The Centre Ivoirien de Researchers Economiques et Sociales (CIRES) in colloaboration with the International Institute for Advanced Studies (IIAS) organised a Policy Forum at Abidjan from 28th - 29th September, 2017. This forum was put together to provide some empirical evidence under the Growth and economic Opportunities for Women (GrOW) program commissioned by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada. In attendance were the Canadian Ambassador, Ministers of Industry and Mines & Women, Child Protection and Solidarity. Representatives from various universities, UNIDO, UN Women, Professional group of Miners Cote d'Ivoire (GPMCI), the Female Network of the Mining Sector (FEMICI) and many others also participated.
This two-day event which brought together relevant stakeholders from across the continent examined and reflected on the theme of the research titled "Growth in Africa: the role of the extractive industry in the empowerment of women in Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana". In addition to the presentations made by the key researchers in the two countries, the program also featured panel discussions and working groups. Following the presentations by key investigators as well as Panel and working group discussions, some recommendations were made.
Dr. William Baah-Boateng, the Principal Investigator for the project and a Fellow of IIAS gave an overview of the project and presented findings made in Ghana. While making his presentation he opined that in order for women to be empowered to participate in the extractive industry, the following among others should be done: promotion of science education among female students, cultural beliefs need to be addressed and regulations must be put in place to prevent hidden intimidation. In addition, he reiterated that there should be flexibility in the tasks performed in the extractive sector and basic amenities such as schools must be sited close to mining sites which are often located in very remote areas.
Below is the forum in photos:
Dr. Baah-Boateng presenting findings based on study undertaken in Ghana
Dr. Silvère takes his turn to make a presentation on the situation in Cote d'Ivoire
Dr. Raymond Atuguba, a Researcher of the GrOW team in Ghana and Fellow of IIAS join other panel members for a discussion on the theme "Perception and measure of progress of the inclusion of women"
Canadian Ambassador and other dignitaries were in attendance
Participants applauding after a presentation at the Forum
Discussion at a working group session
A participant poses a question during a panel discussion
To view more photos click the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/152674884@N08/sets/72157660994789848
For a video stream of the event visit the YouTube channel: https://t.co/Qmo1rmu2IZ
