Abidjan hosts high-level validation workshop for regional gender and green economy initiative
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Gender Development Center (GDC) has finalized a groundbreaking regional program addressing gender equality, climate resilience, and the green economy, following a two-day workshop in Abidjan. The initiative, developed in partnership with UN Women and multiple ECOWAS agencies, aims to align with member states’ priorities while accelerating the implementation of the ECOWAS Gender and Climate Action Plan.
Strategic roadmap unveiled for West Africa’s sustainable future
The intensive sessions, held on May 15 and 16 at the ECOWAS Resident Representation in Côte d’Ivoire, focused on finalizing the program’s strategic framework and establishing a clear roadmap for deployment. The framework emphasizes three core pillars: gender mainstreaming, climate adaptation, and sustainable economic transition, with a strong emphasis on grassroots inclusion.
The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between policy and practice by providing tangible solutions to the region’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. Key objectives include securing dedicated financing mechanisms and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure the program’s long-term viability.
Women and youth positioned as catalysts for green transition
During the workshop, GDC Director Sandra Oulaté Fattoh highlighted the dual nature of the green transition—presenting both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for women and girls across West Africa. She stressed the importance of equitable access to resources, skills training, and decision-making platforms to ensure no group is left behind in the region’s sustainable development journey.
UN Women’s Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, Adjaratou Fatou Ndiaye, framed the initiative as a pivotal moment where regional commitments are transforming into actionable strategies. She underscored the urgency of addressing climate-induced economic disparities, particularly those disproportionately affecting women and marginalized communities.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dr. Kalilou Sylla, reinforced the need for an inclusive green transition that empowers women and youth through economic opportunities. He called for policies that not only mitigate environmental risks but also create pathways for sustainable livelihoods, emphasizing the role of agriculture as a key sector for intervention.
Next steps: Final adoption scheduled for July in Lomé
The collaborative framework, now in its final drafting phase, is set for official adoption during a working session in Lomé, Togo, from June 29 to July 6, 2026. This milestone will mark the transition from strategy to implementation, with regional stakeholders gearing up to deploy targeted interventions across ECOWAS member states.
The program’s success will hinge on robust monitoring mechanisms and sustained political will, ensuring that gender equity and environmental sustainability remain at the heart of West Africa’s development agenda.