women of togo

About the Project

In 2018, UNICEF named Togo, a country of eight million people, the 15th Most Dangerous Place to be born in the world. Nearly one in ten children will not live to see his or her fifth birthday—a rate fifteen times higher than that of developed countries. The five major killers of children in Togo—malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, HIV, and malnutrition—are all easily treatable conditions. Three years later, in September 2021, a report was published evaluating the work and impact of Integrate Health/Santé Intégrée and it found that the work of this organization decreased the under 5 mortality rate and significantly increased the rates of medical care for households, children, and pregnant people.

In February 2018, photographer Zoe Rain joined Integrate Health/Santé Intégrée, a community-led international health organization working to create a world where everyone, everywhere has access to high-quality healthcare in Togo, West Africa. The artist was on hand to document the impact that clinic renovations had to these distinct, isolated communities. For many Togolese, the frustration of having no opportunities, options, or resources can leave people feeling that they have no control. Integrate Health works to empower families to regain ownership over their health, something Rain beautifully illustrates through her photography. Today, access to healthcare and resources is not a right guaranteed to every woman and child in Togo, yet Integrate Health/Santé Intégrée has improved this, their impact illustrated by recent data. Women of Togo is a powerful look into the ways that community healthcare can be a solution to a public health crisis, while inspiring others to take action.

about the artist

Zoe Rain is a freelance photographer from Seattle who is currently based in Chicago. 

Public Programs

The opening of Women of Togo was held at the Art Works Projects Studio Gallery on November 15, 2018. 

The exhibit was also shown at Fordham University in New York City on January 19th, 2020. 

bring this exhibit to you

All of our exhibitions are designed to tour and can be adapted to a broad spectrum of venue types and sizes.

We are happy to provide step-by-step support for hosting this exhibit.

Contact us to learn more about bringing this exhibit to your community.

Women of Togo installation at Fordham University

resources & tools

Learn more about this exhibit and ways you can stay informed and take action.

News

September 2021: Integrate Health/Santé Intégrée released a report on the impact of their work and the women and children that they serve.

After the Chicago opening of Women of Togo, WBEZ published an article about the motivations and process behind the exhibit. 

Integrate Health/Santé Intégrée

Integrate Health/Santé Intégrée, the partner organization on this project, continues to work with and impact Togolese women. 

Stats

The United Nations Women database details statistics related to Togolese women’s lives and gender gaps in order to achieve SDG targets in the country. 

support for this project

Congo/Women is generously supported by the Patricia Crown Family Foundation.