
Celebration of the Judicial Sector's Commitment to the Fight against Sexual Violence and Early Pregnancy in Togo
Since 2018, the Association Togolaise pour le Bien-être Familial (ATBEF), with the support of Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC), has been implementing an action-research project to combat early pregnancy and sexual violence in schools and communities.
The project has adopted a multi-sectoral approach involving the education, health, justice and security sectors. The aim is to prevent and punish sexual violence, while offering appropriate support to victims. To date, the combined efforts of all stakeholders have led to a significant 72% reduction in the number of cases reported in 250 secondary schools spread across 50 communes in Togo. These advances testify to the effectiveness of the collective commitment to protecting young girls from violence and early pregnancy.
With this in mind, a workshop was held on March 14, 2025 in Atakpamé to share the results of the project. This meeting brought together prosecutors and judicial police officers, with the aim of presenting the project's progress, identifying persistent challenges and strengthening collaboration between judicial players.
Discussions highlighted the importance of involving the judicial sector in the fight against violence against teenage girls. Participants discussed the obstacles encountered in applying the law, and proposed strategies to improve prevention and repression mechanisms.
The workshop was marked by a recognition ceremony in honor of judicial figures who have played a crucial role in the fight against sexual violence in Togo. This celebration highlighted their dedication and commitment to protecting the rights of young girls.
The workshop's conclusions reaffirmed the need to strengthen synergies between the judiciary, security forces, health services and schools. Only concerted and sustained action will put an end to sexual violence and early pregnancy, thus guaranteeing a secure future for Togolese girls.
ATBEF, for a better life!