In a vibrant hall at Felix Houphouet-Boigny University in Abidjan, around 20 participants engaged in dance therapy as part of the inaugural Festival of Consent in March 2022, a groundbreaking event aimed at addressing sexual politics and combating gender-based violence. Led by Franco-Congolese dancer Bolewa Sabourin, the workshop emphasized empowerment, with Sabourin stating, “The start of consent is the power to say ‘no’.” He contrasted the trauma of sexual violence, where “attackers take control of women’s bodies to dominate their spirit,” with dance’s liberating potential: “We are passing through the body to liberate the spirit.” The festival, organized by Benedicte Joan of Stop au Chat Noir, sought to educate on consent across all forms of gender-based violence, from forced marriage to genital mutilation.
Confronting a National Crisis
The event responded to Ivory Coast’s persistent sexual violence crisis, highlighted by a 2022 International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) report citing 822 rapes, 152 sexual assaults, 96 forced marriages, and 13 cases of female genital mutilation in 2020—figures likely underreported. “Few survivors manage to denounce the sexual violence suffered,” the report noted, pointing to barriers in accessing justice, medical care, and psychological support. Public outrage had surged in September 2021 after NCI television aired a program where presenter Yves De M’Bella encouraged a former rapist to demonstrate his crimes on a dummy, prompting protests and a 46,500-signature petition. De M’Bella received a fine and a 12-month suspended sentence for condoning rape, later moving to Radio Nostalgie.
Engaging Communities and Youth
The Festival of Consent, the culmination of months of collaboration between students and activists, drew hundreds to discuss critical issues like men’s roles in feminism and the intersection of feminism with religion and tradition. Civil engineering student Diomande Ben Mohamed emphasized the urgency: “There are things that still happen to our sisters… It’s a fight for the whole family.” Sociology student Syntiche Zadi noted growing awareness, stating, “Our generation is aware of the importance of these questions.” Activists like Bintou Mariam of Equipop challenged cultural excuses, arguing, “Tradition is often held up as a pretext… A woman exists as a woman, not as an extension of her husband.”
Addressing Systemic Challenges
The festival highlighted the need for systemic change in Ivory Coast, where legal and social obstacles hinder justice for survivors. The FIDH report underscored that “medical, psychological, and social care, as well as access to justice, are not ensured,” pushing initiatives like Stop au Chat Noir to support young victims. Discussions tackled reconciling feminism with cultural practices, such as resisting polygamy, and fostering male allyship. “Consent concerns everyone, men and women,” Joan told AFP, stressing inclusivity. The event’s visibility, with association T-shirts sparking public curiosity, signaled a shift in awareness among youth.
Path Forward for Change
As of August 2025, Ivory Coast continues to grapple with gender-based violence, with 28% of women aged 15–49 reporting physical or sexual violence in 2021, per a UN Women survey. The Festival of Consent’s innovative approach—using dance, debate, and education—offers a model for community-driven change, but broader reforms are needed. “We have to wake up now,” Mohamed urged, reflecting a call for collective action. With ongoing advocacy from groups like Equipop and increased public engagement, Ivory Coast aims to build on the festival’s momentum to foster a culture of consent and reduce sexual violence, strengthening its social fabric.
