IBCR : Empowering women and youth

José Kouassi, Volunteer advisor in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and resource mobilization, Ivory Coast.

Workshop on a Writing Project for Women Legal Professional of AFJCI

On 21 and 22 November 2024, I had the honour to conduct my second training with the Association des Femmes Juristes de Côte d’Ivoire (AFJCI), on a writing project, during my mandate as a project management advisor, focusing on monitoring, evaluation and resource mobilization. 

This workshop brought together nineteen (19) legal professionals passionate and determined to strengthen their skills in project writing to make it more solid and well-structured. The aim was to give them the tools to develop effective project proposals that meet donor requirements. 

On 21 November, we began with an introduction to project management, which is essential for younger members who had not yet mastered the basics. We reviewed key concepts such as SMART objectives, planning steps, and intervention logic. We then explored the structure of a project proposal, emphasising the clarity of the problem to be solved, the definition of activities, the budget, and the timetable. A specific session was devoted to understanding donor expectations and adapting proposals to their priorities. 

On 22 November, participants worked in groups on projects to contribute to the AFJCI project bank. The aim was to enable them to apply their new skills and prepare concrete proposals to seek funding. 

The workshop was marked by lively exchanges and passionate discussions on women's and children's rights.

As an IBCR volunteer cooperant, this experience was extremely rewarding. Seeing these women legal professionals, committed to defending human rights, preparing to lead effective projects was a source of pride. Strengthening their skills will not only maximize the impact of their actions, but also contribute to the empowerment of women and children in Côte d'Ivoire. 

I am convinced that, thanks to this training, the AFJCI will be better equipped to develop projects that are attractive to donors and effective in achieving their objectives. This is an important step for the association, and I am honoured to have been able to contribute to it.