Gender Equality Month: " An independent woman means a progressive Africa "

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.

Can you introduce yourselves in a few words?

Ange-Eric Kouassi: I am Ange-Eric Zabo Kouassi, a social entrepreneur, president and founder of the NGO Shekina, project management consultant, and communication expert. I primarily work in Côte d'Ivoire, where our association electrifies maternity wards and develops educational projects to enhance women's empowerment. This is our core mission.

Patricia Djomseu: As a business leader in the field of advanced technologies, I am also the deputy president of the Women of Africa (WOA) association and president of Africa Lyrics Opera – showcasing great African opera voices. I consider myself an engaged woman and a global citizen.

What does International Women’s Rights Day mean to you?

AEK: It is a day to celebrate women in all their diversity, regardless of their background. It is particularly important to me because I have a dual cultural identity—both Ivorian and French. In Africa, too many women remain financially dependent. I want to give them the keys to success and enable them to take control of their futures.

PD: It is a crucial day to take stock of progress and challenges ahead. There is still much to do: wage equality, fighting violence, economic autonomy, access to education, and leadership roles… We must continue to mobilize and innovate to advance women’s rights.

What impact do your actions have?

AEK: Women’s empowerment is at the heart of our mission at Shekina. An independent woman means a progressing and winning Africa. This translates into children growing up in better conditions, with easier access to education. By supporting women in developing their professional activities, we provide them with the means to support their families. Women's empowerment is a crucial driver for the future and vitality of the continent.

PD: I completely agree. For me, impact is about embodying our commitments. For example, we create bridges between the corporate world and NGOs. In my professional activity, we developed a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program for young girls. Our goal is to leverage our expertise for them, offering training, mentorship, and support for their ambitions. Seeing these young girls succeed gives true meaning to our efforts.

Do you believe women in Africa are becoming more empowered?

PD: I have mixed feelings. The situation varies across countries. Some women hold leadership positions, but others still face persistent violence and inequalities.

AEK: Yes, progress is being made, but there is still work to do. The number of women in politics remains too low. Education is crucial for their empowerment and ability to create their own businesses. This is where organizations like the Fondation Nexans play a key role.

How does the Fondation Nexans support your organization and women?

AEK: In 2019, the Fondation Nexans provided initial funding to Shekina for the electrification of maternity wards. Today, out of 25 facilities equipped, 22 were powered thanks to its support. This initiative has helped establish Nexans’ name throughout Côte d'Ivoire. These maternities directly benefit 250,000 people in 10 regions, primarily the women who give birth and receive healthcare there, along with their families and children.

PD: For WOA, our first joint project also focused on women. It involved electrifying Pahou College in Benin, which hosts 5,500 students, 65% of whom are girls. Thanks to the solar installation provided by Women of Africa, we supplied computer equipment, created a digital center, and developed additional activities. From our very first discussions, the Fondation Nexans was attentive to our commitment to women and girls.

Studies show that access to energy—Fondation Nexans’s primary mission—promotes women's empowerment and autonomy, particularly in Africa. Have you observed this firsthand?

AEK: Absolutely! The electrification of maternity wards is a prime example, as it creates a true ecosystem. These locations become gathering points where merchants and residents interact. In one maternity ward, a large, well-lit terrace even allows children to study at night. Through this, we contribute to educating future doctors, engineers, and teachers. Every village with an electrified maternity ward triggers an economic dynamic that benefits neighboring communities. Simply put, light is life.

PD: It’s very simple: without energy, there is no development. It is as essential as water. By electrifying healthcare centers, we have enabled access to vaccinations for hundreds of people. During the Covid crisis, we also facilitated remote learning for thousands of students in over 30 schools. Electricity has also helped create ecosystems that generate income-generating activities for women. Energy is one of the major drivers of development in Africa. Turning on a light, something trivial for some, remains a luxury in many regions of the world.

Beyond this special day dedicated to women's rights, what would you like to see happen?

AEK: I hope to continue strengthening our collaboration with the Fondation Nexans. There is a saying: "The hand that gives is always above the hand that receives," so I am grateful to the Foundation for giving me my chance six years ago. Today, we have electrified over 20 maternity wards—why not 100 tomorrow? More importantly, I want to send a message to young women: achieving your vision is possible with hard work and determination.

PD: I hope to continue leading social and technological innovation projects. With the Foundation, we collaborated on the Women Solar Academy in Benin, a center that trains young women in solar energy careers, helping them find jobs or start their own businesses. Our next goal is to expand it into a full-fledged campus with dormitories and new facilities. Together, we can build a sustainable model of economic empowerment for women.

Finally, I encourage all young girls to be bold. Boldness always leads to success— for oneself, for one's family, for one's community, and for one's country. Let’s take action!