The First Lady Dominique Ouattara has decided to address the issue of women’s empowerment as a priority area. On Thursday, September 20, 2018 in the neighbourhood of Abobo, the wife of the Head of State once again demonstrated her commitment to improving the living conditions of women. As a woman of action, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, as usual, made many donations and proceeded to the presentation of the FAFCI checks to the women of the District of Abidjan. More than 3,000 women from all the communes of the District of Abidjan attended the ceremony. The ceremony witnessed also the participation of the Minister of State, Minister of Defense Hamed Bakayoko, Mrs Bakayoko Ly Ramata, Minister of Women, Family and Children and many other officials.

Thus, in order to allow her sisters in the Abidjan District to be independent by undertaking income-generating activities, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara has put an additional amount of one billion 500 million CFA francs at the disposal of women. To the municipality of Abobo, which hosted the ceremony, she donated  200 million CFA francs. This additional amount  brings the budget made available to this municipality to 700 million CFA francs.

In addition to the FAFCI checks, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara also offered in-kind donations worth 100 million CFA francs to the women of Abobo. She also offered 10 million CFA francs to the women who attended the ceremony. The overall cash and in kind donations is estimated at: 110 million CFA francs. A real relief for these women who are now hoping to fully take care of themselves.

Taking advantage of this platform, the First Lady has reiterated her confidence in women’s ability to push back the barriers of poverty. “Every woman has a vital role to play in the development of our beautiful nation, and FAFCI was created to help as many of our sisters as possible to start an income-generating activity. (…) I know that your new income-generating activities will help you support your families and gain financial independence and fulfillment. You are strong women, I therefore believe in your potential and your abilities. (…), “said the wife of the Head of state.

Hamed Bakayoko, Minister of State, Minister of Defense, urged women and youth in Abobo to work hard to get out of poverty.