Feminist and LGBTQ+ Studies

Abstract

Gender equality and sexuality remain fundamental subjects for the sustainable development, particularly in rural regions of Togo, such as Kloto prefecture. Although progress has been made in education and awareness, women and young girls in this region continue to face challenges numerous challenges in terms of sexual and reproductive rights, economic empowerment and the fight against gender-based violence. Indeed, according to the latest data, almost 55% of young girls in the Kloto region do not complete their school cycle due to early pregnancies and forced marriages. Maternal mortality remains high, with estimate of 500 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020.

Rural women, in particular, face a lack of access to information reliable information about sexuality, reproductive health services and opportunities economic, despite their essential role in agricultural production. This exclusion prevents their full and complete participation in the socio-economic development of their communities.

This presentation will focus on the challenges and obstacles faced by women and young girls in Kloto prefecture in matters of gender and sexuality. Through analysis social, economic and cultural obstacles, we will propose practical solutions to promote better integration of sexual and reproductive rights into local policies, emphasizing the importance of sex education and empowerment 
economic situation of rural women.

We will also explore the impact of digital technologies and platforms in online as tools for reducing inequalities, offering perspectives on how these technologies can transform access to information, training and new economic opportunities for women.

Biography

CHAKPLA Essi Mansan Séna is a women's rights defender, gender expert and development, and activist for gender equality. Executive Director of the NGO Support for Local Initiatives (AIL), an  organization founded on December 11, 2002, she devotes her career to promote the empowerment of women and girls, while combating inequalities in gender through concrete and sustainable actions.
With more than 20 years of experience in civil society organizations, Essi Mansan Séna has developed solid skills in project management, strategic communication, leadership and advocacy for gender equality. It leads innovative initiatives that combine training, professional integration and coaching, in order to strengthen female leadership and women's access to economic resources.As an expert in gender and development, she fights for an equitable society by proposing specific programs for rural women, young girls and vulnerable groups. She is one of the pillars behind flagship projects such as Nyonu Ahead and Decent Employment, which enabled many women to break cycles of economic dependence and become key players in their communities.

Under his leadership, the Incubator Center for the Promotion of Entrepreneurship (CIPE) in Kpalimé is become a space of transformation where women and young people acquire skills in entrepreneurship, digital technologies and income-generating activities. Through initiatives such as the Nana Tech project, of which she is cohort president for the Plateaux Ouest region, Essi Mansan Séna inspires and trains a new generation of young girls ready to take on the challenges of digital and exploit their potential.

A visionary, she is also at the forefront of initiatives in favor of sustainable agriculture and green energy. She leads projects such as the manufacturing of biodigesters for the production of biogas, organic waste valorization and digital marketing, thus strengthening resilience rural women and their contribution to economic development.Graduated in office secretarial and administrative management, CHAKPLA Essi Mansan Séna has enriched his academic career with modular training in leadership, inheritance rights, communication, psychology and project management. School guidance counselor and professional, she puts her skills and experience at the service of young people, supporting them in defining and achieving their academic and professional goals.

As a full-time trainer at CIPE, she provides theoretical and practical training, combined with personalized coaching to guarantee the success of each beneficiary. Her integrated approach, focused on developing skills and leveraging potential individuals, helps transform lives by providing young people and women with the necessary tools to flourish and excel in their personal and professional projects.

CHAKPLA Essi Mansan Séna is a model of female leadership in Togo, embodying the fight for gender equality and inclusive development. His determination, expertise and commitment unwavering continue to transform the lives of thousands of women and girls, while promoting a vision of a future where equality and social justice are at the heart of development.