Aya Virginie Touré

Aya Virginie Touré is a peace activist and politician in Côte D’Ivoire who organized many political demonstrations and peaceful protests during the Second Ivorian Civil War. The protests were staged in opposition to former President Laurent Gbagbo, who lost the December 2010 presidential election to Alassane Ouattara but weaponized violent tactics to stay in power. Touré was the president of a women’s group in support of Ouattara, and in March 2011 she helped organize a peaceful women’s march demanding the removal of Gbagbo. Gbagbo’s military opened fire on the crowd killing seven women and injuring many more. Resilient and defiant of the attack many women turned out a week later on International Women’s Day to continue the protest. 

Historically, the women of Côte D’Ivoire have had crucial roles in protests and advocacy for political causes. Yet, there is often very little information or recognition of female activists in Ivory Coast. Aya told the BBC, “The international community has forgotten about us… I have actually been thinking about organizing another women’s march to call for international community involvement.” Touré continues to speak out against government corruption, greed, and dismissal by the outside world.