From March 29 to April 1, 2025, two pivotal events took place in Côte d’Ivoire and Ethiopia, highlighting a shared commitment to advancing female leadership and strengthening South-South cooperation. Led by Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, Founder of G100, along with G100 Global Chairs H.E. Euphrasie Kouassi Yao (First Ladies Outreach) and Nigest Haile (Global Trade & International Development), these meetings aimed to foster cross-continental collaborations and empower women across Africa.

 

The Côte d’Ivoire visit began on March 29 with a warm, official welcome for the Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai & her spouse Mr. Vinay Rai at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport. Among the distinguished reception were Minister-Governor Jean-Claude Kouassi, Vice-Governor of Abidjan Paulin Claude Danho, Commercial Advisor Ange Gabriel Akaffou, and Minister Euphrasie Kouassi Yao alongside her husband. Shortly after, a joint press briefing introduced the mission’s strategic objectives: positioning Côte d’Ivoire as a regional leader in gender equity, strengthening Indo-Ivorian relations, and laying the groundwork for educational and economic cooperation.

 

Later that day, the delegation was honored with a vibrant cultural reception at the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire, showcasing traditional Ivorian music and dance in celebration of women’s leadership. In the afternoon, high-level meetings were held at the National Assembly, where G100 delegates engaged in dialogue with parliamentarians on the importance of legislative support for gender-sensitive policies and international cooperation.

 

The evening culminated in a spectacular gala dinner under the high patronage of First Lady H.E. Dominique Ouattara. With over 350 dignitaries from government, diplomacy, business, and civil society in attendance, the event spotlighted the mission of G100, and unveiled key initiatives. 

 

Dr. Harbeen delivered a rousing keynote, while CEPICI, the Investment Promotion Center in Côte d’Ivoire under the Ministry of Economy, presented investment opportunities in the region. Highlights included the launch of the Compendium of Women’s Competences mobile app, captivating cultural performances, and the honouring of 20 outstanding individuals and organizations for their efforts in advancing gender equality, with the G100 Awards. 

 

During an exclusive interview, H.E. Euphrasie, the UNESCO Chairholder for “Water and Decision-Making Powers” and G100 Global Chair for First Ladies Outreach emphasised the expanding influence of G100 across Africa. She outlined plans to appoint 100 dynamic Ivorian women to leadership roles and announced the upcoming Africa–India–Côte d’Ivoire Forum scheduled for August 2025 in India. With support from the First Lady and Dr. Harbeen, and over 220 Ivorian women joining the network during the event, momentum for sustained change was clearly building. Initiatives such as Fonds d’Appui aux Femmes de Côte d’Ivoire (FAFCI), SHEconomy, Women Economic Forum (WEF), and The Denim Club of He for She Champions, were highlighted as transformative forces driving women’s empowerment and global solidarity, both economically and socially.

 

On March 30, the delegation explored the eco-tourism and innovation potential of Côte d’Ivoire with visits to Assinie beach resort and Boulay Island. That evening, a private dinner hosted at the Yao residence provided a reflective and strategic space for discussing long-term collaborations in education, sustainability, and inclusive economic development. The mission concluded on March 31 with a final press briefing, summarising key achievements and reinforcing the commitment to ongoing partnerships.

 

On April 1, the Centre for Accelerated Women’s Economic Empowerment (CAWEE), in collaboration with G100, hosted a strategic breakfast meeting at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Addis Ababa. The intimate gathering brought together 22 influential Ethiopian women leaders to engage with Dr. Harbeen and Mr. Vinay Rai in meaningful dialogue. The event opened with remarks by Dr. Nigest Haile, Executive Director of CAWEE and G100 Global Chair for Global Trade & International Development, followed by an inspiring presentation by Dr. Harbeen on the global scope and impact of the G100 network.

A highlight of the meeting was the sharing by Her Excellency Meaza Ashenafi, former President and Chief Justice of the Ethiopian Supreme Court, who offered valuable insights on building sustainable female leadership ecosystems. Dr. Nigest then outlined Ethiopia’s roadmap within G100, stressing the importance of creating supportive frameworks for women entrepreneurs and leaders to thrive.

 

Following the meeting, the delegation visited Addis Ababa University to meet with its Partnership Director. Here, Jharkhand Rai University pledged to offer scholarships for vulnerable Ethiopian women to pursue studies in India, marking a meaningful step in educational cooperation. The day also included a visit to Muya Ethiopia, a women-led business known for its high-quality hand-woven goods, and where Dr. Harbeen placed an order for custom gifts, reinforcing support for women-run enterprises, and in the spirit of supporting the SHEconomy. The mission concluded with a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony, hosted by Mrs. Elleni Surafel, Deputy GM of Radisson Blu, celebrating the spirit of collaboration and empowerment.

 

The G100 delegation’s journey through Côte d’Ivoire and Ethiopia stands as a landmark in the global movement for gender-inclusive development and South-South cooperation. Côte d’Ivoire proudly positioned itself as a regional leader by embracing the G100 vision, while Ethiopia’s impactful dialogues and educational pledges added depth to the cause. These visits demonstrated not only the power of global solidarity but also the transformational potential of women-led partnerships. Together, these moments lit a spark for bold leadership, united voices, and inclusive progress—laying the foundation for a future where women lead with courage, vision, and purpose.

 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to H.E. Dominique Ouattara, First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, for her unwavering support and dedication to empowering women from all walks of life.

 

Convenors:

H.E. Euphrasie Kouassi Yao, G100 Global Chair, First Ladies Outreach 

Nigest Haile, G100 Global Chair, Global Trade & International Development