Promotion of Women’s Rights: Dominique Ouattara Calls for More Equitable Justice for Women and Girls

On the occasion of the official ceremony marking the 49th International Women’s Day, held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Abobo, the First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, Dominique Ouattara called for a more equitable justice system for women and girls.

She emphasized that promoting women’s rights remains an essential condition for equity, justice, and the country’s sustainable development.

Dominique Ouattara stressed the need to provide young girls with better access to education, vocational training, and economic opportunities. She also reaffirmed her determination to continue the fight against all forms of gender-based violence.

For her part, Nassénéba Touré, Minister of Women, Family and Children, praised the significant legal progress achieved in favor of gender equality. She recalled several major reforms, including the Constitution of the Third Republic, which enshrines the principle of equality among all citizens, the 2019 parity law requiring at least 30% women on electoral lists, and the 2015 law on compulsory schooling for children aged 6 to 16.

Kandia Camara, President of the Senate and Mayor of Abobo, called for better public awareness of laws related to women’s rights, particularly in matters of inheritance and land ownership, as well as for bringing judicial services closer to rural areas.

Meanwhile, Hélène Ngarim-Ganga, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Côte d’Ivoire, urged national stakeholders to turn words into concrete actions so that every woman can fully exercise her rights and actively contribute to the development of the nation.