<p><span></span></p><p>Togo's historic appointment <a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/gabon-elects-first-female-prime-minister/" target="_blank">follows that of Gabon which this past July, also appointed its first ever woman Prime Minister</a> in <strong>Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda</strong>. An economist by training, Ossouka Raponda has a history within the Gabonese government as she served as Budget Minister in 2012, and then went on to become Libraville's first female mayor, writes <em>OkayAfrica</em>'s<strong> Zinhle Ngema</strong>. Additionally, <a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/sahle-work-zewde-ethiopia-first-woman-female-president/" target="_blank">Ethiopia appointed its first ever woman president</a> in former top diplomat, <strong>Sahle-Work Zewde</strong>. </p><p>While these are important sides especially for the advancement and representation of women in positions of leadership and governance, Dogbe (as has been the case with her peers) faces a number of challenges ahead. Her appointment comes shortly after <a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/president-faure-gnassingbe-runs-for-fourth-term-in-togo-elections/" target="_blank">ongoing protests which saw Togolese citizens demonstrating against President Gnassingbe</a>who sought, and recently secured, a fourth term in office. As many as 800 000 protesters <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-41332072" target="_blank">took part in massive national demonstrations</a> in 2017 where, at the time, <strong><em>Reuters</em></strong> reported that <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-togo-protests/two-killed-in-togo-in-protests-against-50-year-ruling-dynasty-idUSKCN1AZ0KM" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">at least two people were killed and 13 others injured</a>.</p><p><div class="preroll-video"></div><ora-player></ora-player></p><p><span></span></p><p>However, congratulations are nonetheless still in order for Dogbe and only time will tell how her recent appointment will affect the Togloese government structures overall and more so, the country's current political landscape. </p>
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