Women's Wellness and Empowerment Conference

Before I thought changing my skin to be like a white woman would make me a beautiful person, but after the conference I learned that I am beautiful how I am, inside and out.  These words were spoken by a participant in last year’s Women’s Wellness and Empowerment Conference who left the event knowing her value and believing in herself.

A stagnant economy and political instability cripple Togo, which is ranked 31^st in the world with the lowest human development by the United Nations.  Peace Corp has been working in Togo for nearly 50 years, providing technical expertise and promoting a positive cross-cultural experience for both Togolese and Americans.  Volunteers spend two years in the field to identify the needs of their communities and develop innovative solutions. 

One of the most innovative and creative programs in Peace Corps Togo is the Women’s Wellness and Empowerment Conference.  The original concept of a women’s conference was created by a group of strong, independent Togolese women who started a small women’s group in their village that acted as a forum to discuss various health and financial issues.  The women even began practicing yoga and meditation techniques.  Over time, with the encouragement of their local Peace Corps volunteer, the idea for expanding the group evolved into the first Women’s Wellness and Empowerment Conference (WWEC). 

With diligent work from three Peace Corps Volunteers and financial support from USAID, 27 motivated women participated in the first WWEC in May of 2011.  The primary goal of the conference was to empower and celebrate women through educative sessions that highlighted the importance of physical and mental health, economic independence, and self-esteem.    Follow-up evaluations showed that 100% of the women felt more empowered after their participation in the event and 90% of the participants returned to their village and discussed what they learned at the conference.  One Peace Corps Volunteer noted that after her nominee returned from the conference, it was like having a second Peace Corps Volunteer in her community.  The participant hosted informational sessions, presented new ideas, and was a champion of healthy living to her community. 

Due to the success of the event, the volunteers have decided to take the Women’s Wellness and Empowerment Conference national in 2012!  Through the expansion of this project 80 motivated female leaders from across Togo will be reached.  A team of 30 Peace Corps volunteers and 15 Togolese women will be spending the next 5 months planning and preparing for three WWEC conferences that will take place in March 2012. 

Studies have proven that by empowering one strong motivated woman an entire community is affected.  Americans are citizens of a country whose foundation is based on equality and democracy, allowing us to realize our dreams and challenge injustices.  Unfortunately, that is not the case for the women in Togo.  WWEC is enabling Togolese women to realize their potential and giving them the tools to make the best lifestyle choices possible while offering the support and network to continue to empower others. 

Be part of this change.  Your contribution will help bring this project to fruition.  Community partners in Togo have already covered 30% of this cost and USAID has continued their support.  Only $8,000 remains to make this project a reality.  $125 will send one woman to the conference and change her life forever.  100% of your contribution will go to supporting the expenses of this conference and is tax-deductible through our website.

Thank you,

The WWEC Team

Donation link: https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=693-389