The commune of Gbon, in Côte d’Ivoire’s Bagoué region, came alive on Sunday, August 10, 2025, as the second edition of the Women’s Excellence Day took place. The event, organised by the Federation of Women’s Groups and Associations of Bagoué (FEGAF), was held under the leadership of its president, Salimata Dembélé-Diarra, and under the patronage of Bruno Nabagné Koné, Minister of Construction, Housing and Urban Planning, who also serves as President of the Bagoué Regional Council.
The colourful celebration brought together community leaders, government officials, and thousands of women from across the region. The main aim was to recognise and reward women who have distinguished themselves in various fields such as agriculture, hairdressing, and sewing.
During the ceremony, several women received awards for their outstanding performance and contributions to their communities. FEGAF also made a significant gesture to the region’s healthcare system by donating 10 hospital beds and two dialysis machines, valued at 49 million CFA francs, to help improve medical services in Bagoué.
Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné, in his remarks, commended the hard work and dedication of the women of Bagoué. He congratulated the awardees and encouraged unity among the region’s leaders and executives to continue the development efforts initiated by President Alassane Ouattara. “We have come a long way, and we will continue because we are convinced that we are on the right path,” he stated.
FEGAF, which unites more than 50,000 women across 500 associations, has been actively involved in projects aimed at women’s empowerment. These include agricultural initiatives, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support. President Salimata Dembélé-Diarra used the occasion to announce a major project on a 3.5-hectare piece of land donated by the Kouto town hall. The space will be developed to include a warehouse, training rooms, offices, a shop, and processing units, all aimed at boosting women-led economic activities.
“We are convinced that investing in women is investing in the future,” Dembélé-Diarra declared. She noted that such investments would not only strengthen women’s financial independence but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the entire Bagoué region.
Another highlight of the day was the recognition of entrepreneurs who had successfully repaid loans from the Bruno Nabagné Koné Fund (BNK Fund), a 100 million CFA franc fund designed to support young business owners in the departments of Boundiali, Kouto, and Tengrela. The fund has been instrumental in enabling many small-scale entrepreneurs to start and expand their businesses, especially in rural areas where access to finance is often limited.
The Women’s Excellence Day was also a moment of networking and celebration, as different women’s groups showcased their products and services, from agricultural produce to handmade crafts. The atmosphere reflected both pride in the progress achieved and hope for greater opportunities in the future.
Community elders praised the initiative, saying it not only empowers women but also sets an example for other regions in Côte d’Ivoire. Many attendees expressed optimism that with continued government and private sector support, women in Bagoué would become even stronger drivers of local economic growth.
For Minister Koné and FEGAF, the event marked another step towards building a more inclusive and prosperous region, where women’s contributions are valued and their potential is fully realised.
