Ouragahio’s mayor highlights progress in women-led initiatives

Ouragahio, Côte d’Ivoire — On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the local community gathered in the town hall courtyard to celebrate women’s contributions during a special Mother’s Day event. The ceremony, led by Sub-Prefect Tié-Bi Assi Apo Josiane, also served as a platform for Mayor Dr Pierre Dacoury-Tabley to review the results of the municipality’s women empowerment strategy.

Health, education and economic support take center stage

Key achievements outlined by the mayor included expanded access to maternal and child health services, with new maternity units and health centers rolled out across the commune. Literacy programs and basic accounting training were also prioritized for women involved in small-scale trade, ensuring they gain the skills needed to manage their businesses independently.

The municipality has also invested in agricultural support, providing farming equipment and seasonal labor to women working in communal fields. These efforts align with a broader goal: to improve household income and food security while fostering self-reliance among female farmers.

A marketplace for culinary talent

To further boost economic opportunities, the mayor announced the construction of a new gastronomic marketplace featuring multiple storefronts. This project aims to showcase the culinary expertise of local women, allowing them to sell homemade dishes and traditional foods directly to consumers. The initiative is expected to create sustainable income streams for the beneficiaries.

In addition, the town has introduced tax relief measures for women-owned businesses, reducing financial barriers to entrepreneurship. The mayor emphasized that these combined efforts are designed not only to uplift individual women but also to strengthen the entire community’s economic fabric.

School feeding programs have also been integrated into the empowerment strategy. Women participating in agricultural projects now supply fresh produce to communal school canteens, where meals are prepared on-site. This dual-purpose approach supports both food security in schools and the livelihoods of participating women.

Celebrating local women with tangible support

During the Mother’s Day event, the mayor distributed gifts to over 600 women from across Ouragahio’s neighborhoods and 11 surrounding villages. In his address, Dr Dacoury-Tabley underscored the importance of collective action, noting that united efforts among women foster stronger collaboration, positive morale, and greater impact in community development.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter