07 03 2025
Blog
By Yacine Djibo, Founder and Executive Director of Speak Up Africa
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate those who inspire transformation and drive meaningful change. Among them is Anne Cécile Konan, president of the National Union of Women with Disabilities of Côte d’Ivoire (UNAFE-CI). For nearly two decades, she has been advocating for the rights of women with disabilities, challenging societal norms, fighting for equitable access to healthcare, and ensuring that their voices are heard and respected.
In Côte d’Ivoire, where gender inequality and the stigma surrounding disability are deeply entrenched, Anne Cécile is a trailblazer for change. Her leadership has empowered many women to participate in discussions on health, education, and social inclusion. Through her dedication, she does more than ensure the survival of women with disabilities; she enables them to thrive.
A mission born out of personal experience
Anne Cécile’s path to advocacy was shaped by her own life experiences. She has seen firsthand the profound obstacles faced by women with disabilities—barriers that prevent them from accessing essential services, including healthcare. Her own struggles with accessibility spurred her to take action, not only for herself, but for all women like her.
“In our societies, people with disabilities are often excluded from activities and decision-making processes—and women with disabilities even more so. They are frequently victims of various forms of violence, as their physical vulnerability is exploited. It is crucial that they find the strength and learn about the support services available to them so they can report these abuses,”said Anne Cécile Konan.
Her organization, UNAFE-CI, was founded to fill this gap. Anne Cécile observed that, although many programs support women, few take into account the specific needs of women with disabilities. It was this realization that prompted her to advocate for change, starting with local awareness campaigns before going on to influence health policies at the local and national levels.
Partnering for Progress with Voix EssentiELLES
Anne Cécile’s advocacy reached a turning point with the launch of Voix EssentiELLES, a Speak Up Africa initiative aimed at empowering women-led organizations in West Africa. Through this initiative, Anne Cécile has been able to strengthen her partnerships with local authorities, religious leaders, and healthcare professionals, all united in addressing the health challenges faced by women with disabilities, particularly regarding malaria prevention.
With the support of Voix EssentiELLES, UNAFE-CI has been able to expand its reach to various regions of the country, thereby strengthening its impact at the local level.
“This initiative has enabled women to freely advocate for their social, economic, and political inclusion, and even to participate in election campaigns to make their voices and specific needs heard. They now know that their concerns are being taken into account in local government decision-making processes. Witnessing this transformation has been deeply rewarding for us,” said Anne Cécile Konan.
In addition to her community involvement, Anne Cécile has also collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop a strategic tool designed to make health systems more inclusive for people with disabilities. This tool helps policymakers and healthcare providers improve access to health services for everyone.
Voix EssentiELLES, which places a special emphasis on the fight against malaria—a disease that disproportionately affects women in the region—has provided Anne Cécile with a platform and resources to advocate for the inclusion of women with disabilities in national health programs. While the malaria-related mortality rate in Côte d’Ivoire fell by 78% between 2000 and 2022, organizations such as UNAFE-CI have played a key role in ensuring that women with disabilities are not left behind in malaria prevention and treatment efforts.
Changing the Narrative: When Women Lead, Communities Thrive
Anne Cécile’s work is a powerful reminder that when women take the reins, communities benefit. Studies show that women make up 70% of the global healthcare workforce but hold only 25% of leadership positions. Yet when more women reach leadership roles, health outcomes improve, organizations become more financially successful, and innovation flourishes.
Anne Cécile’s approach has always been to develop inclusive solutions that take into account the intersection of disability and gender. Her commitment to ensuring that health programs fully include women with disabilities transforms not only health systems but also social structures as a whole. Her leadership embodies the strength of women who fight against exclusion and redefine the rules for their communities.
Anne Cécile is convinced that access to healthcare is not limited to receiving services: it is also about ensuring that women with disabilities have the right to be heard and to actively shape the world around them. She emphasizes that no real progress can be made without inclusion. This conviction guides her fight to ensure that women with disabilities are not merely beneficiaries of health programs, but also agents of change, influencing the policies and decisions that directly affect their lives.
A path to the future
As we celebrate Anne Cécile Konan’s transformative work, we must acknowledge that the path to true inclusion is still a long one. Women like Anne Cécile Konan are paving the way for those who have been left in the shadows for far too long. Her story is more than just a call to action: it is proof of the profound impact of investing in women’s leadership, particularly within marginalized communities.
Initiatives like Voix EssentiELLES highlight the extraordinary potential of women-led movements. By supporting these women, we are not only addressing immediate health challenges, but also laying the groundwork for a future where every woman, regardless of her circumstances, can lead, thrive, and inspire change within her community.
A future shaped by women's leadership
Anne Cécile Konan’s journey highlights a simple yet powerful truth: when women lead, communities thrive. Her commitment proves that inclusion is not a favor, but a necessity. On this International Women’s Day, let us recognize and support those who are transforming their communities with strength and determination. Because investing in women means investing in a better future for everyone.
[1]https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/04/bmj-study-calls-for-maximisation-of-womens-potential-in-healthcare