Introduction
Remaining a virgin until marriage: a sacred ideal… or an unbearable pressure? In Togo, sexual abstinence is often presented as the only morally acceptable option for young people, upheld by ancestral traditions and strict religious doctrines. Yet, a gap is widening between official discourse and the realities faced by teenagers. What impact does this push for abstinence have on a generation that is connected and seeking autonomy?
Abstinence: Between Cultural Heritage and Religious Demands
Togolese traditions promote abstinence before marriage, notably through the “Virgin Queens” contest organized by the Association of Volunteers for the Promotion of Youth (AV-Jeunes). This contest aims to encourage sexual abstinence among young girls and reduce early pregnancies in schools. The winners, known as “Virgin Queens” and “Virgin Princesses”, tour schools to advocate for sexual abstinence and raise awareness about the risks of early pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
Togolese Youth Facing the Taboo: Resistance and Contradictions
Despite the discourse around abstinence, young people experience different realities. Many teenage girls become pregnant or contract sexually transmitted infections. According to UNFPA, one in four adolescent girls in Sub-Saharan Africa becomes a mother before the age of 18. Early pregnancy remains a major concern. In Togo, according to the Ministry of Education, “2,474 cases of pregnancy were recorded in schools during the 2021–2022 academic year.” The government considers these figures “alarming.” This concern is all the more understandable as primary schools were also affected, with “47 recorded cases,” while junior high and high schools reported “625” and “802” cases respectively — a trend that continues to rise. Togolese youth are also exposed to the risks of sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV/AIDS, with a prevalence rate of 2.5% in the general population. Young girls are particularly vulnerable, with a prevalence rate twice as high as that of boys.
Education or Repression? Effective Alternatives
Local initiatives aim to promote sexual education and abstinence among young Togolese. The book “A Journey Through Youth” by Sam Kodjovi Adambounou, which advocates for sexual abstinence until marriage, was presented during a literary café at the Ministry of Communication, Media, and Culture. Minister Florence Yawa Kouigan encouraged the public to read the book, which offers a new perspective on abstinence and personality development.
Elsewhere in Africa
Some African countries have taken steps toward change. For example, in Rwanda, sex education classes include information about contraception and consent. In Ghana, community-based projects bring together religious leaders and medical professionals to discuss reproductive health. To improve the situation, the following steps could be taken: create safe spaces for youth to discuss sexuality without judgment, train teachers and parents in a realistic approach to sexuality, and acknowledge that abstinence cannot be the only answer to reproductive health
Conclusion
Togo needs an honest conversation about youth sexuality. Caught between conservatism and modernity, the country must find a balance: preserving its values without denying reality. Sexual abstinence can be a viable option for young Togolese, but it is essential to take into account local realities and promote a form of sex education that truly meets their needs.
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