Togo – Strengthening the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation of Children

Approximately 240,000 children in Togo have lost either one or both parents. Around 20% of girls are married before they are 18 years old, and over 30% of children between the ages of 5-14 are engaged in some form of work. Young people in Togo lack information about sexual and reproductive health and rights, as sexual education remains taboo. This means that young people, especially girls, are extremely vulnerable. The district of Ogou is a hub for road hauliers, child trafficking and sexual exploitation of children.

SOS Togo’s strategy with this programme is to positively influence the practices and improve the knowledge of families, communities and local authorities regarding sexual abuse, early marriage, teenage pregnancies, and child mortality. The participation of children is an important element, and the project aims to empower them alongside their parents so that they can assert their own rights.

The project organises sensitisation activities through sexual health and rights clubs in nine communities, which in turn will raise awareness among their peers at several schools in the district. To strengthen the capacities of parents and caregivers, SOS Togo organises support groups and sessions to share their experiences.

Through awareness-raising activities, victims of sexual exploitation are identified. They can then receive medical care, psychological support, legal assistance, vocational training, and support to be reintegrated into school. Within this programme, selected women from the community are specifically trained to provide psychological support to child victims. Through posters, radio broadcasts, leaflets and awareness-raising sessions by local child protection committees, SOS Togo educates the community on children’s rights and the prevention of sexual violence.

In addition, to strengthen the economic situation of the families participating in the programme, saving and loan groups have been established in the nine communities.

Overall Goals

• Prevent sexual exploitation of children and improve the care of children and adolescents, especially young girls, who are victims of sexual exploitation.
• Families provide quality care and protection for vulnerable children.
• Create a protective environment for children/adolescents, especially girls, against harmful cultural practices.
• Improve parental practices and the income of families.
• Ensure the retention of children in school and youth in work to reduce the risk of sexual exploitation of children and young people.

Photo: SOS Children’s Villages Togo