Established in 2008. A developmental non-profit in Cote d’Ivoire – Les Femmes en Mission pour le Developpement (FEMDEV) which means Women with a Mission for Development in English. The organization focuses on disease reduction capacity building and economic empowerment opportunities for the girl-child, women and youth

Cote d’Ivoire has been described as one of the poorest countries in the world based on the UNDP’s human development index. While basic education is within the reach of a few, many women and youth lack access to healthcare, literacy and employability skills. This account for the high unemployment rate and consequently high incidence of crime and prostitution.

It is believed that strong families create strong communities. Unfortunately, the family fiber in Cote d’Ivoire is in shreds because many men shy away from marriage commitment. They would rather co-habit with their partners, have children and quit the relationship whenever it is convenient. Many women are battered and bruised by their so-called “lovers” The women and children are often the victims especially if the woman is uneducated and unemployed. The emotional trauma on the children is far greater as they end up on the streets fending for themselves very early in their lives.

The objectives of NGO FEMDEV include to:

• Fight against poverty among this target audience
• Provide computer and financial literacy for students and youth
• Support start-ups in income generating activities
• Train new entrepreneurs on financial and project management
• Organize free medical check-ups in collaboration with health professionals
• Build libraries in more communities and prisons
• Support child-hood education especially for the girl-child

Train leaders and volunteers to replicate our models in other communities