The Ivorian NGO Femme Ivoirienne en Politique (FIP), led by its president Rebecca Yao, has initiated the first-ever National Women Builders of the Nation Week in Côte d’Ivoire. The event kicked off on Thursday, July 30 at Yopougon’s town hall, setting the stage for four days of reflection and celebration from August 1 to 4, 2026, coinciding with the nation’s 66th Independence Day.
Honoring Women’s Contributions to Ivorian Progress
Under the theme « 66 Years of Ivorian Independence: What Gains for Women, and What Future Pathways? », the initiative aims to spotlight the pivotal role women have played in the country’s political, economic, social, and cultural advancement since 1960. Rebecca Yao emphasized the need to assess achievements, address lingering challenges, and propose actionable solutions. « It’s time to evaluate the progress made for women over the past six decades, identify unresolved issues, and outline concrete steps forward, » she stated.
An Engaging Program of Reflection and Recognition
The week-long program, hosted at Yopougon’s town hall from August 1 to 3, will feature a national symposium with one opening panel and sixteen thematic discussions. Key topics include women’s leadership, healthcare, education, economic empowerment, youth engagement, and gender rights. An exhibition will showcase the journeys of trailblazing women alongside successful female-led projects and entrepreneurship initiatives.
The climax of the event is the August 4 gala dinner at Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire, where 66 pioneering women will be honored for their lifelong contributions to Côte d’Ivoire’s development since independence.
Paving the Way for Sustainable Change
Beyond the celebrations, the organizers plan to compile a White Paper summarizing key findings and recommendations, which will be submitted to policymakers to ensure accountability and follow-through on proposed measures. Rebecca Yao expressed her vision for this initiative to become an annual tradition, stating, « Each year, we will revisit the resolutions made in previous editions to measure progress and keep the momentum going. »
The initiative has garnered strong support from local leaders, including Yopougon’s deputy Mireille Bamba and mayor Adama Bictogo, who have pledged their backing for the event. The organizers envision this week as a recurring platform for dialogue, recognition, and collective action to advance gender equality and women’s role in nation-building.
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