Togo women push sex strike

From:

Women are being asked to withhold sex from their husbands or partners as of Monday, said Isabelle Ameganvi, leader of the women's wing of the group Let's Save Togo.

She said the strike will put pressure on Togo's men to take action against President Faure Gnassingbe.

I guess masturbation counts as action

Ameganvi, a lawyer, told The Associated Press that her group is following the example of Liberia's women, who used a sex strike in 2003 to campaign for peace.

"We have many means to oblige men to understand what women want in Togo," Ameganvi said.

Probably the most effective coercion available

The sex strike was announced at a rally on Saturday of several thousand in the capital city, Lome.

The demonstration was organised by a coalition that is protesting recent electoral reforms, which they say will make it easier for Gnassingbe's party to win re-election in the parliamentary polls set for October.

Gnassingbe came to power in 2005, following the death of his father, Eyadema Gnassingbe, who ruled the West African country for 38 years.

Yup more democracy. Father in charge for 38 years followed by his son.

Gnassingbe has not commented on the sex strike, nor has his wife.

Earlier this month, two anti-Gnassingbe protests were dispersed by police using tear gas and more than 100 people were arrested.

At Saturday's rally, which ended peacefully, Jean-Pierre Fabre, leader of the National Alliance for Change opposition party, called for Gnassingbe's resignation. Other opposition leaders called for civil disobedience.

But it is the sex strike that has people talking in this small country of more than six million people.

I can think of many protests but as non violent ones go this is quite good

"It's a good thing for us women to observe this sex strike as long as our children are in jail now. I believe that by observing this, we will get them released," Abla Tamekloe said.

"For me, it's like fasting, and unless you fast, you will not get what you want from God."

When asked if her husband would agree, Tamekloe said: "It is easy for me to observe it. I am used to it, but I am not sure my husband will accept, but I have to explain to him."

Sure he will