The feminist NGO Actuelles was founded in 2020 in Côte d’Ivoire by a group of young activists convinced that social change depends on empowering girls and women. It was founded by young feminists committed to sexual and reproductive rights, social justice, and the fight against inequality. The organization currently has about twenty members and volunteers based in Abidjan. Recruitment takes place through calls for engagement posted online or during community activities. Actuelles works primarily in Côte d’Ivoire with adolescent girls, young women, and marginalized groups (deaf girls, girls in and out of school, and incarcerated women), using an inclusive, intersectional, and community-based approach.
Menstrual dignity: sisterhood in action
Actuelles is active on several fronts, “but our main focus this year has been
menstrual justice and access to menstrual products for all,” says Salematou Balde, the organization’s
president. Through the Menstrual Health and Dignity campaign, which has reached more than 20,000 people
since 2020, the organization emphasizes that menstrual dignity is a right. The strategy involves collecting menstrual products on a large scale and delivering them to cities, which then distribute them to people who menstruate. Another flagship initiative is the organization of the third edition of the “Mes Menstrues Libres” festival in May 2025, themed “Menstrual Dignity: When Sisterhood Takes Action.” This event has since spread to Togo and Guine
.
“Our mission: to defend the rights of women and girls, without discrimination based on social status, race, ethnicity, religion…”
Salematou Balde, president of the NGO Actuelles
Menstrual dignity for all
Actuelles also works to promote the inclusion of deaf women and girls by improving their access to menstrual products. The organization has secured funding to build the capacity of deaf girls
in Yopougon, Abobo, and Adjamé. For the first time in Côte d’Ivoire, menstrual health education sessions in sign language have been conducted in partnership with specialized organizations. This pioneering work helps break down taboos and promote menstrual dignity for all.
FOCUS ON… THE CASE OF GHANA
According to the survey published in May 2025, “Monthly Financial Insecurity in Côte d’Ivoire: The Reality in the Abidjan District,” 44.48% of women and girls without a monthly income (or pocket money) are most at risk. In March 2025, Ghana made sanitary products free for girls in elementary and middle school. Feminist organizations hope this step forward will influence other countries in the subregion.
Equipop's sorore support
Thanks to support from Equipop, Actuelles has been able to strengthen its internal capacity, particularly in the areas of organizational structure, strategic advocacy, and documentation of its activities. This support has also enabled the organization to secure a space and provide a safe environment for the girls it serves, where modules on inclusive menstrual dignity and feminism are developed for future community leaders.
To be continued…
For 2025–2026, Actuelles plans to launch a safe feminist space in Abidjan, featuring a counseling center, a feminist library, and an incubator for projects led by young women with hearing impairments. It also plans to step up its advocacy efforts with public institutions to ensure that menstrual health is included in educational policies.
