ABIDJAN, 1 Janvier (ASPAMNEWS)-In Tiebissou (central Ivory Coast), in the Bélier region, the Ivorian Association of International Visitors (AIVI-USA) organized a training session in women’s leadership for over 300 young girls.
The Coffi Gadeau Modern High School in Tiebissou hosted this leadership training on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, aimed at more than 300 young girls from the school and other secondary institutions. The objective was to provide them with essential skills to develop their leadership competencies.
The principal of the school, Diabaté Adama, praised this initiative and thanked the AIVI-USA delegation.
« Our school is the only public institution in Tiebissou after 60 years. We welcome the largest number of students in the department. We are pleased to host you here today as part of your training activities. We need young girl leaders who will make our society proud, so this training is very welcome. I would also like to thank the sub-prefect for her ongoing support whenever we need it, » stated the principal.
This initiative by the Ivorian Association of International Visitors (AIVI-USA), led by Gervaise Djéréhé, sub-prefect of Tiebissou and president of the association, allowed young girls to become aware of their strengths, affirm their legitimacy as leaders, and learn effective communication techniques to positively influence their environment. According to Gervaise Djéréhé, these young girls have all the potential to succeed, but they must know how to set goals. »You have everything you need to succeed; do not rely on stereotypes. In life, it is not only the wealthy who succeed. To achieve what you want, you must first know how to set goals and take the necessary steps to reach them. It is up to you to take actions that will elevate you to the highest levels. Moreover, you must take actions that allow you to position yourselves within your school and your community, » she advised.
Leadership: A Tool for Transformation
The AIVI-USA delegation from Abidjan, led by its Secretary General Ted Azouma, made a significant contribution to this meeting. Ted Azouma highlighted how this training emphasizes the importance of leadership in young girls’ academic success. He encouraged participants to develop their leadership skills to better manage daily challenges. Testimonials illustrated how female leaders have overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. These stories reinforced the idea that female leadership is essential for changing mindsets and promoting girls’ education. The issues of early leave from school and pregnancies among students were also central topics of discussion during this meeting. Addressing these issues, AIVI-USA President Gervaise Djéréhé urgently called on students:
« Your future depends on yourselves; you must realize this and commit resolutely to your studies. Pregnancies during schooling hinder your success. Dear little sisters, abstain from sexual relations. Close your legs and open your notebooks. »
« New Deal » to Combat School Pregnancies
The leadership of AIVI-USA President Gervaise Djéréhé extends beyond Ivorian borders. Senegal is among African countries that have benefited from her leadership qualities, according to Coura Gaam Diouf, International Visitor ( IV) Regional Director for Family Affairs in Dakar at the Ministry of Family and Solidarity, who attended the women’s leadership training at Coffi Gadeau Modern High School in Tiebissou. « Claude Djéréhé is a high-ranking leader. It is not only Côte d’Ivoire that benefits from her skills. As Regional Director for Family Affairs in Dakar, I rely on her advice, and it always works well. Today I am here to support her and share my experience on leadership and personal development while discussing my experience combating school pregnancies in Senegal, » stated Coura Gaam Diouf.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the incidence of pregnancies among young girls during their schooling is increasing. The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) reported that at least 4,600 schoolgirls were pregnant during the 2023-2024 academic year—an increase of 15% compared to the previous year.Invited by AIVI-USA President Djéréhé, the Director of Family Affairs from Dakar shared her experience in combating school pregnancies and recommended experimenting with the « New Deal » initiative implemented in Senegal.
« The ‘New Deal’ initiative is an innovative approach that has successfully achieved the goal of ‘zero pregnancies’ among members of girls’ clubs and contributed to a decrease in cases of early pregnancies, child marriages, and gender-based violence within communities in Senegal. I believe Côte d’Ivoire can try this initiative by adapting it to its context, » said Coura Gaam Diouf.
The concept known as « New Deal » is a community pact based on a moral commitment between girls’ clubs and parents for a « zero pregnancy » goal during schooling.This involves parents committing not to marry off their daughters before they turn 18 while young girls pledge not to become pregnant before marriage. This commitment is made before community leaders, religious guides, and educational stakeholders.
« The results are very satisfactory; no cases of pregnancy have been recorded among the 8,125 young girls who signed the ‘New Deal’ pact. This approach has particularly contributed to behavioral changes among young girls, parents, and within social environments, » stated the Regional Director.
A Step Towards the Future
This women’s leadership training at Coffi Gadeau Modern High School in Tiebissou is not just a response to immediate challenges faced by young girls; it also represents a step towards a future where young girls can fully thrive and contribute to societal development. The collective commitment made during this event heralds positive change in combating academic failure and early pregnancies among students.
It should be noted that for the first trimester of the 2024-2025 academic year, Coffi Gadeau Modern High School in Tiebissou recorded 13 pregnancies. (FM’B/2025)
