Women’s Economic Empowerment and Health Education Initiative in Aboisso, Côte d’Ivoire

On May 31, 2025, the Kia Yusuf Foundation delivered a full-day program focused on economic literacy and health education for women in Aboisso, a semi-rural town in southeastern Côte d’Ivoire. The initiative brought together women from Aboisso and surrounding communities for a day centered on practical business knowledge, preventive health awareness, and direct engagement with local institutions.

May 31, 2025

Aboisso, Sud-Comoé Region

Aboisso is located approximately 110 kilometers east of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s economic capital. Women in this region are deeply involved in local economic life through informal trade, small businesses, and household management. Many operate without access to structured business training, preventive health information, or opportunities to engage directly with institutional leaders. The program was designed to bring these resources directly into the community.

Economic literacy formed the foundation of the day

Workshops were led by Lucas Ouattara, a digital strategy consultant, and focused on financial decisions women encounter in their daily lives. Sessions addressed how to start or strengthen income-generating activities with limited capital, manage household and business finances, reinvest earnings responsibly, and navigate informal market systems. Discussions were grounded in real examples, with participants encouraged to relate the material to their own work and sources of income.
Aya Odette, a local entrepreneur and restaurant owner, shared her personal journey from domestic work to owning five restaurants. She spoke candidly about discipline, persistence, and gradual reinvestment, offering a concrete example of economic mobility achieved without formal education or significant startup capital. Her experience resonated strongly with participants navigating similar paths.

Health education complemented the economic programming

Dr. Amon Muriel Tanoh, a practicing neurologist, delivered an educational session on cardiovascular health. She addressed hypertension and stroke prevention, explained early warning signs, and outlined practical measures women could integrate into their daily routines. Cardiovascular conditions remain common in many West African communities, often with limited public awareness around prevention. The session focused on clear, accessible information participants could apply immediately.
Chantal Gnahoua, President of AVC Espoir, shared her personal experience surviving a stroke. Her testimony reinforced the importance of early recognition and timely medical care, and underscored that recovery and continued productivity are possible with appropriate support.

The program also created space for direct engagement between participants and public officials.
Women took part in discussions with Honorable Zinsou Assamoi Marcelin, Member of Parliament representing Aboisso, Madame N’da Delphine, Regional Director for Women, Family, and Children, and representatives from municipal government and social services. For many participants, this was a rare opportunity to engage directly with institutional leaders and speak about issues affecting their daily lives.

Cultural expression played an important role throughout the day

Ivorian artist Sly de Sly contributed live performance that helped create a welcoming environment and sustained engagement. Music and cultural presence supported participation and connection among attendees.
At the conclusion of the program, each participants received a package of basic essential supplies to support immediate household needs. These included food staples, hygiene products, household goods, and practical materials. Providing essential supplies helped reduce short-term economic pressure and allowed participants to focus their limited resources on the strategies discussed during the program. Items were distributed on site in branded bags that participants carried home with them.
The initiative was developed and delivered in coordination with local partners, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and public institutions. Preparation included consultations with women’s associations, coordination with municipal and regional authorities, procurement and preparation of materials, and on-site management of all program components. The program concluded in the late afternoon. Participants remained on site, speaking with one another and with facilitators before departing. Each woman received her package of basic essential supplies at the end of the day.