New Generation of Gender Engineering Experts Graduates in Côte d’Ivoire, Aiming to Bridge Policy Gaps
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – A new cadre of professionals dedicated to systematically integrating gender equality into development projects has been formally certified, signaling a growing institutional commitment to bridging the gap between policy and practice in West Africa.
The UNESCO Chair “Water, Women and Decision-Making Power” (CUEFPOD) celebrated the graduation of its eighth cohort of Gender Engineering Experts (FIG) on December 13, 2025. The ceremony, held under the high patronage of World Bank Operations Director Ms. Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, underscores the strategic importance multilateral institutions are placing on localized gender expertise.
Beyond Awareness: The Rise of “Gender Engineering”
The term “Gender Engineering” itself is indicative of a methodological shift. Unlike broader gender studies or awareness training, the FIG program suggests a technical, project-based approach. Experts in this field are trained to deconstruct complex development initiatives—particularly in sectors like water resource management, infrastructure, and agriculture—and redesign their components to ensure equitable access, benefits, and leadership opportunities for all genders.
“The presence of high-level patrons from the World Bank and the Ivorian government points to a recognition that gender inequality is not just a social issue, but a critical bottleneck to economic efficiency and project sustainability,” notes a development policy analyst familiar with the region. “These graduates are essentially being trained as systemic troubleshooters.”
Contextualizing the Milestone
The graduation of an eighth cohort reveals a sustained, multi-year effort to build this specialized workforce. The continued operation of CUEFPOD, chaired by Minister Euphrasie Kouassi Yao, highlights Côte d’Ivoire’s positioning as a potential hub for this niche expertise in Francophone Africa.
This development occurs against a backdrop where international funders and African governments alike are facing increased scrutiny over the tangible outcomes of gender-focused investments. The “engineering” approach aims to move from aspirational policy statements to measurable, built-in project indicators.
The “So What” for Development and Business
For international NGOs and private sector firms operating in the region, the emergence of a certified professional pool has practical implications. It may soon become a competitive advantage—or a requirement—to employ such experts to design and monitor projects, particularly those seeking funding from institutions like the World Bank.
Furthermore, the focus on “Water, Women and Decision-Making Power” directly addresses a chronic imbalance. In many communities, women are the primary managers of household water and are disproportionately affected by water scarcity, yet are often excluded from the planning and management of water infrastructure. FIG experts are theoretically equipped to reverse this disconnect.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
The real test for this graduating cohort will be institutional absorption. The key question is whether government ministries, large corporations, and traditional engineering firms will create dedicated positions for these specialists, or if their expertise will remain siloed within specific donor-funded projects.
“Graduation is a start, but impact is measured in changed policies and redesigned irrigation systems, not just certificates,” observes a veteran gender consultant in West Africa. “The next step is tracking how these experts influence the procurement processes, technical standards, and budgetary decisions of major public and private works.”
Ethical Attribution: This report is based on information from a primary source. The original announcement of the graduation ceremony for the 8th cohort of Gender Engineering Experts (FIG) was reported by L’Infodrome.