In 2025, NGOs worldwide are navigating a complex environment shaped by increasing political instability, humanitarian emergencies, restrictive government policies, and mounting financial pressure. These challenges have driven heightened interest in the Fondation Nexans’ annual call for projects, which officially closed at the end of March.

At the core of the Fondation Nexans’s mission, electrification also serves as a pillar for empowering women. Whether in education, access to healthcare, or entrepreneurship, the needs are vast. NGOs like Shekina and Women of Africa fully understand this. To mark this March initiative, we spoke with Ange-Eric Kouassi, founder of Shekina, and Patricia Djomseu, deputy president of Women of Africa, to better understand the realities on the ground and how committed action can drive real change.

As a partner of the Université de la Terre 2025 event, held on March 14 and 15, Nexans was eager to involve the Fondation in this initiative. Guided by its theme Nature = Future, which perfectly aligns with the Fondation’s commitments, these two days provided an opportunity for enriching encounters between Mary Malone, General Delegate of the Fondation Nexans, and the general public. Here’s a look back at this remarkable event.