In an exclusive interview with WNN, prominent African social activist and former Ivorian Minister Euphrasie Kouassi Yao shared her insights on women’s empowerment just a week before International Women’s Day.
Yao emphasized that gender equality is not just a moral imperative but a crucial political, social, and economic strategy for Africa’s stability and growth. She argued that gender policies are not only about advancing women’s rights but also about fostering the overall development of the continent.
“Societies become more balanced, stable, and prosperous when women participate in decision-making processes. Gender equality is not a voluntary initiative; it is a necessity for governance and sustainable development.” – Euphrasie Yao
With a career spanning decades, Yao has played a pivotal role in shaping gender policies within the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, UNESCO, and the United Nations. Her advocacy has positioned gender inclusion as a key priority for Africa’s development agenda.
Africa’s Position in Global Gender Equality Efforts
The Nordic Model: Gender Equality as an Economic Strategy
Yao highlighted the Nordic countries—Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland—as exemplary models of how prioritizing gender equality drives social and economic progress.
According to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report from the World Economic Forum, Iceland ranks first in gender equality, closely followed by Sweden and Norway, proving that inclusive policies can fuel economic success.
“European countries have demonstrated that economies thrive when women fully engage in the workforce. Africa must adopt a similar approach.” – Euphrasie Yao
Lessons from Rwanda and Latin America
Following the 1994 genocide, Rwanda made gender equality a cornerstone of its national rebuilding efforts. Today, women hold 61% of Rwanda’s parliamentary seats—the highest percentage worldwide.
Similarly, countries like Chile and Argentina have integrated gender policies into governance, enhancing women’s political and economic participation. Meanwhile, China and India are making gradual progress in closing gender gaps in leadership and employment.
“If Rwanda, a nation torn apart by conflict, can achieve this level of gender inclusion, then the entire West African region must recognize its urgency.”– Euphrasie Yao
Côte d’Ivoire: Leading Gender Reforms in Africa
Under Yao’s leadership, Côte d’Ivoire has emerged as a leader in gender reforms, particularly after passing progressive laws against discrimination in 2023. These reforms focus on:
-Women in Leadership– Implementing policies to increase female representation in corporate and government sectors.
-Legal Protections– Strengthening laws to protect women from discrimination and violence.
-STEM Education for Women– Encouraging young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through targeted initiatives.
Recognized globally for her efforts, Yao spearheaded the UNESCO Chair initiative in 2026, a prestigious achievement shared by only 850 people worldwide, including just 10 in Côte d’Ivoire.
“What you have done, I have never seen in any country.”– UNESCO Gender Policy Representative on Yao’s work
Beyond Empowerment: Gender as a Strategic Development Tool
For Yao, gender equality is not solely about empowering women—it is about building a well-balanced society where political and economic systems benefit all citizens. Her influence spans various sectors, including national security and environmental policy, ensuring that gender perspectives are embedded in governance.
She was instrumental in developing gender policies for the African Union (2008) and ECOWAS (2009), reinforcing the role of gender inclusion as a catalyst for political stability and economic development.
Gender and Peacebuilding: Lessons from Côte d’Ivoire
Yao’s contributions extend beyond governance into global peace and security. During Côte d’Ivoire’s political instability in the early 2000s, she played a key role in drafting Africa’s first National Action Plan (NAP) for Women, Peace, and Security (2006–2007).
This initiative aligned with the UN Security Council’s Women, Peace, and Security agenda, institutionalizing women’s roles in peace efforts.
The gender-sensitive policies applied to Côte d’Ivoire’s peace efforts were so effective that nations like Senegal and Guinea sought to learn from our approach.”** – Euphrasie Yao
Today, this model has been replicated across multiple African countries facing political unrest and conflict.
The Geopolitical Landscape of Africa: Why Gender Strategies Matter
With political instability rising in West Africa and the Sahel, Yao believes that gender-inclusive governance is critical to ensuring peace and stability. She urges African leaders to:
– Invest in gender-focused leadership development.
– Ensure equitable participation in economic, security, and governance reforms.
– Adopt gender-responsive budgeting to allocate resources fairly.
“If we implement the gender strategies developed in Côte d’Ivoire across Africa, we can transform economies, governance, and conflict resolution.” – Euphrasie Yao
Her work has influenced social welfare programs, government reforms, and macroeconomic policies, proving that gender equality is not a secondary issue but a fundamental driver of national resilience.
The Climate Crisis: Africa’s Call for Responsibility and Justice
At the most recent African Union Summit in Ethiopia, leaders debated Africa’s role in global climate action. Yao pointed out a critical issue: although Africa contributes the least to global emissions, it suffers the most from climate change.
“Developed nations must be held accountable. They promise climate finance, but where is it? African countries need real support, not just empty commitments.” – Euphrasie Yao
She argues that gender-inclusive economic policies are vital in ensuring that climate resilience efforts prioritize women and marginalized communities, who are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation.
The Path Forward: Regional Cooperation and Innovation
As Africa navigates climate challenges, security concerns, and economic reforms under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Yao continues to champion policy innovation and regional collaboration.
She urges African nations to:
– Invest in Indigenous Solutions** – Reduce reliance on international aid and develop homegrown policies.
– Create Gender-Focused Institutions** – Ensure sustained long-term progress.
– Leverage Digital Technology** – Build inclusive economies through innovation.
“We have the knowledge. We must believe in ourselves, work together, and implement policies tailored to Africa’s needs.”– Euphrasie Yao
Africa’s Future: Gender as the Foundation for Progress
Euphrasie Yao’s visionary leadership provides a roadmap for Africa’s future—one where gender policies drive political stability, social progress, and economic prosperity.
Her message to African leaders is clear:
Gender inclusion is not a secondary issue—it is a political and economic necessity. By fully integrating women’s perspectives into national and regional policies, African nations will not only achieve equality but also unlock unprecedented development, resilience, and prosperity.
– Dr. Shahid Siddiqui; Follow via X @shahidsiddiqui
