Ivory Coast: leaders unite in dimbokro to combat sexual violence and empower communities

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In a decisive move against gender-based violence, one hundred leaders from women’s and youth organizations in the Dimbokro department gathered on Monday, July 21, 2025, for an intensive awareness session on sexual violence.

The event, held at the prefecture, was organized under the “Project to support the political, economic and social emancipation of women and youth,” coordinated by Ms. Coulibaly Camara Tiéplé Fatouma.

The session offered a comprehensive overview of the six recognized forms of gender-based violence: rape, physical assault, forced marriage, denial of resources or opportunities, sexual assault, and psychological or emotional abuse.

Ms. Coulibaly emphasized the urgency of collective action, stating, “We must denounce all sexual violence suffered by women and men alike. That is why we say ‘zero amicable settlements.’” She also urged the leaders to foster a peaceful environment ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.

Backed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this campaign aims to educate communities about the realities of sexual violence, encourage denunciations, and mobilize local leaders to connect victims with appropriate support services.

“We learned a lot during this meeting. We will share the information with our members so that from now on, no gender-based violence goes unpunished,” affirmed Traoré Peupah Touré, president of the federation of women farmers, poultry farmers, and traders’ associations in Dimbokro.

The project is active across five Ivorian regions: Tonkpi, Haut-Sassandra, Bagoué, Bafing, and N’Zi, seeking to empower women and youth politically, economically, and socially.

Aboua Moïse, secretary general of the prefecture, reminded participants of the critical importance of speaking out: “From today, you must no longer remain silent about any violence, whether verbal, physical, psychological, or sexual. To remain silent is to kill the victim slowly. You must therefore denounce it through all possible channels.”

Alongside training, the 100 organizational leaders received essential equipment, including 50 chairs, speakers, a desktop computer, and a printer, to strengthen their capacity in this vital mission. This gathering marks a pivotal step toward creating safer communities and elevating the voices of vulnerable populations in Ivory Coast.