Euphrasie Kouassi Yao, a prominent gender adviser in the Ivorian government, has dedicated over three decades to promoting women's presence in decision-making positions across various sectors, from government to community levels. Her work includes being the first female adviser to both the president and the prime minister of Côte d'Ivoire, as well as holding a UNESCO chair and being recognized as a global peace ambassador. Yao has made significant strides in putting women at the forefront of conflict resolution, arguing that integrating women's perspectives is crucial for achieving lasting peace and development.

Having been awarded the Harambee Prize 2026 for her extensive contributions, Yao's career highlights the importance of gender equality not just as a moral imperative but as a strategic necessity for national progress. She firmly believes that without addressing gender disparities, progress in development will remain unattainable, asserting that the unification of women’s empowerment with development initiatives is essential to prevent ongoing conflicts and foster a stable society.

Yao's insights are particularly relevant in the context of Côte d'Ivoire, a country that has experienced significant social and political challenges. By advocating for women's active roles in leadership and decision-making processes, she aims to reshape the narrative surrounding gender roles in her country, thus paving the way for a more inclusive approach to development that recognizes the critical contributions of women across all levels of society.