Can Withholding Sex Bring Political Change? The Women of Togo Think So

August 29th, 2012 - By Veronica Wells

Source: sfgate.com

We’re not encouraging this or anything; but for centuries, women have used sex as a bargaining tool. Apparently, things haven’t changed. In Togo, the women’s branch of a civil rights group in the country has decided to withhold sex, for a week, to encourage their husbands and partners to call for the resignation of the country’s president. Faure Gnassingbe, who took office in 2005, after his father’s death has recently changed electoral rules. Many believe these rules will help him to get reelected easier.

So, the women have come up with a solution. Withhold sex for a week so Gnassingbe will resign. The Togolese women took their inspiration from Liberian women who did the same thing back in 2003 for their campaign for peace. They announced the strike this past weekend in the capital of the country. And the strike started two days ago, on Monday. Some women are certain their methods will yield results. Abla Tamekloe, one of the strikers said, “For me, it’s like fasting, and unless you fast, you will not get what you want from God.”

Others are calling for a shortened time frame. Two days, instead of a full week. Still others think the whole movement is unrealistic.

Ekoue Blame, a journalist in the country, doesn’t think it will work. “It is easy for her [Isabelle Ameganvi, the leader of the strike] to say because she is not married herself. She does not live with a man at home.”

Do you think such a strike could be successful, why or why not?

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  • gracie

    Most African men I know are cheaters, I am sure this would be a great excuse for them to do so.

  • CarlaKah

    It might work. It worked in Liberia so…

    • http://www.youtube.com/user/thesapphireempress96?feature=results_main A.J.

      They did that in Liberia, too? For real? BTW there was a mixup with my last comment on the Tyler Perry studio thing; please read as I clarified my position. Thanks.

  • http://www.youtube.com/user/thesapphireempress96?feature=results_main A.J.

    Well, I think that it definitely has a chance. This approach worked in Sirt, Turkey about eight years ago or so, when the women wanted a new plumbing system. I guess we’ll just have to wait it out.

  • Itiswhatitis

    Yes it will work. Homosexuality is not rampant in the African continent so withholding sex is a good starting strategy. Hell, i withhold sex from the dude i was dating because he said he wasn’t looking for commitment. Boy was he mad when i cut off the sex. The solutions is idea man up and commit or go out with another chick who is okay with friends with benefits. He was mad when i suggested that option to him. MEN!!!!!!!

  • Candacey Doris

    I doubt this will work. But i guess they feel they have to try.

  • Yokessm

    I doubt it will bring the changes they expect.

    • Hey

      The only change they ‘re going to get, is change of status – Married to Single :-) . African men are very randy, why give them a legit excuse to go haywire?

      • Yokessm

        African men as a whole? Or you’re just speaking from your own experience?