In the Tchologo region of northern Ivory Coast, the village of Tchinlovogo is setting a new standard for female empowerment. Far from urban centers, where electricity and telephone networks are still lacking, women have taken their destiny—and that of their community—into their own hands through farming.

Unity is strength: the "Tossiré" association

Under a blazing sun, about fifteen women are busy in the onion fields. To avoid the hottest hours, they start at dawn. They are members of Tossiré (“living together” in the Senufo language), an association that brings together 86 female farmers .

Together, they cultivate a wide variety of products:

1. Vegetables: Onions, okra, chili peppers, eggplants.
2. Cereals: Corn.

The principle is simple: the profits from sales are pooled and then redistributed, allowing each member to launch her own projects. Yéli, one of the members, was thus able to open a hair extension business, diversifying her sources of income and boosting the local economy.

From the land to the classroom

Tossiré's impact extends far beyond individual financial gain. These women have become the true builders of the village. Thanks to the profits from their market gardening, they have achieved what seemed impossible:

1. Education: Construction of a primary school and housing for teachers.
2. School support: Funding for the canteen up to 50,000 FCFA to guarantee a meal for the children.
3. Proximity: End of the ordeal for children who previously had to be placed in distant foster families, often in precarious conditions.

“I am happy to see the children going to school nearby. Today, we are able to contribute to the development of our village,” rejoices Mariam Soro , president of the association.

A revolution in mentalities

This success has radically changed men's perceptions. Once excluded from decision-making and productive activities, women are now the pillars of the community. Drissa Coulibaly , the village chief, readily admits it: the women's organization has become an indispensable support for the chieftaincy, especially during emergencies.

The next challenge: blue gold

Far from resting on their laurels, the women of Tossiré are already looking to the future. Their next goal is to save enough money to install a water pump . This project aims to provide access to drinking water for all households, marking a new step towards the modernization of Tchinlovogo.