New year wishes to First Lady Doinique Ouattara : Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, at the New Year’s Eve ceremony:

“In 2023, women and children will remain our main priorities, especially those in difficult situations”

Women from various social and professional backgrounds presented their New Year wishes to the First Lady, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, on Friday, February 3, 2023, at the Presidential Residence.

Indeed, after two years of interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic,the First Lady hosted a dinner which witnessed the presence of the wives of presidents of institutions, government ministers, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, members of the prefectural corps, elected women, wives of political leaders, executives and many other officials.

They were nearly 200 women from various background to meet in the garden of the presidential residence for the New Year’s wishes and express their admiration to the First Lady, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara for her many actions on behalf of women and children.

As usual, the wife of the Head of State offered a gift to each of her guests. The women also offered gifts to the wife of the Head of State in return.

Taking the floor, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, congratulated women for their invaluable contribution in the development process of the country. To this end, she encouraged them to perfection and distinction in their respective positions and professions. “I would like to congratulate you for the remarkable work you have been doing to help build our beautiful country and give happiness to those who need it. You are exceptional, determined and courageous women and each of you plays a vital role for the development of our great nation. Your respective positions place you at the center of the social, environmental and economic challenges that Côte d’Ivoire must face. I urge you to persist and persevere in excellence and distinction. You have my full support,” she encouraged her guests. Before wishing them and their families a happy new happy year. “I wish you all, a beautiful year 2023, full of health, joy and success for yourself, your respective families and all your entourage, “wished Mrs. Dominique Ouattara.  Also, regarding the perspectives for the new year 2023, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara reaffirmed her wish to strengthen her efforts to help women and children in difficult situations.  “In 2023, women and children will remain at the heart of our actions, especially those in difficult situations. Today’s ceremony gives me the opportunity to reaffirm my commitment to work tirelessly for the well-being of our fellow citizens. I know I can count on your commitment to continue  giving love to children, women and their families,” said Mrs. Dominique Ouattara.

The wife of the Head of State also took advantage of the event to list some of her major actions carried out during the year 2022. There are the hosting of the 8th gala dinner of the Children Of Africa Foundation, the operation of the Mother and Child Hospital of Bingerville, the Bookmobile, the distribution of school kits at the start of the school year, the Christmas tree of the Children Of Africa Foundation and many other commitments. Through these activities, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara shows her commitment to the welfare of the most vulnerable people. A commitment recognized and praised that earned her a distinction last year as Grand Officer in the National Order of Côte d’Ivoire. She also mentioned her commitment to women’s empowerment through the Support Fund for Women in Côte d’Ivoire (FAFCI) which has so far enabled 350,000 women to access micro loans to finance their income generating activities.

Mrs. Nassénéba Touré, Minister of Women, Family and Children and spokesperson for the women present, expressed the admiration and gratitude of the women to Mrs. Dominique Ouattara for her numerous actions for the well-being of children and women. “The Ivorians are witnesses of your generosity”, declared the Minister of Women, Family and Children. That is why, on behalf of the women of Côte d’Ivoire, she is pleased to present her best wishes for the New Year.

Mrs. Suhad Belliard, Ambassador of France and President of the Group of Ambassadors’wives, also translated on behalf of the wives of Ambassadors accredited in Côte d’Ivoire, her wishes to the First Lady. Mrs. Belliard, wife of the Ambassador of France in Côte d’Ivoire expressed her admiration for the wife of the Head of State who is a model of virtue and self-sacrifice for the weakest. She ended by reiterating the commitment of her Association to support the charitable actions of the Children Of Africa Foundation.

It is important to note that the musical note was done by Lionnel and his musicians who performed for the greatest pleasure of the First Lady and her guests some of the greatest songs of the last 60 years.