The official results of the December 27, 2025 parliamentary elections have been released: of the 253 seats in the National Assembly, 34 are now held by women . While this figure reflects a female presence in Parliament, it also highlights the work that still needs to be done to achieve the goals of national representation.

A quantified assessment that falls far short of legal ambitions

With only 13.4% of women elected , Côte d'Ivoire remains well below the 30% quota prescribed by law no. 2019-870. This gap between the legislative framework and the reality at the ballot box is striking.

Generational profile of elected officials:

1. 25-34 years old: only 1 elected (2.9%).
2. 35-60 years old: 21 elected (61.8%).
3. 61 years and over: 12 elected (35.3%).

The near absence of young women under 35 raises a crucial question: how to promote the emergence of a female political succession in the face of structural and cultural barriers?

The "Chrysalis" Program: Forging leaders, not extras

Ahead of the election, the UNDP and the Swiss embassy launched the Chrysalis program. This initiative aims to transform the political landscape by supporting women towards decision-making positions.

During a high-level dialogue held in Abidjan on December 9, more than 100 female leaders discussed persistent obstacles: lack of funding, low media visibility and the weight of stereotypes.

Anne Désirée Ouloto's powerful plea

As president of the event, Minister of State Anne Désirée Ouloto impressed the assembly with a candid speech. Drawing on her extensive experience (in government since 2011 and President of the Cavally Regional Council), she urged her peers to strive for excellence.

"Don't be extras. Be indispensable. It's not because we're women that we're given a place. We're given an opportunity because we're competent."

She also recalled that the political journey is a test of resilience, sharing her own past setbacks to illustrate that "wisdom" and strategy are the best weapons in the face of adversity.

Towards inclusive governance: What's next?

The Chrysalis Dialogue was more than just a meeting; it laid the foundations for lasting change through:

1. The creation of a network of women leaders to foster synergy and advocacy.
2. A strategic roadmap to guide future inclusion policies.
3. An institutional commitment to strengthen funding and training for female candidates.

Conclusion

The 34 pioneering women elected in December 2025 now bear the responsibility of demonstrating the effectiveness of female leadership. While parity remains a distant goal, each electoral victory brings Côte d'Ivoire closer to more balanced governance. As the Chrysalide program emphasized, the future of Ivorian democracy hinges on its ability to translate its legal ambitions into concrete realities.