Like many countries in Africa, Togo is what we in African Studies call a pseudo-democracy. It is called the Republic of Togo, it has democratic elections, but in most ways Americans would think about democracy (freedoms, civil rights...), it isn't one.
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The Gnassing
bé family has been in power in Togo since 1963, following the assassination of Sylvanus Olympio, the father of Togo's independence. Gnassingbe Eyadema ruled as President for 38 years before he died in 2005 and his son, the current President Faure Gnassingbe, took over. Throughout their reign, there have been rigged elections, no free press, tons of corruption, massacres of the opposition, and pretty much everything else you would expect from a dictator. Elections are coming up in October and the Let's Save Togo women's collective wants to do something about this. The logical choice--a sex strike!! So there you go, men of Togo. Get politically involved and help the women of Togo end the policy of unlimited presidential terms... or sleep alone this week.
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Random Kate Thought: Women's bodies are very contentious subjects on the African continent. Sexism is prevalent in many (dare I say most) societies and the idea that a man owns a woman's body once he marries her (or even takes her virginity) is common. Empowering women to control their own bodies is important in empowering them, both as social and economic actors. The flipside of this campaign, unfortunately, is that domestic violence is rarely persecuted in Togo. My thoughts go out to these Togolese women and I hope for their safety. Hopefully their campaign raises the kind of awareness they desire.
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