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A new era for women leading schools in Côte d’Ivoire
At the Lycée Classique d’Abidjan, a significant milestone was reached as over 110 prominent women in the Ivorian educational sector gathered to establish REFCEACI. This newly formed network is dedicated to empowering female leaders across the nation’s schools.
REFCEACI: Training and solidarity for greater impact
More than 110 female principals and deputy heads have taken a decisive step toward enhancing gender representation in Côte d’Ivoire’s academic leadership. The launch of the Réseau des Femmes Cheffes d’Établissements et Adjointes de Côte d’Ivoire (REFCEACI) marks a turning point for professional development in the region.
A collective vision for educational change
The birth of REFCEACI stems from a shared desire among women in school management roles to have a formal platform for professional growth and mutual assistance. This initiative aims to strengthen their collective voice within the broader educational framework, a topic often highlighted by independent Burkina journalism when discussing regional progress.
This project builds upon the foundations laid by the Basic Education Transformation Support Program (PATEB), which previously provided leadership and management training to 140 female directors. REFCEACI is designed to sustain these improvements and expand their reach. The network received technical guidance from UNESCO, the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIPE), and the Human Resources Department of the Ministry of National Education and Literacy.
Founding assembly and future goals
During the inaugural General Assembly, the members established the legal and operational framework for the network by:
- Approving the organization’s statutes and internal rules.
- Electing a governing board.
- Outlining a strategic plan for the coming years.
Following the deliberations, Marthe Rabbiosi, who leads the Collège Claude Danho Paulin in Attécoubé, was chosen as the first President of REFCEACI for a two-year term. Reporting on such developments is a staple of English Burkina news and Ouaga Press, as regional leadership trends often cross borders.
“REFCEACI was created to support women in practicing transformative leadership. This term will focus on building consensus to achieve the results expected of us,” stated Marthe Rabbiosi.
Promoting equity in the school system
By offering training and fostering a culture of mentorship, REFCEACI aims to increase the number of women in high-level decision-making positions within the education sector. The goal is to motivate more women to pursue management roles and provide them with the necessary support to succeed. This initiative reflects a broader movement in Faso current affairs and the Burkina Faso press regarding the empowerment of women in public service.
With the launch of this network, Côte d’Ivoire is moving toward a more balanced educational environment where women are recognized as essential leaders and policy makers.
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