breaking news
a groundbreaking network to empower women leaders in Côte d’Ivoire’s education sector
on may 2, 2026, over 110 women leaders in Côte d’Ivoire’s education system gathered at Abidjan’s lycée classique to launch the network of women heads of schools and deputies in Côte d’Ivoire (refceaci). this initiative aims to strengthen female leadership within the country’s educational institutions.
the refceaci mission: train, support, and transform
the refceaci operates under the motto “train, support, and transform”, reflecting its core objectives. the network brings together women heads of schools and deputies to foster professional development, mutual support, and collective impact within Côte d’Ivoire’s education system.
the initiative builds on previous efforts through the programme d’appui à la transformation de l’éducation de base (pateb), which trained 140 women leaders in educational leadership and team management. the refceaci aims to sustain and expand these achievements, ensuring long-term benefits for the sector.
a network built on collective determination
the refceaci emerged from a clear need expressed by women leaders in Côte d’Ivoire’s education sector. these professionals sought a structured framework to enhance their skills, collaborate, and increase their influence in decision-making processes.
the network’s creation aligns with ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in education. it receives technical support from the unesco, the international institute for educational planning (iiep), and Côte d’Ivoire’s ministry of national education and literacy.
launching a new era: the refceaci’s founding general assembly
during its inaugural general assembly, the refceaci’s members established the network’s foundation by:
approving the statutes and internal regulations
electing governing bodies
developing a short and medium-term action plan
madam marthe rabbiosi, head of college claude danho paulin in attécoubé, was elected president of the refceaci for a two-year term.
“the refceaci was created to empower women to exercise transformative leadership. this mandate will focus on consensus-building because our actions are highly anticipated.” — marthe rabbiosi, president of refceaci
driving an equitable education system in Côte d’Ivoire
the refceaci seeks to increase women’s access to leadership positions in education through training, experience-sharing, and mutual support among members. the network encourages more women to pursue leadership roles and provides them with the necessary tools to succeed.
with the establishment of this network, Côte d’Ivoire takes a significant step toward creating an education system where women fully occupy leadership and decision-making positions.