Paris, Tuesday, March 17, 2026 – As part of the International Francophonie Week, the Permanent Representation of Côte d’Ivoire to the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), in collaboration with the Ivorian Embassy in France, organized a literary event under the theme: “Women, Languages, and Cultures: Promoting Women’s Voices in the Francophonie.”

The initiative brought together Ambassador Maurice Kouakou Bandaman, diplomats, OIF officials, female authors, and cultural actors with a shared goal: to emphasize the central role of women in literary creation and cultural transmission.

In his speech, the Ambassador highlighted that the Francophonie, with over 321 million speakers, is a space for dialogue and creativity in which women play a decisive role. He praised the growing prominence of African women writers, whose works contribute to renewing contemporary imaginaries.

The roundtable, moderated by journalist Maïmouna Coulibaly, featured three Ivorian authors: Fatou Diomandé, Ornella Diane Vianney-Koffi, and Marcelle Vagba. They shared their experiences and advocated for engaged literature rooted in social realities, cultural transmission, and the affirmation of women’s voices.

Discussions also addressed key topics such as women’s representation in literature, passing knowledge to younger generations, the role of African languages in literature, and the emergence of new forms of expression, including digital platforms.

Regarding nouchi, the Ivorian slang currently gaining popularity, the speakers emphasized that it represents a rich linguistic and cultural heritage fully compatible with the Francophonie. Its inclusion in the French Larousse dictionary marks a major recognition of this cultural contribution.

Beyond literature, the event reflected a broader dynamic: a transforming Francophonie driven by creative, engaged women who have become essential contributors.

In Paris, Côte d’Ivoire reaffirmed its ambition to make cultural diplomacy a strategic tool for international influence by giving full recognition to those who write, transmit, and transform Francophone imaginaries.

As Ambassador Maurice Kouakou Bandaman reminded the audience:
“Educating a woman is educating an entire nation.”