Expanding Equity For Marginalised Groups
Equity is not just about access to services, it's about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a safe, healthy and fulfilling life. This session spotlights leaders whose lived experiences have directly shaped their initiatives, highlighting the inequalities faced by marginalised communities across multiple areas of society, including healthcare, employment, and social systems. Together, panelists explore how inclusive, community-focused solutions are transforming the way underrepresented groups are seen, supported and valued.
Speakers
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Victoria F. LegaultExecutive Director
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Marie-Léopoldine TossouFounder and PresidentMarie-Léopoldine Tossou
Founder and President
YebleLéopoldine Tossou is an entrepreneur and strategy consultant from Côte d’Ivoire, dedicated to community development, youth leadership, and women’s empowerment. She builds initiatives that equip women and young people with tools, knowledge, and opportunities to create lasting impact. She is the founder of Yeble, an organization advancing female leadership, reproductive health, and maternal well-being, and Entr’El, a platform celebrating African women’s resilience through mentorship, dialogue, and empowerment. Her commitment to service began with volunteering for the Scouts Association of Côte d’Ivoire, Friedrich Naumann Foundation, and AIESEC. She has since worked with organizations such as The Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, the Ivorian League for Women’s Rights, and POJAFCI, leading programs in women’s leadership, sexual and reproductive health, youth empowerment, and peace advocacy. In 2021, Léopoldine joined the “Merci Mon Héros” campaign by Johns Hopkins CCP and USAID, contributing to breaking taboos around youth reproductive health across Sub-Saharan Africa. Her leadership has earned international recognition. She is a Mandela Washington Fellow, ICT4D scholar, and a 2022 Enterprise for Peace Ambassador with One Young World. In 2025, she was named a Global Health Academy Champion, participating in the One Young World Summit. To further her mission, she founded Ashiyr Consulting Group, an Abidjan-based firm supporting businesses, NGOs, and public entities through training, strategic communication, event planning, and CSR initiatives.