Global Congress on Women Entrepreneurship

Abstract

In 2023, women's entrepreneurship in West Africa, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire, made notable progress, although significant challenges remain. According to the OECD’s "Social Institutions and Gender Index" (SIGI), Côte d’Ivoire scored 17.3, ranking as the leading African country in terms of gender equality. This progress is attributed to the implementation of laws promoting women's rights and increased efforts to combat gender-based violence.

Despite these advancements, women entrepreneurs continue to face major obstacles. A recent 2024 study by researchers from arXiv highlights a significant disparity in startup funding for women-led businesses in Africa. Female-led or mixed-gender founding teams receive less funding than their male counterparts, underscoring a persistent bias in capital allocation.

However, several local initiatives have emerged to support women entrepreneurs. For instance, the Women Investment Club Côte d’Ivoire (WIC-CI) provides female business leaders with funding opportunities and business management training. Additionally, platforms like ElleVer by Ecobank offer banking solutions tailored to the needs of African women entrepreneurs, facilitating their access to capital and markets.

In conclusion, while significant progress has been made in Côte d’Ivoire regarding gender equality and the promotion of women’s entrepreneurship, collaboration between public and private stakeholders remains crucial. Strengthening institutional support and implementing inclusive policies will create a more equitable and favorable entrepreneurial environment for women.

Biography

Tobi Grâce Eunice is a dedicated medical PhD student at the University Of Medical Sciences Of Abidjan, with a strong passion for public health, particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health. She is committed to educating and empowering young people through awareness campaigns on family planning, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the fight against gender-based violence.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Tobi serves as the Digital Communications Manager at the SIHIO-TS Management Commission, where she plays a key role in disseminating scientific advancements in immune-hematology, oncology, and blood transfusion. She ensures digital coverage of medical events and fosters scientific knowledge sharing.

With a deep commitment to improving healthcare access, Tobi has led multiple free medical outreach missions in rural areas and actively participated in international events focused on health, women’s entrepreneurship, and the role of artificial intelligence in medicine.

Her long-term goal is to pursue a Master’s in Public Health to enhance her expertise in epidemiology and medical innovation. Additionally, she is working towards establishing a network of young immunologists in Côte d’Ivoire to promote research and medical advancements in the field.