As Togo prepares for the upcoming legislative and regional elections slated for April 29th, 2024, a notable shift is observed as a significant number of women assert their presence in the electoral arena, challenging entrenched norms and expectations.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has reported a remarkable surge in female candidacies, with 593 women contending for parliamentary seats out of a total of 2,348 validated candidacies for the legislative elections. Similarly, 438 women are vying for positions in the regional elections, reflecting a promising trend toward gender-inclusive representation.
Among the standout candidates is Victoire Dogbé, Togo’s current Prime Minister and candidate of the UNIR party. Dogbé, on her campaign trail through the town of Vogan, articulates a vision of continuity and progress, underscoring the achievements of her tenure and the imperative of sustained momentum.
Addressing constituents during a campaign gathering in Klologo Gagnon, Dogbé emphasized the significance of informed voting to perpetuate ongoing initiatives, resonating with supporters like Adzovi Gati, a local farmer, who views her candidacy as pivotal for the advancement of Togolese women.
In contrast, opposition candidate Brigitte Adjamagbo-Johnson embodies resilience and perseverance in her decades-long engagement in politics. Through grassroots advocacy, she mobilizes support for female candidates, spotlighting the formidable obstacles they encounter, including physical risks, and rallying citizens to endorse their candidacy as a testament to gender equality.
Adjamagbo-Johnson’s message strikes a chord as she underscores the imperative of embracing and empowering women in political spheres, urging the electorate to rally behind courageous female aspirants.
Meanwhile, Mimi Bossou-Soedjédé adopts a grassroots approach, fostering direct engagement with citizens to underscore the pivotal role of electoral participation in advancing gender parity. Her advocacy for equal representation in parliament reflects a broader sentiment of change and progress resonating among women candidates.
Expressing her aspiration for gender-balanced representation in the Togolese parliament, Bossou-Soedjédé envisions a transformative future for the nation, underscored by the potential of a parliament reflective of its diverse populace.
Currently, women constitute a minority in Togo’s legislative body, with only 17 out of 91 deputies, while their representation at the local level remains disproportionately low. Nonetheless, the surge of female candidacies signals a burgeoning momentum towards greater gender inclusivity in Togo’s political landscape, heralding a promising trajectory of empowerment and change.