The WYDE Civic Engagement project complements its activities at global and regional levels with ad-hoc country-level support. The overall aim of the Quick-Impact Actions (QIAS) is to provide urgent and strategic support to local actors working on youth political inclusion and participation, always upon request of the relevant EU Delegation.
Based on the specific objectives determined in close cooperation with EUDs, the most appropriate local actor(s) are identified and selected to implement the QIAs. This is done either through a direct technical intervention or an action grant, awarded directly or through a restrictive call for proposals, depending on the urgency of the need, the political calendar, and the potential to generate positive changes in youth participation.)
Background
In Côte d’Ivoire, women and young people under 35, who make up a significant portion of the population, remain marginalized in electoral participation as candidates, voters, and electoral agents. Despite legislative measures like the 2019 law mandating a 30% quota for female candidates, their representation remains low. For instance, in the 2021 legislative elections, only 13.63% of candidates were women, and their parliamentary representation increased marginally from 10.5% to 12.5%. Similarly, youth participation is disproportionately low, with only 7.31% of young candidates elected in the 2023 municipal elections. This underrepresentation highlights the need for strategic interventions to enhance the inclusion of women and youth in electoral processes.
Project Overview
The « Regards Croisés: Femmes et Jeunes dans les Élections 2025 » project aims to analyze and enhance the electoral participation of women and youth in Côte d’Ivoire. The project will:
- Analysing the electoral participation of women and youth as candidates, campaign team members, and voters.
- Train and mobilise observers to collect reliable data.
- Formulate concrete recommendations to influence public policies and improve the inclusion of women and youth in future electoral cycles.
The project will focus on strategic partnerships, regional supervision, and direct observation of electoral activities to gather qualitative and quantitative data. This data will inform a final report with actionable recommendations for stakeholders, including political parties and the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).
Expected Impact
The project aims to strengthen the inclusion of women and youth in future electoral cycles by providing strategic solutions based on reliable data. Expected outcomes include:
- An analysis of electoral dynamics affecting women and youth.
- A final report with concrete recommendations for increased inclusion.
- A lasting impact on future electoral policies, contributing to a more equitable democracy.
About AHOU
The AHOU Centre is dedicated to promoting feminism, action research, and capacity building for women and youth on gender issues. It conducts studies and actions related to feminism, political participation of women and youth, and social transformation. The center has experience working with the European Union and other international partners, demonstrating its capability to implement impactful projects.
