Sokodé in central Togo is the historic capital of Islam in the country. The rest of the country is Animist and Christian. Recent years have seen Islam gaining influence in central Togo, due partly to financial support from the Islamic Development Bank. But its growth has seen a corresponding decline in school attendance for girls.
Two of the region's poorest prefectures, Tchamba and Tchaoudjo have the lowest school attendance rates in the country for girls. As a result some of the key religious leaders in central Togo are heading a campaign to show public support for girls' education. But in some areas, they are meeting with resistance.
Angela Robson finds out more. |
