The Ouragahio municipality in Côte d’Ivoire recently conducted a comprehensive assessment of its women’s empowerment strategy. This evaluation, led by Mayor Dr. Pierre Dacoury-Tabley, took place during a special tribute event for the commune’s women, affectionately known as ‘Mother’s Day.’ The ceremony, held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in the Ouragahio town hall courtyard, was presided over by the local sub-prefect, Tié-Bi Assi Apo Josiane.
Initiatives reviewed spanned crucial areas, including foundational literacy programs and essential basic accounting skills tailored for women entrepreneurs. Significant emphasis was also placed on maternal and child healthcare provisions, alongside expanding coverage for maternity facilities and health centers across the entire communal territory. Mayor Dacoury-Tabley emphasized that the overarching goal is to ensure the well-being of mothers, enabling them to actively pursue and implement further empowerment actions within their communities.
In the commercial sector, Mayor Dacoury-Tabley highlighted the ongoing development of a new gastronomic hub featuring multiple retail spaces. This innovative project aims to showcase the culinary talents and expertise of Ouragahio’s women, providing them with a platform to generate sustainable income and enhance their livelihoods.
Furthermore, the empowerment framework extends to agricultural initiatives, where women engaged in farming receive substantial support. This includes facilitating access to skilled agricultural workers and laborers, thereby easing their workload and boosting productivity in the fields.
Dr. Dacoury also elaborated on the successful implementation of school canteens in every educational institution, which are sustained by the diligent efforts of what he termed ‘valuable women’ working in local fields. These women, who are direct beneficiaries of projects planned and funded by the Ouragahio municipality, are responsible for producing and processing the food consumed in these school canteens. Additionally, the local administration has actively supported women in establishing their businesses by significantly reducing taxation burdens.
During the gathering, Mayor Dacoury-Tabley seized the opportunity to personally distribute gifts to each of the 600 mothers present, who represented various neighborhoods and 11 villages within the Ouragahio commune. The commune’s chief magistrate expressed his satisfaction, stating, ‘When women come together, they foster collective thinking, promote a positive work environment, and crucially, enhance overall effectiveness.’
