Côte d’Ivoire has been elected second vice-president of the Bureau of the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (STC-GEWE), following a vote held on October 29, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The election took place during the committee’s 11th ordinary session, with the Ivorian delegation led by Nassénéba Touré, Minister of Women, Family and Children. Côte d’Ivoire secured the position following consultations among member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The country’s mandate will be guided by three principles: action, contribution and consultation. Touré described the election as both an honour and a responsibility, saying Côte d’Ivoire would work to ensure that continental decisions translate into tangible improvements in the lives of African women and girls.

The committee’s session addressed several issues, including the care economy, gender statistics, the prevention of violence against women and girls, and the African Common Position ahead of the 71st session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW71).

The election gives Côte d’Ivoire a leadership role within an African Union body responsible for advancing policies and initiatives on gender equality and women’s empowerment across the continent.