Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice President and Minister of Defence, Téné Birahima Ouattara, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing gender equality within the country’s Armed Forces, describing them as a body of men and women firmly dedicated to stability and peace in Côte d’Ivoire.

He made the remarks on Thursday during the official ceremony marking the Military Women’s Days held at the Naval Base of Locodjoro in Attécoubé under the theme: “Rights, Discipline and Merit: Promoting Equality within the Armed Forces.”

“The gender policy envisioned by the Head of State is now a reality within our military institution. It is visible across all branches of the Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire (FACI) and at nearly every level of responsibility,” Ouattara said.

According to him, this integration dynamic must continue by placing particular emphasis on merit in order to guarantee women soldiers access to decision-making and command positions.

He also praised “the dedication of Ivorian military women and their significant contribution to the positive image projected by our Armed Forces on all operational fronts.”

Serving as patron of the 2026 edition dedicated exclusively to military women, Anne Désirée Ouloto-Lamizana, Minister of Public Service and Administrative Modernization, stated that “the growing integration of women within our armed forces is a strong symbol of the modernization of all defence and security institutions.”

“Their presence undeniably strengthens both operational effectiveness and the bond between the military and the nation,” she added.

Paying tribute to the women in uniform, she said: “Every day, alongside your brothers in arms, you contribute to peacekeeping, national defence and security. You are living proof that excellence is not proclaimed; it is built — and you build it day after day through effort, sacrifice and honor. You are a source of pride for our nation.”

Representing military women from the Gendarmerie, Army, Air Force and Navy, Koua Malé Myriam, Technical Secretary of the Armed Forces Gender Unit, expressed gratitude to the Ivorian state and reaffirmed the commitment of military women to continue serving the nation with loyalty, dedication, discipline and honor.

The celebration, which runs until May 8, featured awards for outstanding military women and a parade of female troops.