Washington, D.C., August 23, 2024 – Cybastion is proud to announce that it solidified a partnership last week with DigiFemmes, the Ministry of Women, Family, and Child Affairs, and the Ministry of Communication of Côte d’Ivoire to launch a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to empowering women through digital education. The partnership was formalized during a press conference at the DigiFemmes Campus on August 14, 2024, where memoranda of understanding were signed, and a donation was made to kick-start this impactful project. Cybastion was represented at the event and the subsequent launch of the DigiFemmes Caravan by its Director of Education Programs, Patrick Fouda.
The event also marked the launch of the DigiFemmes Caravan programme, a pioneering effort designed to train 1,000 women across Côte d’Ivoire in essential digital skills. This initiative is a significant step forward in reducing the digital divide and fostering the socioeconomic development of women in the country.
Dr. Thierry Wandji, CEO of Cybastion, commented on the partnership:
“We firmly believe that training women in those critical fields is not only essential for their personal development but also for the digital security and economy of the country.”
The DigiFemmes Caravan, funded by Cybastion, will traverse five major cities in Côte d’Ivoire, including Abidjan, Sinématiali, Yamoussoukro, Gagnoa, and Man. The program will provide women aged 16 and above with basic digital literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape securely and responsibly. This initiative is part of Cybastion’s ongoing commitment to bridging the cybersecurity skills gap in emerging markets, particularly in Africa.
Ms. Nadine Zoro, Director of the DigiFemmes program, expressed her enthusiasm for the project:
“We are delighted to launch the DigiFemmes Caravan, a project that will reach thousands of women across the country. By providing them with basic digital skills, we are creating a steppingstone towards economic autonomy and increased participation in professional and entrepreneurial life.”
The DigiFemmes Caravan will be launched in three municipalities of Abidjan—Bingerville, Abobo, and Port Bouet—starting on August 17, 2024. The program will feature intensive four-day training sessions, each running from 08:00 to 18:30, preceded by a promotional caravan truck traveling through the municipalities to raise awareness about the event.
Hawa Bérété, Country Coordinator at DigiFemme program, added:
“DigiFemmes is determined to transform the future of women in Côte d’Ivoire and beyond. By equipping them with the necessary digital and entrepreneurial skills, we are empowering them to contribute actively to their country’s economy and to create a lasting impact.”
The project has been funded by Cybastion and has received strong support from the Ministries of Women, Family, and Child Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Communication. Mrs. Nassénéba Touré, Minister of Women, Family, and Child Affairs, underscored the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment during the event, stating: “Women’s empowerment is a priority for our government, and we firmly believe that this caravan will play a crucial role in improving economic prospects for women across the country.”
The press conference concluded with a guided tour of the DigiFemmes campus, offering participants a firsthand look at the state-of-the-art facilities and ongoing projects aimed at fostering women’s development in the digital arena.
As Cybastion continues to expand its footprint in Africa, this partnership with DigiFemmes reflects the company’s dedication to creating impactful, sustainable solutions that address the unique challenges faced by women in Côte d’Ivoire and beyond. This initiative is not just about training; it is about creating lasting change and empowering the next generation of female leaders in the digital world.
About Cybastion
Cybastion is a cybersecurity solutions provider, offering a range of services including cyber-infrastructure, training, and digital technologies. Based in Arlington, Virgina, the company has established a strong presence in Africa, working across eight countries. Cybastion aims to address the cybersecurity gap between Africa and more developed countries by providing the necessary cyber solutions. The company’s efforts to build capacity in Africa are especially significant, as President Biden has stated that “When Africa succeeds, the United States succeeds, and quite frankly, the whole world succeeds as well.”
