Currently, Cote D’Ivoire ranks as one of the worst African economies on the Global Gender Gap Index, and despite having ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and implemented a National Action Plan per Resolution 1325, inequality, discrimination and violence against women still persist.

After conflict resurfaced in 2010 in the aftermath of disputed elections, women comprised the majority of conflict-related casualties and displaced persons, and continue to be exposed to greater risk. Women are essential for building sustainable peace in Côte D’Ivoire, as evidenced by the work of women on both sides of the conflict. Attempting to discuss their grievances and move forward together, they continue to be systematically excluded from DDR and SSR processes.

Based on the work of NGOWG members and their partners, the NGOWG advocates for increased mechanisms to monitor and enforce the implementation of Cote D’Ivoire’s National Action Plan, and to ensure the fair and full inclusion of women in all of the country’s future elections.