The First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, has encouraged women to believe in their ambitions, pointing to the significant progress made in women’s rights under the presidency of H.E. Alassane Ouattara. She stressed the importance of women being united to towards future prospects saying “let us stay united, tear down walls, and light a torch for future generations.”
Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, expressed her sentiments when she officially launched the Global ADWIN Network (African and African-Descendant Women Impact Network) in Abidjan, an initiative aimed at supporting African and African-descendant women around the world.
The ceremony brought together participants from Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean, representing various professional sectors. Several political and diplomatic figures were present, including Mrs. Euphrasie Yao, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister and holder of the UNESCO Chair “Water, Women and Decision-Making Power.”
Minister of Women, Family and Children of Ivory Coast Nassénéba Touré for her part highlighted the progress made in the law introducing a 30% quota for women in elected assemblies, as well as efforts to ensure equal access to education and military training:
“Microcredit programs and initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs are proof that sincere commitment changes lives,” she emphasized.
She described the Global ADWIN Network as a symbol of hope and women’s determination to build an inclusive future.
President of ADWIN and former French Minister for Equal Opportunities, Mrs. Elizabeth Moreno expressed that she is determined to continue working to ensure that every African woman can fully thrive in which ever venture they want to pursue.
“Invest by taking into account women’s needs, by facilitating their access to markets”, she explained.
The diversity and richness of testimonies, ranging from women entrepreneurs to royal figures such as Her Majesty Queen Temifope Moreniké, Queen of the Yorubas of Nigeria, illustrated the extraordinary potential of this network, in an atmosphere filled with celebration, unity, and hope.
Mawuko Fiaxe Agyemang/Ministry of Women, Family and Children of Ivory Coast
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