The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mrs. Aichatou Mindaoudou, on 22 May 2015, handed over the keys of a women's Help Centre in Duékoué, rehabilitated by the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and equipped by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).



Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. Jean Tai Glaou, the mayor of the town, expressed his appreciation to the United Nations System (UNS). "Thanks to local forces supported by United Nations forces, security in Duékoué has improved. Thanks to you, the town has found peace and joy of life," he said.



Issouf Kouamé Kouadio, Regional Director of the Ministry of Solidarity, Family, Women and Children, praised the partners who worked for the restoration of the centre. "Thank you for helping women who represent more than half of our population and who play an important role in the development. This centre will promote social cohesion. I will help women achieve their goals," he said.



Minata Ouédraogo, president of the Coalition of Women Leaders of Duékoué, on behalf of her peers, thanked donors for having responded positively to their request.



"This ceremony is the fulfillment of the wishes of the women of Duékoué. The centre will be a meeting place for women from every ethnic group in Duékoué. It will direct them to different places depending on their needs. It will help them fight against gender-based violence, such as female circumcision and forced marriage. It will also promote the education of girls and strengthen women's capacities," she said.



Mrs. Ouedraogo also said that the centre will help women in Duékoué promote peace and social cohesion.



For her part, the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Aichatou Mindaoudou told members of the coalition that she was overwhelmed by their welcome.



"I was here last year with my colleagues and we return today to see the completion of our commitment. I would like to dedicate this Help Centre to the entire United Nations system. This centre will allow you to speak with one another in full confidence. It will be the centre of women's activities. I encourage you and want to assure you that the United Nations will be at your side to help you. I am convinced that this centre will be the place of social cohesion and national reconciliation. This centre will change life in Duékoué, because it will allow girls to be educated and this will help them take care of themselves," she said.



UNOCI provided 11,799,000 CFA francs (approximately $23,000) for the rehabilitation of the Help Centre, while UNDP and UNFPA spent 16 million CFA francs ($32,000 approximately) to equip it.