Yopougon served as the launching pad for a groundbreaking initiative as the inaugural National Women Builders of the Nation Week kicked off on July 30 at the Yopougon town hall. The event, slated for August 1–4, 2026, aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s 66th independence anniversary celebrations.
Reflecting on progress and charting the future
The week-long program centers on the theme « 66 years of Côte d’Ivoire’s independence: what gains for women and what lies ahead? » Its core mission is to spotlight the indispensable contributions women have made to the country’s political, economic, social, and cultural spheres while addressing ongoing challenges and opportunities.
Assessing achievements and addressing gaps
Rebecca Yao, President of the Femme Ivoirienne en Politique (FIP) NGO, emphasized the importance of this initiative. « We recognized the need to pause and assess the progress women have achieved since independence, identify remaining obstacles, and craft actionable solutions, » she explained. The event will serve as a platform to compile a comprehensive report on women’s advancements, gather their concerns, and recommend policy enhancements to relevant authorities.
A platform for dialogue and progress
From August 1 to 3, Yopougon’s town hall will host a national symposium featuring an opening panel and sixteen thematic discussions. These panels will explore critical topics such as female leadership, healthcare, education, economic empowerment, youth engagement, and women’s rights. An accompanying exhibition will showcase the inspiring journeys of pioneering women, alongside successful entrepreneurship projects and programs designed to uplift women in business.
The symposium’s outcomes will culminate in a white paper, which will be submitted to policymakers to ensure the proposed recommendations are implemented and tracked over time.
A gala to honor trailblazers
The week’s highlight is the August 4 gala dinner at the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire, where 66 women will be honored as pioneers. Each honoree represents a year of Côte d’Ivoire’s independence, celebrating their vital contributions to the nation’s development since 1960.
A lasting legacy in the making
Rebecca Yao expressed her vision to make this event an annual tradition. « Before introducing new proposals, we will revisit the resolutions from each year’s edition to measure progress and ensure accountability, » she stated. This approach aims to foster continuous improvement and sustained dialogue around women’s roles in nation-building.
Mireille Bamba, Yopougon’s deputy, praised the initiative and reaffirmed the unwavering support of Adama Bictogo, the deputy-mayor. Together, they aim to establish this week as an annual forum for reflection, constructive dialogue, and recognition of women’s indispensable contributions to Côte d’Ivoire’s progress.
