Through its Women Initiative, the Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Foundation carries out projects aimed at removing barriers to the development and social and economic emancipation of women in Gabon.
In the economic sector, the Foundation promotes women’s entrepreneurship. The Akassi Microcredit supports women in the development of agricultural, artisanal or commercial activities. In 2 years, 1 899 projects have been financed and 1 804 women have joined the banking system in Gabon.
In the health sector, the Foundation launched the program Act Against Cancer to fight female cancers, which account for 30% of all cancers diagnosed in Gabon. Its advocacy towards the Government led to the adoption of a national cancer prevention and control plan and the establishment of the Libreville Cancer Institute. In 7 years, 436 617 women have been sensitized on cancers, 66 980 women have been screened for breast and cervical cancers and 249 health providers have been trained. Since the opening of “La Maison d’Alice” in 2016, 167 cancer patients living outside the capital were received free of charge in order to facilitate their access to the Libreville treatment center while benefiting from supportive care.
In 2019, the Foundation, in collaboration with national and international experts, conducted an assessment on gender inequalities in all
segments of the society. This assessment led to the adoption of an ambitious strategy to promote women’s rights and reduce gender inequalities that aims to strengthen the political and social advances necessary for the well-being of women in Gabon. This strategy contains recommendations for corrective measures and a three-year implementation action plan.
