Education for Girls and Women : First Lady Dominique Ouattara Launches the National Campaign “A Girl Who Learns, A Woman Who Wins”
On Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire’s ballroom, First Lady Dominique Ouattara officially launched the national campaign “A Girl Who Learns, A Woman Who Succeeds,” a World Bank-led initiative aimed at accelerating investments in education, empowerment, and protection for girls and women.
Held under the High Patronage of the First Lady, the ceremony brought together numerous dignitaries, including Mrs. Maimouna Koné, wife of the Vice President of the Republic; Mrs. Kandia Kamara, President of the Senate; several members of the government; diplomats; development partners; as well as representatives from the private sector and civil society.
In her remarks, Ms. Dominique Ouattara praised the commitment of the World Bank and, in particular, that of Ms. Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, the institution’s Director of Operations for Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea, and Togo. “This national initiative aims to mobilize public institutions, the private sector, technical and financial partners, civil society, universities, the media, and citizens around a shared ambition: to make investment in girls and women a key driver of social and economic transformation,” she emphasized.
Three pillars for sustainably transforming girls’ lives
According to the First Lady, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, the campaign is based on three essential pillars: education, financial inclusion, and the protection and safety of girls.
Referring to the educational component, she highlighted the various initiatives carried out by the Children of Africa Foundation since its creation in 1998. In particular, she cited the construction of the Highschool for Excellence in Kong and the Children of Africa School of Excellence in Abobo. “These achievements are not merely infrastructure; they are the tangible expression of our conviction that school is the primary space for the empowerment of our girls,” she affirmed.
On the topic of economic empowerment, Ms. Dominique Ouattara highlighted the achievements of the Côte d’Ivoire Women’s Support Fund (FAFCI), established in 2012. “Today, more than 430,000 women have been able to start their own businesses, regain self-confidence, and gain independence thanks to the FAFCI. A woman who receives support in implementing her economic project becomes a driving force for development for her entire community,” she said.
On the issue of protecting girls and women, she highlighted the efforts made through the “Safe Home” Women’s Shelter in Adiaké, inaugurated on Thursday, April 10, 2025, by the Children of Africa Foundation to shelter and support victims of gender-based violence. “We cannot talk about empowerment and not mention protection. These are two sides of the same coin,” she emphasized.
A Message to the Girls in Côte d’Ivoire
Speaking directly to young girls, the First Lady urged them to believe in their abilities and pursue their ambitions. “Your education is not a favor granted to you. It is a fundamental right that you must claim and a strength that you must cultivate. Never be afraid to dream big, to dare, to create, to lead. Dare to pursue science, dare to embrace technology, dare to take on responsibilities. But never dare to give up,” she said.
Before officially declaring the campaign open, Ms. Dominique Ouattara reaffirmed her commitment to all initiatives aimed at promoting education, health, and the empowerment of girls and women. “When a girl learns, a woman gains. When a woman gains, a family progresses. When a family progresses, a community grows stronger. And when a community grows stronger, a nation prospers,” concluded the First Lady, before officially launching the “A Girl Who Learns, A Woman Who Gains” campaign in Côte d’Ivoire.
Ms. Anne Désirée Ouloto, Minister of State for the Civil Service and Administrative Modernization, chose the First Lady to lead this campaign. She outlined the many reasons behind this decision. As President of the Children of Africa Foundation, which she founded in 1998 and which has spearheaded several initiatives to protect the rights of children and women and promote maternal and child health, Ms. Dominique Ouattara has, according to Ms. Ouloto, been a maternal figure in social and humanitarian engagement for nearly 30 years, working on behalf of disadvantaged populations.
Speaking earlier, Ms. Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, Director of Operations at the World Bank for Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea, and Togo, expressed her deep gratitude to the First Lady for supporting the campaign. “Madam First Lady, without you, we would not be here today. We launched this initiative a year ago, and simply because you lent us your name, we have already recorded more than 70 commitments. A promise became a campaign; a campaign became a movement,” she declared to the applause of the audience.
Through a particularly moving personal account, the World Bank’s Director of Operations recounted her own journey.
For her, this story illustrates the decisive impact of education on a young girl’s life. “My story is not unique, and it shouldn’t be. We want thousands of other girls to be able to realize their dreams and reach their full potential,” she added.
5.5 million reasons to act
Ms. Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira also issued a passionate call for collective action by highlighting what she called “5.5 million reasons to act.” According to her, Côte d’Ivoire will have nearly 5.5 million adolescent girls by 2050. “That is why we must act today. Because a girl who learns is a girl who succeeds,” she declared. While acknowledging the progress made by Côte d’Ivoire in girls’ education, she noted that many challenges remain.
It should be noted that testimonials, as well as a panel discussion on the theme “Empowering Girls and Women in Côte d’Ivoire : Why Get Involved?” were featured during the ceremony.