On Friday, May 30th, the disability community in Port-Bouët, Côte d’Ivoire came together for a powerful and emotional celebration dedicated to women with disabilities. Held at the local pilot centre, the event—organized by the Mouvement des Personnes Handicapées de Côte d’Ivoire (MPH-CI) and COPH-CI, in partnership with the African Disability Policy Advocates (ADPA)—was more than just a ceremony. It was a declaration of strength, resilience, and a collective call for justice.
 
The atmosphere was rich with emotion. Artistic performances, heartfelt speeches, and vibrant displays of culture filled the air, honoring the courage and capabilities of women who, despite systemic exclusion, continue to rise and lead.
 
A Powerful Message of Inclusion and Justice

One of the most moving moments of the event came during the keynote speech delivered by the Executive Director of ADPA, Aida Sarr. In her address, she expressed deep pride in standing in solidarity with women with disabilities in Côte d’Ivoire, emphasising the urgent need to affirm their rights and amplify their voices.
 
“We are gathered here to celebrate motherhood, elevate the abilities of women with disabilities, build their self-esteem—and above all, to affirm their right to live free from all forms of violence.”
 
Her words came against the backdrop of a major milestone: the recent adoption of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (CEVAWG). This groundbreaking regional treaty marks a significant step forward in protecting women and girls—including those with disabilities—from systemic violence and discrimination.
 
“This is a convention for justice.
A convention for dignity.
A convention for true equality.”
 
She reminded attendees that this new convention complements existing legal frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Maputo Protocol, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights—tools that advocates must continue to use and promote across the continent.
 
The Reality: Double Discrimination
One clear message resonated throughout the event: the experience of women with disabilities is often marked by double discrimination—as women, and as persons with disabilities. This intersectional injustice frequently renders them invisible in public policies and development initiatives.
 
“Gender- and disability-based violence is not a destiny—it is a social, cultural, and political construct. And like any construct, it can be dismantled.”
 
With that, she issued a bold call to action. She urged government institutions, civil society, donors, and technical partners to support the finalisation and adoption of the Pan-African Parliament’s Model Law on Gender Equality and Equity. This model law provides a clear path for integrating the rights of women with disabilities into national legislation and ending harmful, exclusionary norms.
 
Voices of Leadership and Support
Koffi N’tawo Germaine, President of COPH-CI, opened the ceremony by reinforcing the importance of inclusion and equal opportunity. Her message encouraged the women present to not only celebrate their roles as mothers but to also continue demanding their right to live free from violence and marginalization.
 
 
Looking Ahead: Toward an Inclusive Africa
This wasn’t just a day of celebration—it was a moment of awakening and mobilization. It reminded everyone present that building the Africa we want—just, inclusive, and equal—requires intentional action, solidarity, and political will.
 
“We must listen to the voices that have been silenced for too long. Together, we can bring these laws and conventions to life. Together, we can build a continent where every woman, every girl, including those with disabilities, feels seen, protected, and empowered.”