Carine Oupoh, Ivory Coast

About Carine

Carine Oupoh is a multidisciplinary associate lawyer based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. She is the president and founder of the Association for the Protection and Advocacy of Consumer Rights in Abidjan, which won the Prize of the Foundation of Law for Society, awarded by the Paris Institute. Carine has expertise in various areas of the law, including criminal law, international humanitarian law, and social law. She has worked for multiple law firms in Abidjan.

The Challenge

For women and girls in Ivory Coast, there has been an increase in incidents classified as crimes and misdemeanors. Some of these incidents are related to forced marriages, where women are victims of rape and abuse. Ensuring the defense of these individuals will simultaneously combat forced marriages and sexual violence.

The Innovation

Based in Ivory Coast, Carine’s project focuses on providing legal representation for women and girls. Carine plans to work with the Ministry of Justice and the heads of jurisdiction. She will collaborate with local authorities to have lists of trials communicated to her before the hearings. This will enable her to identify women and girls who would benefit from the assistance of the women lawyers in the network. Carine will also cooperate with associations for the defense of women’s rights and associations of women jurists.