Mayor Joseph Gomado Koamy (right) meeting with TCI representatives.

Joseph Gomado Koamy is the Mayor of Commune Golf 1, a city supported by The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in Lomé, Togo. During a recent advocacy meeting with TCI, Koamy discussed TCI’s transformative role in empowering his city. 

The TCI program represents a unique opportunity. For me, it is one I do not let pass me by. Family Planning (FP) is a reality that I support with fervor, being myself a living testimony to its benefits.

 

My own experiences are tangible proof of the effectiveness of FP: between the births of my children, an interval of at least 5 to 7 years has been respected. This personal experience has convinced me of the importance of sharing the benefits of FP within my community.

 

To enable others to benefit from family planning, I have become actively involved in promoting and raising awareness of family planning. Family planning is not just about contraception; it is about choice, health and autonomy. It offers individuals and families the opportunity to decide when to have children, how many and how to raise them in conditions conducive to their well-being. This has a significant impact on quality of life, and also helps to reduce social inequalities.  It is with this in mind that I have recently made my first financial contribution to support the implementation of FP-related activities.

 

In conclusion, my participation in TCI and my commitment to family planning are guided by my deep conviction in the importance of this cause. By getting actively involved in this cause and contributing to concrete initiatives, I hope to encourage my fellow mayors to take part in this struggle for the well-being of families and communities. FP is not just an individual choice, but a fundamental right for all.”