On October 29, 2026, in Gagnoa, Côte d'Ivoire, the President of the "Women of Cocoa" NGO, Sandrine Bénita, announced a substantial financial aid package to the AVEC groups in Broudoukou-Penda, a locality in the Guitry department. This initiative was unveiled during the official launch of the NGO's activities. The financial support, valued in millions of FCFA, aims to empower the women in these associations.
According to Sandrine Bénita, the motivation behind this decision stems from her belief that financial autonomy is crucial for women's independence and their ability to make choices about their lives and futures. As a French national with a background in photography, Bénita has traveled extensively across Côte d'Ivoire and West Africa, interacting with cocoa farmers and their families. These experiences have provided her with insights into the challenges and potential of women in these communities.
Sandrine Bénita's personal journey and values have led her to establish the "Women of Cocoa" NGO. She expressed her admiration for the resilience, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit of women in Côte d'Ivoire, who, despite limited resources, achieve significant outcomes. Her interactions with these women have convinced her of the transformative impact that targeted support can have on their lives and communities.
The "Women of Cocoa" NGO focuses on supporting women through financial aid and other resources to help them develop their income-generating activities, educate their children, and contribute to their communities' growth. Bénita shared that her vision for the NGO was inspired by the positive changes she witnessed in women's lives after receiving assistance. She emphasized that with the right support, women can excel and have a ripple effect on their families and communities.
During the ceremony marking the launch of the NGO's activities, Sandrine Bénita also made donations to the local school canteen and provided school kits to students. The donations, valued at over 500,000 FCFA, included food items and educational materials. These contributions underscored the NGO's commitment to supporting the educational and nutritional needs of the community.
The event in Broudoukou-Penda highlighted the importance of partnerships between NGOs and local communities in promoting sustainable development. By supporting AVEC groups and other initiatives, "Women of Cocoa" aims to contribute to the economic empowerment of women and the overall development of rural communities in Côte d'Ivoire.
As the "Women of Cocoa" NGO continues its activities, it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of many women and their communities. With Sandrine Bénita at the helm, the organization is poised to make significant strides in promoting women's empowerment and autonomy in Côte d'Ivoire and beyond.
Key points
- The "Women of Cocoa" NGO has pledged substantial financial support to AVEC groups in Broudoukou-Penda, Côte d'Ivoire, to empower women and promote their autonomy.
- Sandrine Bénita, the NGO's president, was inspired to launch the organization based on her experiences working with cocoa farmers and their families across Côte d'Ivoire and West Africa.
- The NGO's support includes financial aid, educational materials, and food donations to local schools, aiming to foster sustainable development and women's empowerment in rural communities.
