As part of its project titled “Using the TIKA Improved Stove to Reduce Women’s Domestic Workload in Rural Ivory Coast,” funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Ivorian Center for Economic and Social Research (CIRES) organized, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the official launch ceremony for the distribution of TIKA improved stoves at the Man Regional Council. The ceremony was attended by several administrative and community officials, including:

•Dr. DIARRA Ibrahim, Director of CIRES (represented by his Deputy Director in charge of administration);
•Ms. Blé Rolande, representative of the Prefect of the Tonkpi region;
•Mr. Topka Maninga, representative of the President of the Tonkpi Regional Council;
•Traditional chiefs and village leaders from the beneficiary communities.

In total, 550 women from the sub-prefectures of Ziogouiné, Yapleu, Seileu, and Goulaleu will benefit from these improved stoves. Implemented by CIRES, this project aims to lighten the domestic burden on rural women by enabling them to cook more quickly and under better sanitary conditions, while reducing exposure to smoke and protecting the environment.