YEBÔ DJINAN, in Koulango language means “Womens stand for themselves”, is an international NGO, created in Cote d’Ivoire to operate in Bondoukou, Cote d’Ivoire to provide shelter and education and other services for 100 vulnerable young women (12-18 years of age) who are living in difficult economic and social circumstances.
Bondoukou, the capital of the region of Gontougo is a remote area in the North East of Cote d’Ivoire with lack of services, especially for women and the highest rate in the country for teens- pregnancy. The majority of young women in this region live in remote small villages which offer only primary education. Once they reach the age of 12, the only opportunity to continue studying is to go living in Bondoukou. This will mean to find a place to live which will put these girls into vulnerable positions, as they will have to exchange hospitality with food and/or other services provided by the family; however, in many cases, these girls will end up exchanging sex for hospitality and basic services.
Where and why
Female revenue
Côte d’Ivoire boasts more than 23 million inhabitants of which 46% live beneath the poverty line. 67% of all female labor is dedicated to agriculture. However, female revenue is inferior to that of their male counterparts by 59%.
Education
In Côte d’Ivoire, 94.4% of women of rural origin do not receive secondary education and, on average, only 38% are literate- the prevalence for literacy among men is 61%.
Young Marriage
In 2012, an investigation revealed that 12% of women were married by the age of 15 years old and 36% by 18. 43% of the women surveyed were never enrolled in school.
Young mother
By the age of 17, close to 30% of women will have begun their life as mothers.
