The workshop brought together 34 participants to address critical issues and strategies for enhancing women’s roles in these fields. Representing CADHA’s General Coordinator, Colonel-Major Honoraire Jean-Hubert Ouassénan opened the event with a welcoming address.
In seven modules, panellists addressed key topics related to the integration of women in security and peacekeeping.
The first module, led by Colonel N’Guessan Konan Jean Noël, introduced UN Resolution 1325 and the specific challenges women face in conflict settings, including gender-based violence, forced marriages, and economic and social discrimination. He called for creating environments that protect women in conflict zones, understanding the UN Resolution as a key normative framework.
Subsequently, Lieutenant-Colonel Lobognon Zagba Rodrigue delivered the second module, which explored the legal and institutional frameworks supporting women’s participation in peacekeeping operations.
The third module, presented by M. Zakei Honlonwoa Apollinaire (CADHA), reviewed the involvement of women in external peacekeeping missions. He highlighted the contributions of female personnel in missions such as MINUSMA (Mali), MINUSCA (Central African Republic), and MINURSO (Western Sahara), where they played significant roles in operations and team capacity building.
The fourth module presented the Elsie Initiative Funds. The Fund is designed and supported by the Canadian Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, the UN and peacekeeping experts, and is aimed at overcoming barriers to integrating and increasing women’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions.
Commander Kangah introduced the fifth module, focusing on the promotion of gender equality and the recognition of women’s expertise within the Ministry of Water and Forests.
The sixth module, presented by the Directorate of Customs, outlined its role within the Ivorian administration, including efforts to combat illicit arms and drug trafficking.
The final session, co-facilitated by Commander Aka Espoir Destin from Maritime and Port Affairs and Commander Joëlle Nankande from the Air Force, featured personal testimonies and reflections on their missions and professional journeys.
Participants responded positively to the workshop, emphasizing the importance of recommending similar sessions to build on and sustain the progress achieved.
