Mme Moussokoura Chantal Fanny – Mayor of Kaniasso Commune talks about women leadership and driving forward investment in Cote d’Ivoire 

           In 2016, Fanny put Cote d’Ivoire on the map by joining the top 10 most influential women, named from her Alma mater, Laval University in Canada. She is a graduate of Political Science from Laval University and a current PhD candidate in Political Sciences from  Atlantic University, Abidjan. Fanny’s work has focused on mothers and their roles in their communities in each district; and to bring the pivotal role of women, mothers, daughters, and sisters forward. Nestled in northern Cote d’Ivoire, Kaniasso is located about 930 km from Abidjan and is one of the best destinations to explore north of the country.

“As women, we are taught to fight one another, to be jealous. That is not my case, I believe in helping and growing. Only this way will we be able to promote and boost development. Solidarity and Union must be the foundation of one’s community for effective and inclusive growth,” she stated.

“Female leaders are a driving force for urban development. While countries like Spain boast about more female representation with mayors in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, Cote d’ Ivoire has been at the forefront of spaces for women long before.”

In April 2013, Chantal Fanny became the first elected mayor of Kaniasso. Leading this community made up of 14 villages was a new challenge. Leadership, however, is not a new role for this Ivorian woman. In 2016, Fanny was one of the female leaders from her district in Cote d’Ivoire who was invited to discuss initiatives in the improvement of agriculture, education, and business. For Fanny, investment in this area and projects are the driving force that alongside women’s leadership will bring Kaniasso forward.

“With the knowledge from women in this community paired with investment initiatives tailored for the benefit of all, Kaniasso will be an unstoppable force in northern Cote d’Ivoire.