Togo has been running programmes to promote children’s rights and gender equality. Among them, the Gender-Sensitive and Violence-Free Education project, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) since 2015, has enabled the creation of preschool classes in the Plateaux and Centrale regions. In these classes, girls and boys participate in the same educational games, receive messages about gender equality and see their parents involved in awareness-raising sessions. Plan also supports girls’ organisations such as YOUTH PANEL to organise forums and encourage girls to take control of their lives and their future.

The FAIEJ (Fund to Support Youth Economic Initiatives), although aimed at young people in general, supports many young women entrepreneurs, thereby strengthening their economic independence. WANEP-Togo (West African Network for Peacebuilding) also works to prevent violence against women and girls, particularly through education on peace and coexistence from an early age. 

Community radio stations in rural areas (such as Radio Kpalimé, Radio Anié, Radio Tabala, etc.) regularly broadcast interactive programmes on girls’ rights, positive parenting and gender equality. Reformist religious and traditional initiatives involve certain religious leaders and traditional chiefs who work with communities to end early marriage and encourage girls’ education, thereby helping to transform attitudes from within.

Local associations led by young people are also carrying out concrete actions in schools and communities, including awareness-raising, mentoring, educational talks and leadership programmes. Among them is the IYAWO association, which works for the development of girls and women and runs several programmes to strengthen the capacities of young girls from an early age. It has set up a Girls’ Academy to develop a range of skills, organises school tours to introduce inspiring role models, particularly female ones, and hosts Iyawo Talks, career meetings that allow girls to discover various career paths and talk to women leaders. The organisation also runs awareness-raising projects against gender-based violence, such as ‘Stop GBV for them with you’, offering tailored support to its beneficiaries. In the same vein, international associations run locally by young people, such as the Junior Chamber International (JCI) and AIESEC Togo, are increasing their leadership, civic engagement and mentoring initiatives for girls and boys. Other local associations, often created by students or recent graduates, are emerging throughout the country. They are developing projects tailored to the realities of their communities: girls’ clubs in secondary schools, awareness-raising groups against early pregnancy, training programmes in female entrepreneurship, etc.

Women’s sports activities, organised in several localities, are also helping girls to develop their talents, with the emergence of women’s sports clubs.

The ASAAL Foundation, with its Queens of Science and Technology project, promotes excellence in science subjects and inspires young girls to pursue careers in this field.

Other organisations, such as ATBEF (with its MAJ programme), encourage boys and girls to take initiative as young leaders, with a particular focus on empowering girls and raising awareness of sexual and reproductive rights. Girls Motion brings together feminist girls to build their capacities and encourage them to take initiative. Organisations such as FAWE, COFET and REFED advocate for the rights of girls and women and develop targeted projects for their empowerment.

These initiatives and many others, whether institutional or community-based, show that it is possible to prevent gender stereotypes from early childhood, to value girls and to promote equal participation in all educational and social aspects.

Calls to action

What these stories reveal: gender inequalities are ingrained early on, often unconsciously; solutions are possible when action is taken locally; national policies must better integrate early childhood and gender issues. « If we wait until adolescence to talk about equality, we’ve already lost half the battle. « 

Gender equality cannot wait until adolescence. It must begin in motherhood, in homes, schools and public services. It is by tackling the roots of inequality that Togo will be able to build an inclusive society.

‘This report was produced with the support of the African Women in Journalism Project’s community micro-grant programme.’