47th international women’s rights day: first lady dominique ouattara donates over 300 million f cfa to women

The ceremony witnessed the presence of Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambré, Minister for Sport and the Quality of Life; presidents of institutions; women ministers; representatives of the United Nations Organizations and many other personalities, as well as the people of Songon, who were present in large numbers.

Mrs Dominique Ouattara, statutory sponsor of the International Women’s Rights Day (IWD), was keen to be part of the celebration. The wife of the Head of State took this opportunity to make a significant contribution to support the empowerment of women in the commune of Songon. Mrs. Dominique Ouattara offered substantial gifts of equipment and cash worth 362 million F CFA to women.

These gifts include equipment to support women’s businesses, health materials to reinforce the technical facilities of the commune’s maternity wards and health centers, including four (04) ambulances for the health establishments, and many other gifts for the greater happiness of the women and people of Songon.

In addition, the wife of the Head of State, a champion for women’s empowerment, granted an additional 200 million F CFA under the FAFCI program. The First Lady announced  the opening of a COOPEC branch in the locality. This initiative will make it easier for a greater number of women to benefit from this micro-project financing program.

Mrs Dominique Ouattara recalled the importance of the theme of this 47^th edition of IWD. According to the First Lady, the theme is particularly relevant to her because of her commitment to women’s empowerment. “(…) This theme is particularly close to my heart, because as you know, there’s nothing more important to me than empowering mothers, so that they can ensure a better future for their children. It’s a fight I’ve been leading for many years, not only as First Lady, but also through the actions of the Children Of Africa Foundation”, Mrs Dominique Ouattara recalled. The First Lady then dwelt on the difficulties that prevent women from accomplishing their full potential, and limit their access to empowerment. According to the wife of the Head of State, these difficulties include poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and domestic violence. Mrs Dominique Ouattara also called on the various stakeholders involved in the fight for women’s rights and empowerment to invest in girls’ education. “We must also continue to invest in the education of our girls, particularly in fields that are still not very accessible, such as science, technology and engineering. This is how our young sisters will be able to fulfill their potential and become the prosperous women of tomorrow”, she said.

The First Lady reiterated her conviction in the evolution of women’s rights. “I am firmly convinced that it is together that we will succeed in advancing the issue of women’s rights, because together we are stronger and capable of overcoming all difficulties”, concluded Mrs Dominique Ouattara.

Mr. Robert Beugré Mambé, Prime Minister, Minister of Sports and the Living Environment, as an executive and son of Songon, welcomed the wife of the Head of State. He thanked her for her charitable actions on behalf of the women and children of Côte d’Ivoire in general, and of this commune in particular.

After thanking the First Lady for her commitment to women’s rights and empowerment,             Mrs Nassénéba Touré, Minister for Women, the Family and Children, called on the population in general, and women in particular, to remain united. For her, the history of the ^34th edition of the CAN has proved that unity for a common cause is always a source of strength.

Mr Philippe Poinsot, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Organizations, gave a progress report on the fight against the disease. He praised the progress made by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and reassured the government of the  UN agencies support.

Mr. Gbrou Alloboué Osée, Mayor of the commune of Songon, thanked the First Lady for her commitment to empowering women.

Mrs Diro Angèle, spokeswoman for the FAFCI beneficiaries, also thanked the wife of the Head of State for her actions on behalf of her sisters and daughters in Songon.

The people of Songon also presented the Presidential couple with a number of  cash and in kind gifts.

Taking advantage of the occasion, the First Lady, stature sponsor of the event, offered gifts in kind and in cash worth over 350 million FCFA.

The wife of the Head of State provided an additional 200 million FCFA to local women under the FAFCI program.