As part of the International Women's Day on March 8, 2024, with the theme "Investing in Women: Accelerating the Pace," the DIDIER DROGBA FOUNDATION, in collaboration with SUCO's office in Côte d’Ivoire and its local partner "Union of Cooperative Societies of Women in Fishing and Related Activities in Côte d’Ivoire" (USCOFEPCI), marked this celebration with awareness and screening of cardiovascular diseases and a panel discussion on the role of Ivorian women in sustainable fish farming.

For this commemoration, an appointment was made on March 12, 2024, at the Locodjoro landing stage with a day filled with activities. From 07:00 to 14:30, 261 women from the top and village benefited from free screening for diabetes and hypertension, thanks to the FDD Mobile Heart Clinic, valued at over one million CFA francs.

Emphasis was placed on sports as a preferred preventive measure in the fight against cardiovascular diseases.

In the afternoon, the official ceremony was marked by speeches from partners in the activity: the President of USCOFEPCI, the Quebec office, the Executive Director of FDD, and the national coordinator of the landing stage; followed by a football match between two female teams from the top ranks.

Commemoration activities continued on Thursday, March 13, 2024, with a panel discussion on the role of Ivorian women in sustainable fish farming. The panel was led by the President of USCOFEPCI, the FAO representative, and the environmental advisor from SUCO. Discussions focused on:

● The specific contribution of women in the fishing sector in Côte d'Ivoire and the challenges encountered in their profession;
● Initiatives taken by the supervisory ministry and FAO to strengthen women's skills in sustainable management of aquatic resources and promote sustainable fish farming in Côte d'Ivoire.