2026 New Year’s Greetings Ceremony: First Lady Dominique Ouattara celebrates the commitment and leadership of Ivorian women
On Thursday, February 5, 2026, First Lady Dominique Ouattara presided over the traditional New Year’s greetings ceremony, bringing together women from all walks of life across the country. The gathering was marked by a spirit of sisterhood, gratitude, and collective commitment to the well-being of women, children, and families.
The ceremony witnessed the participation of many prominent female figures, including Mrs. Maimouna Koné, wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Kandia Camara, President of the Senate, Mrs. Chantal Camara, President of the Constitutional Council, members of the government, the diplomatic corps, as well as elected officials, government officials, business leaders, health professionals, teachers, journalists, artists, women in the defense and security forces, and civil society activists.
In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the wife of the Head of State expressed her satisfaction at the strong turnout of her “dear sisters,” praising the “strong and sincere” bonds of solidarity that unite Ivorian women. On this occasion, she conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the President of the Republic, Alassane Ouattara, as well as his thanks for the constant support shown to him by women. Mrs. Dominique Ouattara went on to wish all the guests health, peace, and fulfillment for 2026, while praising their decisive contribution to the country’s economic and social development.
She also reviewed the actions carried out through the Children of Africa Foundation and her office. In the field of health, the Bingerville Mother and Child Hospital and the Home of Life continue to provide quality care to mothers and children. The First Lady announced the upcoming completion of the pediatric cardiology wing, which is scheduled to open this year.
As part of the fight against child labor, child protection remains a major priority, with efforts continuing to combat child labor in order to guarantee every child’s right to education and fulfillment.
Another welcome initiative is the Support Fund for Women in Côte d’Ivoire (FAFCI), which continues its work to promote economic empowerment. According to the First Lady, this program has already transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of women across the country, beyond the statistics, through journeys marked by courage and resilience.
Mrs. Dominique Ouattara expressed her gratitude to the President of the Republic for his ongoing commitment to women, before congratulating the newly elected members of the National Assembly and the ministers reappointed to the government, encouraging them to continue their mission with rigor and dedication.
Convinced that 2026 will bring new challenges but also great opportunities, she called on Ivorian women to remain united and supportive of one another in order to continue working for the most vulnerable and for the development of the country.
Ms. Nassénéba Touré, Minister for Women, Family, and Children, on behalf of all the women, extended her best wishes to the wife of the Head of State. She praised her great achievements alongside the President of the Republic, while saluting her leadership and impact of her actions on thousands of women in Côte d’Ivoire who see her as an inspiring role model. “Thank you for agreeing, once again, to share his burden and support his vision. Together with the President, you are the two cornerstones of the same edifice, moving forward in perfect harmony. It is this gentle and constant light that gives the actions of our enlightened leader their full human dimension,“ she said. She added: ”Beyond your status as First Lady, you are a beacon, a compass. If Côte d’Ivoire is now making giant strides forward, it is because, guided by your example, its women have risen up to participate fully in its construction.
If your sisters have this strength, it is because they look up to you. From young entrepreneurs to mothers, each one aspires to the elegance of heart and rigor in action that characterize you. Each one wants, in her own humble way, to be like you.
Mrs. Suhad Belliard, wife of the French Ambassador and spokesperson for the Association of Spouses of Ambassadors accredited in Côte d’Ivoire, also presented her wishes to the Presidential couple on behalf of all the spouses of Ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Côte d’Ivoire. “On their behalf, I would like to extend our best wishes for 2026, wishing you, first and foremost, good health, happiness, and success,” she said.
Before closing the ceremony, the First Lady presented gifts to each of the women present. Earlier, the women present, through their spokesperson, also presented gifts to the wife of the Head of State.
A dinner and a mini-concert brought this pleasant ceremony to a close.