Discours de SEM Alassane OUATTARA face à une délégation des Femmes de Côte d’Ivoire

The President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. Alassane Ouattara, met on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at the Presidential Palace, with a delegation of women from Côte d'Ivoire. Speaking on this occasion, the Minister of National Education, Technical Education, and Vocational Training, Ms. Kandia Kamissoko-Camara, President of the Organizing Committee for the rally in support of the Ivorian women's actions, held at the Treichville Palace of Culture on April 8, 2017, outlined the purpose of this meeting, which aimed to strengthen ties between the Head of State and his "sisters." The spokesperson for women intellectuals, Ms. Aimée Zebeyoux, Senior Magistrate, Advocate General at the Supreme Court, and President of the Association of Women Jurists of Côte d'Ivoire, paid a vibrant tribute to President Alassane Ouattara for his development initiatives and the promotion of women's rights. Ms. Colette Irie Lou, President of the National Federation of Food Crop Cooperatives of Côte d'Ivoire (FENACOVICI), spokesperson for women traders and rural communities, expressed her gratitude to the President of the Republic for the return of security to the country and for the improvement of road infrastructure, which contributes to the efficient transport of agricultural products. Speaking in turn, the Head of State congratulated the women on the success of the rally held on April 8th and commended their role and courage in the history of the nation. He pledged to work harder to strengthen their rights and improve their living conditions. In this regard, he decided to pay particular attention to their representation in the various institutions of our country. For the Head of State, the issue of gender equality cannot be resolved by constitutional provisions alone. It must be accompanied, he believes, by political will. He also expressed his gratitude to the women of Côte d'Ivoire for this heartening support, which comes at a time when the economic situation is unfavorable for our country due to the fall in commodity prices, particularly cocoa. Finally, the President of the Republic reiterated his commitment to working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of his fellow citizens, especially women.