Euphrasie KOUASSI YAO is the only woman holding a UNESCO Chair in Côte d'Ivoire, called UNESCO Chair "Water, Woman and Power of Decision". Under her chair, Ms YAO coordinates the qualifying and diploma courses as well as the research actions that take place there.

She has 28 years of professional experience that she has used to enable her country to benefit from an institutional, legal and operational environment for the promotion of gender and the empowerment of women. Indeed, Mrs YAO is the basis of the inking of the gender concept in the mentality of the Ivorians. It is also the initiator of the creation of a Promotion and Gender Equality Directorate, a Gender first in Côte d'Ivoire, as well as the preparation of policy documents, plans and programs aimed at reduction of gender inequalities, including the National Equity and Gender Equality Policy, (ii) the Action Plan for the Implementation of Resolution 1325 in Côte d'Ivoire, and (iii) the Declaration Solemnity of the President of the Republic in favor of gender equality.

Its transition to the head of the Ministry in charge of the Advancement of Women has allowed Cote d'Ivoire to enter a new era of progress in enhancing the skills of its female population. Indeed, under his leadership with the President of the Republic His Excellency Alassane OUATTARA, Côte d'Ivoire has enshrined in the Constitution, its fundamental law, the political participation of women, gender equality in the labor market, employment and the promotion of women to responsibilities in public and private institutions and administrations.

Since February 2017, Minister Euphrasie KOUASSI YAO is the Special Advisor to the President of the Republic in charge of gender. It also coordinates the Compendium of Women's Competences Program in Côte d'Ivoire, to which the President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire attaches pride in his will to promote women in political and administrative governance and governance.

She is an International Expert on Gender and Development, Results-Based Management and Monitoring-Evaluation. It consulted with the United Nations agencies (UNDP, UNFPA, UN Women) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Her commitment, competence and professional experience have earned her several distinctions, both nationally and internationally, including (i) the title of Officer of the National Order, (ii) the Golden Candlestick of the Best Promoter (iii) the Golden Chandelier Award, (iv) the President of the Republic's Award of Excellence for the Valorization of Women's Skills, and (v) the Gold Medal at the International Symposium of the Water of CANNES.

The Minister Euphrasie KOUASSI YAO is today a major figure of the questions of promotion of the Gender and empowerment of women at the national level and beyond.