Cote d'Ivoire's Sports Minister, Adjé Silas Metch, has emphasized the role of sports in fostering female leadership in the country. On October 8, 2026, he attended a workshop organized by the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Femmes Ivoiriennes en Politique (FIP) in Abidjan. The event, themed "Consolider l'héritage des femmes bâtisseuses de la nation ivoirienne et promouvoir un leadership féminin d'impact," aimed to promote women's empowerment and participation in public life.
According to Minister Metch, sports can help develop essential qualities such as discipline, perseverance, and a sense of responsibility in young girls. He stated that these values are fundamental to leadership and can be applied in various sectors beyond sports. The minister encouraged girls and women to participate in sports, but also to venture into other areas of the sports ecosystem, including administration, governance, and decision-making.
Minister Metch called for the creation of opportunities for women to occupy more space in the sports sector, including competition, technical supervision, sports management, and decision-making bodies. He believes that sports can be a powerful tool for promoting female leadership and that it is essential to provide women with the necessary support and resources to succeed.
The minister's vision aligns with the Ivoirian government's priorities, which include promoting equal opportunities and women's inclusion in various sectors. He commended the FIP for providing a platform for reflection on how to strengthen women's participation in public life and access to leadership positions.
The workshop included a ceremony to honor women recognized as "bâtisseuses de la nation ivoirienne" (builders of the Ivoirian nation). The event highlighted the achievements and contributions of women in various fields and provided an opportunity for networking and exchange.
The discussions during the workshop focused on the importance of transmission and succession, with a emphasis on how to transform the gains made over the years into new opportunities for future generations. The participants stressed the need for training, mentorship, and access to decision-making spaces to empower women and girls.
Minister Metch's message to the women engaged in politics extends beyond the sports sector, emphasizing the need to provide women with the means to develop their capacities and access leadership positions. The event concluded with a call to action to promote women's empowerment and leadership in Cote d'Ivoire.
Key points
- Sports can help develop leadership qualities in young girls and women.
- Cote d'Ivoire's Sports Minister Adjé Silas Metch calls for more opportunities for women in sports and leadership.
- The government and NGOs are working together to promote women's empowerment and participation in public life in Cote d'Ivoire.
