Women march into the fray but power still lags in Côte d’Ivoire

Ivorian women have been involved on all sides of the 2025 presidential campaign, like these supporters of Jean-Louis Billon, here seen in Cocody, Abidjan, on 14 October 2025. © RFI/Melissa Chemam

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire – Women have been highly visible in Côte d’Ivoire’s election campaign. They turn up at rallies, organise events and even run for president. But they remain under-represented in national politics and many hope this vote will finally open the door to real change.

Ivorians go to the polls on Saturday to choose their next president. Incumbent leader Alassane Ouattara, 83, is seeking a fourth term and faces four challengers. Two of those challengers are women.