Women of Togo: Crafting Liquid Soap, Strengthening Communities
In the heart of rural Togo, something remarkable is taking place. Thanks to our local partner IADES Togo, women who are part of their village’s Mother Club are learning to make liquid soap, improving hygiene and building new livelihoods for themselves and their families.
What begins as a bottle of liquid soap is becoming a powerful tool for better health, women’s leadership and economic resilience.
Why Soap Matters
In many communities we support, access to safe water and soap remains limited. This often leads to preventable illnesses, particularly among children. Through the Wezoulim project, delivered by IADES Togo with Deki’s support, women are being trained to:
Make liquid soap using affordable, locally available ingredients
Install handwashing stations at village entrances, schools and homes
This work is about much more than hygiene. It is about giving women the tools and confidence to lead local health initiatives and to share vital knowledge with their neighbours.
Empowering Women and Communities
Mother Clubs play a central role in village life, already managing water points that have been rehabilitated. Now, they are stepping into new roles as health advocates and small business owners.
“We are proud of what we have learned,” said one member.
“Not only can we protect our children’s health, but we can also support our families by selling our soap.”
These women are not only helping to prevent disease. They are becoming respected leaders and role models in their communities.
A Lasting Impact
This work goes far beyond improving hygiene:
Better health: fewer illnesses and more awareness of prevention
Increased income: liquid soap making opens the door to a small business
Community leadership: women are creating change from within
It is a simple, low-cost intervention with a ripple effect, especially important as families adapt to the growing challenges of climate change and limited resources.
Join Their Journey
At Deki, we believe in long-term partnerships that empower people to shape their own futures. Together with IADES Togo, we are supporting women in rural communities to build resilience through practical, sustainable skills.
You can be part of this journey.
Sign up to our newsletter to follow the progress of the Mother Club members, hear their stories, share their successes and see how something as simple as a bottle of liquid soap can help change lives.
