Celebrations marking International Women's Day which began on 8 March 2014 culminated on 15 March in Man with a visit to the prison by officials of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI).



Officials from UNOCI Corrections and Child Protection Units, Civil Affairs and Public Information sections, Aviation, UN Police and the Bangladeshi military contingent visited some 24 female inmates in Man Prison, Tonkpi region, 600 km north-west of Abidjan with gifts including materials for producing liquid soap as well as food and sanitary items handed over by the Coordinator of UNOCI's regional office, Christian Dreesen.



The idea is to make them learn an income-generating trade that could be useful to them when they leave prison. The Bangadeshi contingent provided a meal for 30 in the presence of local administrative authorities of Man and regional representatives of the Ministry of Solidarity, Man magistrate's court and several national partners.

According to Rita Sanon of the Corrections Unit, UNOCI wanted to demonstrate its closeness to the all the components of Ivorian society. "This is a sign that you have not been forgotten and that society needs you," she said adding: "your commitment to change your behavior is necessary for your integration in society."



The representative of the Prefect of Tonkpi Region, Claude-Gervaise Irike Djerehe told the inmates "it is important to respect the law of one's country."

The superintendent of Man Prison and the regional director of solidarity thanked UNOCI for its support to disadvantaged persons in Cote d'Ivoire.

The celebrations also included a march-past of the different women's groups in Tonkpi Region, a public meeting and a Maraca football match.