New Women’s Center Planned in Aného to Advance Women’s Economic Empowerment
Monday, 15 June 2026 16:26 
(Togo First) - The Lacs 1 municipality in Aného will soon have a Women’s Center dedicated to training, support and the economic empowerment of women. Construction of the facility began last month in Glidji through a 70 million CFA franc financing package secured under a partnership between the United Nations Population Fund in Togo (UNFPA-Togo) and the municipality.
The facility aims to strengthen women’s economic opportunities in the municipality by providing a suitable environment for learning, entrepreneurship and the development of income-generating activities. In the area, where a large proportion of women and young girls work in the informal sector, particularly in trade and agriculture, the project seeks to reduce economic vulnerability and promote greater financial inclusion.
Training and Entrepreneurship Support
Designed as a multifunctional space, the Women’s Center will offer vocational training in several fields, including agro-processing, handicrafts, sewing, hairdressing, information technology and entrepreneurship. Capacity-building sessions in management, marketing, basic accounting and project development will also be organized to help beneficiaries formalize, manage and grow their businesses.
The facility is also expected to improve access to financing by connecting women with microfinance institutions, credit programs and other business support services.
Promoting Women’s Leadership
For UNFPA, a partner in the project, the initiative is part of a broader effort to promote women’s leadership and community development.
“We support this Women’s Center project because when you empower a woman, you empower a family, and you help a nation move forward,” Elise Kakam, a member of the U.N. agency’s delegation, said.
With this new facility, Aného is gradually joining other communities in the country that already have similar centers, notably Vogan and Tsévié. The initiative is expected to support women’s empowerment and increase their contribution to the local economy.
Esaïe Edoh
