Côte d'Ivoire/ Zuénoula IFEF organizes an open day
On Wednesday June 4, 2025, the Institut de Formation et d'Education Féminine (IFEF) in Zuénoula organized an open day for women, young girls and their parents, to raise awareness of the opportunities offered in education, vocational training and empowerment of young women.
According to the director of the Zuénoula IFEF, Maĩ Haramata, this activity, under the theme "Training in IFEFs, a second chance for the empowerment of young women who have dropped out of school or are illiterate", is part of a series of open days initiated by the Marahoué regional directorate for women, the family and children.It is part of a series of open days initiated since 2023 by the Marahoué Regional Department for Women, the Family and Children, to raise awareness of the IFEFs' missions among the local population.
Ms. Maï stressed the importance of such an initiative in a context where gender inequalities in access to education persist. "The IFEF is a secure, structured environment that is conducive to the blossoming of young girls' potential. Through this day, we wanted to show not only the female students, but also their parents, the assets of our establishment", she declared.
She also presented the activities of her center, which has been in operation since 1972, highlighting the existence of a "digital house", the fruit of a partnership between the Ministry and the Orange Côte d'Ivoire Foundation. "This program introduces women to IT tools. At present, 32 women auditors in two rooms are receiving training in literacy, sewing and pastry-making", she explained.
Particular emphasis was placed on the IFEF reform launched in 2023, which aims to orient training towards certifying trades, recognized by the State and the private sector. This reform is designed to enhance the attractiveness of these structures and guarantee sustainable integration of beneficiaries.
Amadou Koffi Martin, Regional Director for Women, the Family and Children, reminded the audience that IFEFs are educational structures designed for women and girls, in particular for the young.The IFEFs are educational structures for women and girls, particularly those who have dropped out of school or have never attended school. "These centers offer them a second chance to learn trades such as sewing, pastry-making, embroidery and literacy, in order to promote their socio-economic integration," he said.
He noted that despite the Ministry's efforts, the attendance rate remains very low. "We have three IFEFs in the region. In Bouaflé, Sinfra and Zuénoula - but barely 143 women and girls attend them. This figure falls far short of our expectations, given the female population of Marahoué", he lamented, calling on women's organizations to relay the message in their villages and neighborhoods.
Financial controller Igor Zadi, sponsor of the event, congratulated the initiators on this awareness-raising activity, which helps to combat female poverty and strengthen women's resilience.
The chief of staff of the Zuénoula prefect, Ziza Kazoro, hailed this grassroots initiative, which helps to raise women's awareness of their rights and promote their active involvement in local development.
She reaffirmed the prefectural administration's commitment to supporting all actions promoting women's empowerment and equal opportunities.
The day's program included sketches, dances and ballets, guided tours of classrooms and exhibitions of the work carried out by the auditors.
The IFEF in Zuénoula, founded in 1972, is renowned for its dual vocation of academic training and moral and professional guidance for young girls from all walks of life. Through initiatives such as this open day, the school aims to boost its attractiveness and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals linked to gender equality and education for all.
Source: www.aip.ci/
