Empowering women through financial inclusion, training, and leadership

Women Empowerment Collectives

Women are among the most vulnerable people in rural communities and face higher levels of poverty. They do not experience the same educational or economic opportunities as men; they are less likely to finish school, have access to financial services, or be able to exercise their basic human rights.

With little access to family planning advice or contraception, and nearly a quarter of women being married under the age of 19, they are subject to family responsibilities and unpaid work from a young age.

Gender inequality remains a major obstacle to the eradication of extreme poverty in Togo and underpins key issues affecting women, such as gender-based violence, low pay, and lack of access to basic healthcare.

Women are financially excluded, with only one in five women in rural Togo having access to a bank account, without which they are unable to access capital to work their way out of poverty and so the cycle continues.

At Deki we are passionate about gender equality and enabling women to fulfil their potential.

Through our 276 Women’s Empowerment Collectives women come together to learn about their rights, become leaders and build their own businesses.

These regular meetings help them develop skills, build their confidence and decision-making abilities and give these women the opportunity to create a business that will support them and their families to be financially independent.

In 2025 alone, Deki delivered:

192 workshops around the prevention of Gender Based violence
49 workshops in the production of liquid soap to provide income while also improving community health
Through ethical microfinance and business training, Deki has empowered 2,224 women with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to grow their businesses, strengthen their livelihoods, and build a more sustainable future for themselves and their communities.