Dabou: SIPODI launches its 2026 activities with a seminar on “Women and Security”
From 25 to 26 February 2026, the city of Dabou hosted a high-level seminar on “Women and Security”, organized by REPSFECO-CI with financial support from the SIPODI programme of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
Under the theme “Strengthening the capacities of women and youth in inclusive and democratic security sector oversight and promoting active citizenship”, the seminar brought together participants from across Côte d’Ivoire, including Abidjan, Bouaké, Gagnoa, Ferkessédougou, Anyama, Dabou, Grand-Bassam and Saioua.
A strong opening with clear commitments
The opening ceremony featured contributions from key institutional representatives:
- Dr Tobias Rüttershoff, Director of the SIPODI programme;
- Me Diallo Geneviève, Chair of the Board of REPSFECO-CI;
- Ms Aïssata Sanogo, Second Deputy Mayor of Dabou.
Speakers highlighted the importance of increasing the participation of women and youth in security matters and emphasized the need for inclusive, participatory, and democratic security governance.
SIPODI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen citizen participation and democratic oversight of the security sector.
Expert discussions on peace and security
Over the two days, experts delivered presentations on key topics:
- UN Resolutions 1325 and 2250 on Women, Peace and Security;
- the role of civil society in security sector governance and reform;
- mechanisms of civil-military cooperation.
These contributions enriched participants’ understanding and fostered dialogue on the challenges of inclusive security.
Participatory workshops and concrete outcomes
Interactive workshops enabled participants to exchange experiences and jointly develop context-specific solutions.
The seminar concluded with a joint declaration committing participants to:
- promote the active participation of women and youth;
- strengthen civil-military dialogue;
- advance inclusive and democratic security governance.
A strong start to 2026
This seminar marks the official launch of SIPODI’s 2026 activities in Côte d’Ivoire and confirms its role as a strategic partner in strengthening civilian capacities in peace and security.
The initiative contributes to promoting an open, inclusive, and democratically anchored security sector—an essential condition for sustainable stability in Côte d’Ivoire and the wider region.
