Female Opposition leader, Isabelle Ameganvi has called for a sex strike in Togo as a step towards the change that is much needed in their government.
For the one week strike which started yesterday, women must deprive their husbands of sex, and on Thursday, they must wear red pants to signify their anger.
The opposition is requesting that the current president, Faure Gnassingbe, step down. The country, which continues to experience economic hardships, is demanding for change as Gnassingbe’s family has been in power for more than four Decades. Gnassingbe Eyadema ruled togo for 38 years until his death in 2005, when he was succeeded by his son, current president Faure Gnassingbe.
Talking to the BBC, Ms. Ameganvi, who represents the women’s wing of the opposition, said that it is important that the voices of Togolese women are heard, and as such, the sex strike would be the “weapon of the battle.”
“We have many means to oblige men and to understand what women want in Togo. If men refuse to hear our cries we will hold another demonstration that will be more powerful than a sex strike.”
While most women are in support of the strike, some are skeptical and question how successful it will be.
“I do agree that we women have to observe this sex strike but I know my husband will not let me complete it. He may agree at first, but as far as I know him, he will change overnight. So I Don’t believe I can do one-week sex strike. Otherwise, I will have serious issues with him. He likes that too much,” said Judith Agbetoglo to AP.
Ms. Amegani says she was inspired by current Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, who used the same tactic in 2003 to mobilize women and campaign for peace.
Although the specific impact of this strike remains questionable, it is a stepping stone for change in what has been a stagnant Togo. Thus, its significance must be acknowledged.
