The ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (ECGD) has officially launched its gender programmes in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls in the region. The event, held on June 21, 2024, in Abidjan, was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, and other dignitaries.
The programmes, which are part of the ECOWAS Gender Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2030, focus on gender-sensitive disaster risk reduction, medical and financial support for women and girls suffering from obstetric fistula, promotion of girls in technical and vocational training, economic empowerment of women processors of agricultural and craft products, and the “50 million African Women Speak” project.
Côte d’Ivoire is one of the beneficiary countries of the Fistula Programme, which aims to provide medical and financial care to 60 women suffering from fistula, rehabilitate the unit for fistula victims, train medical staff and social workers, and raise awareness on the causes and consequences of fistula.
The launch of these programmes demonstrates ECOWAS’ commitment to working with its Member States, regional and international institutions, and civil society organisations to advance gender equality and empower women and girls in the region.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
