Ivorian women march for two weeks against violence against women

Women of all ages took to the streets of Grand Bassam for 16 days to speak out against femicide and violence in Cote d'Ivoire. Residents wore orange, sang songs and shouted slogans: “Tired of being killed, tired of being raped” and “Protect us alive, not dead.”

Many of the demonstrators are students from the Girls' Training and Education Institute, who are protesting against gender-based violence for the first time. Thus, 16-year-old Sarah Rokiata decided to join the march after learning that her friend was operated on in the village “for her well-being.” Rokiata later realized that it was female genital mutilation.

"I hear about violence on the radio, I hear about forced marriages on TV, but this is the first time I've seen women come together and take to the streets to stop the violence," said Sylvie Kassi, 52, who leads the procession. .

According to her, residents who have experienced violence do not trust law enforcement agencies. Most cases never reach court, and the victims themselves are not taken seriously. According to the UN, at least 21.7 thousand African women were killed by their relatives or partners in 2023.

In addition to the march, Grand Bassam hosted women's forums, discussions and theater performances to raise awareness of gender-based violence in schools and among the general public.