Côte d’Ivoire has emerged as a regional leader in gender equality within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), according to the 2024 Gender Equality Index.
With a score of 0.708, the country significantly surpasses the regional average of 0.640.
This progress reflects sustained efforts by Ivorian authorities to promote more inclusive development, driven by President Alassane Ouattara and supported by the Ministry of Women, Family and Children, led by Nassénéba Touré.
In the education sector, Côte d’Ivoire posts an impressive score of 0.95, nearing parity between girls and boys. These achievements are largely attributed to policies such as compulsory schooling, free education, distribution of school kits, school feeding programs, and initiatives to combat early marriages and teenage pregnancies in schools.
Economically, initiatives promoting financial inclusion—particularly the expansion of mobile money and support mechanisms for women’s entrepreneurship—are strengthening women’s autonomy, especially in rural areas. Programs such as FAFCI and FNFD play a key role in this momentum.
In addition, major institutional reforms have been implemented, notably the 2016 Constitution, which enshrines gender equality, along with strengthened laws against gender-based violence and the introduction of gender-sensitive public policies.
Despite these advances, challenges remain, particularly regarding women’s representation in decision-making spheres, equitable access to economic resources, and reducing income disparities.
The government intends to build on this progress through several initiatives, including DICEFA, AFECT, and Women Power Lab, with the aim of consolidating gains and sustainably improving women’s living conditions.
