NEW YORK (WSH) — Dr. Félicité Tchibindat has been appointed as Regional Director for Central Africa at the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN), the organization announced Monday.
With nearly four decades of experience in public health, sustainable development, and leadership, Dr. Tchibindat is set to bolster ARDN’s mission of advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Africa and its diaspora.
Dr. Tchibindat previously served as Acting Regional Director for UNICEF in West and Central Africa, overseeing programs across 24 countries. She spearheaded initiatives aimed at tackling development challenges, empowering youth, and promoting gender equality.
In her new role, Dr. Tchibindat will lead ARDN’s “Red Card Campaign,” an initiative to combat gender-based violence. She will also work to forge partnerships with governments, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to promote youth entrepreneurship and drive progress toward the SDGs.
Based in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, she will collaborate with Dr. Roger Salla Ntounga, ARDN’s Regional Director for Africa, and Andy Nziengui Nziengui, ARDN’s Representative for Gabon and Central Africa Coordinator.
Central Africa faces acute challenges in achieving SDG 5: Gender Equality. Approximately 40% of women in the region have experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner, with some countries reporting rates as high as 44%. Child marriage affects nearly 40% of girls before the age of 18, and women occupy less than 15% of parliamentary seats in many Central African nations.
“The urgency of addressing gender inequality in Central Africa cannot be overstated,” Dr. Tchibindat said. “I am honored to join ARDN as Regional Director for Central Africa. Together, we will work to empower communities, address critical challenges, and advance the Sustainable Development Goals throughout the region.”
Dr. Djibril Diallo, ARDN President and CEO, praised the appointment, calling Dr. Tchibindat’s leadership “invaluable.” “Her extensive experience and commitment to sustainable development and gender equality make her the ideal choice for this critical role,” Diallo said. “Her leadership will strengthen ARDN’s efforts to build partnerships and advance a shared vision for a prosperous future.”
ARDN’s “Red Card Campaign” aims to raise awareness and mobilize action to protect and empower women and girls in the region, addressing the systemic inequalities that persist across Central Africa.
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