Launch: On November 7, 2024, the third edition of the International Symposium on Women’s Economic Empowerment in West Africa opened at the Ivotel Hotel in Abidjan. This two-day event aims to explore innovative solutions to better recognize, reduce, and redistribute women’s unpaid work in the subregion.

Development: Under the theme “Innovative Solutions for the Recognition, Reduction, and Redistribution of Women’s Unpaid Care Work in West Africa: From Action Research to Effective Reforms,” this conference is organized with the support of several international partners. The opening ceremony featured addresses by prominent figures, including the representative of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Canadian Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, and representatives from organizations such as ECOWAS, UNDP, and UN Women. Under the chairmanship of the Ministry of Women, Family, and Children of Côte d’Ivoire, these stakeholders emphasized the importance of valuing domestic work—often invisible but essential to socio-economic balance.

Conclusion: This symposium serves as a platform for reflection to transform research findings into concrete actions that promote women’s economic empowerment.