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WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA DIVISION WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES COUNCIL.

Posted on Juin 25 2026

WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA DIVISION WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES COUNCIL.
Leaders Strengthen Their Commitment to Mission Among Women and Children

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – May 10–16, 2026 – The headquarters of the West-Central Africa Division (WAD) in Abidjan hosted the Women’s Ministries and Children’s Ministries Council, a strategic gathering that brought together leaders of these two departments from all the unions across the Division, along with representatives from the General Conference.
Organized under the leadership of Mrs. Emma Same, WAD Women’s Ministries and Children’s Ministries director, and her associate, Mrs. Tabitha Kra, the meeting aimed to strengthen leadership capacity, evaluate ongoing activities, and establish new directions for fulfilling the mission among women, children, and families throughout the Division territory. According to participants, the event was an unprecedented success.
The council brought together all Women’s Ministries and Children’s Ministries directors from the thirteen unions that make up the West-Central Africa Division. The gathering was further enriched by the presence of the directors of these departments from the General Conference, who shared their experiences, vision, and the global priorities of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in these strategic areas.
Throughout the week, participants attended training sessions, practical workshops, report presentations, and experience-sharing forums. Discussions focused on women’s leadership, child protection, children’s evangelism, family support, and innovative approaches to addressing the contemporary challenges faced by women and younger generations.
For Mrs. Emma Same, Director of Women’s and Children’s Ministries, the meeting provided an opportunity to be “equipped to work toward the success of the projects outlined in the General Conference strategic plan, especially the ‘Meet Your Sister’ initiative for young women, encouraging them to become more involved in Women’s Ministries activities. We must help our young sisters regain their bearings in a world where evil is often presented as good. Older women must make themselves available to mentor the younger generation. In this way, we can all achieve our objective: ‘One Way, One Mission, One World to Reach.’”
The leaders emphasized the importance of an inclusive and intentional ministry capable of addressing the spiritual, emotional, and social needs of women and children. Presentations also highlighted several successful initiatives across the Division territory, demonstrating the positive impact of programs implemented in local churches.
In her remarks, Mrs. Emma Same expressed gratitude to the participants for their unwavering commitment to the mission. She encouraged the leaders to continue making Women’s and Children’s Ministries effective instruments for witness, discipleship, and community transformation.
“We are aligning ourselves with the vision of the worldwide Church—grounded in the Bible and focused on the mission—and with the presence of our General Conference leaders, we worked to harmonize the strategic vision and contextualize its four key priorities: Communion with God, Identity in Christ, Unity through the Holy Spirit, and Mission for All. This vision must reach even at the local church level,” she emphasized.
For Mrs. Tabitha Kra, Associate Director responsible for Children’s Ministries, the training was designed to equip leaders to better integrate children into the development and growth of this ministry.
“At the beginning of every quinquennium, we receive instructions and guidance from the General Conference, which we must communicate to union leaders so that they, in turn, can pass them on to conferences and local churches. This process enables all of us to move the work forward toward success. During this meeting, we focused on presenting the objectives of the quinquennium as outlined by the General Conference—how to direct the work and how to ensure successful outcomes.”
The General Conference representatives commended the WAD leaders for their dynamism and the progress achieved in several areas. They emphasized the importance of placing women and children at the heart of the Church’s mission while developing programs adapted to local realities.

At the conclusion of the council, participants returned to their respective unions with new skills, updated resources, and a renewed commitment to supporting the spiritual growth of women and children in their territories. The council thus marked an important step in strengthening collaboration and enhancing the effectiveness of Women’s and Children’s Ministries throughout the West-Central Africa Division.

WAD Editors