Washington, D.C., August 23, 2024 –Cybastion is proud to announce that last week it solidified a partnership with DigiFemmes, the Ministry of Women, Family and Children 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 at a press conference at the DigiFemmes Campus on August 14, 2024, where memorandums of understanding were signed and a donation was made to launch this high-impact project. Cybastion was represented at the event and subsequent launch of the DigiFemmes Caravan by its Director of Educational Programs, Patrick Fouda.
The event also marked the launch of the DigiFemmes Caravan program, a pioneering effort designed to train 1,000 women across Ivory Coast in essential digital skills. This initiative constitutes a significant step forward in reducing the digital divide and promoting the socio-economic development of women in the country.
Dr. Thierry Wandji, CEO of Cybastion, commented on the partnership:
“We firmly believe that training women in these critical areas 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 pass through five major cities in Ivory Coast, 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 safely and responsibly. This initiative is part of Cybastion’s ongoing commitment to closing 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 springboard towards economic autonomy and increased participation in professional and entrepreneurial life.”
The DigiFemmes Caravan will be launched in three communes of Abidjan — Bingerville, Abobo and Port Bouet — starting August 17, 2024. The program will include four-day intensive training sessions, each taking place from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., preceded by a promotional caravan truck touring the communes to raise awareness of the event.
Hawa Bérété, country coordinator of the DigiFemme program, added:
“DigiFemmes is determined to transform the future of women in Ivory Coast and beyond. By equipping them with the necessary digital and entrepreneurial skills, we are empowering them to actively contribute to their country’s economy and create lasting impact.”
The project was funded by Cybastion and received strong support from the Ministries of Women, Family and Children, as well as the Ministry of Communication. Ms. Nassénéba Touré, Minister of Women, Family and Children, highlighted the government's commitment to women's empowerment during the event, stating:“Women’s empowerment is a priority for our government, and we strongly believe that this caravan will play a crucial role in improving the economic prospects of women across the country. »
The press conference concluded with a guided tour of the DigiFemmes campus, providing participants with an overview of the state-of-the-art facilities and ongoing projects aimed at empowering women in the digital space.
As Cybastion continues to expand its presence in Africa, this partnership with DigiFemmes reflects the company's commitment to creating effective and sustainable solutions that address the unique challenges faced by women in Ivory Coast and beyond. This initiative is not just about training; it’s about creating lasting change and empowering the next generation of women 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. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the company has established a strong presence in Africa, working in eight countries. Cybastion aims to bridge 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 particularly significant, as President Biden has said that "when Africa succeeds, the United States succeeds and, frankly, the whole world succeeds too."
