A Kedger has won the Global Woman Award for her association!

The "Les Orchidées Rouges" (The Red Orchids), which supports women who have undergone female genital mutilation, came into being as a result of her own story:

Marie-Claire Kakpotia Moraldo was born on 24 April 1982 in the Ivory Coast. A pivotal moment in her life happened at the age of 9 when she was circumcised. She left the Ivory Coast in 2005 after she got a technical diploma and then, in 2014, decided to return to school by taking Continuing Education courses at KEDGE. During her own recovery process, Marie-Claire realised that there was a total absence of associations fighting against female genital mutilation and of groups that provided support to women who had suffered from this violence in the Bordeaux region. So, this Franco-Ivorian activist for the rights of women and girls created Les Orchidées Rouges, an association that was given special consultative status by the UN Economic and Social Council in July 2021. 

 LES ORCHIDÉES ROUGES

HOW IS THE ASSOCIATION ORGANISED?

In terms of its framework, it’s set up to fight against female genital mutilation and violence against women and girls on all fronts.

In terms of prevention, it educates and raises awareness amongst the general public and professionals through conferences, workshops, film screenings, and exhibitions. It also provides training to health and education professionals, social workers, and members of civil society.

Its medical and psychosocial institute provides free support to survivors of female genital mutilation and forced marriage in the recovery of both psychological and physical aspects, as well as in the learning to reclaim their bodies. It also empowers them through social and professional reintegration.

Made up of a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, psychologists, social workers, and lawyers, the association has provided support to more than 200 women in just one year.

Marie-Claire wanted to place the emphasis on psychological, social, and overall follow-up, with reconstructive surgery added when necessary. Because, aside from just repairing the physical damage, Les Orchidées Rouges wants to liberate women so they can become masters of their own destinies.

Female genital mutilation causes more than just physical harm. It results in complex trauma. That’s why it’s necessary to provide its victims with the type of support that takes into account all aspects of their lives.

TOWARDS OTHER HORIZONS...

The work of this activist is not limited to the Bordeaux region. Marie-Claire has also carried out similar activities in her country of origin. In fact, she’s just opened the first multidisciplinary care unit in the Ivory Coast that specialises in providing comprehensive support to women and girls who have been victims of female circumcision and/or forced marriage.

Marie-Claire’s actions have been recognised throughout the world. She was awarded the Initiative Prize of Bordeaux in 2017 and, in 2018, she won Global Woman P.E.A.C.E Foundation’s Global Woman Award in the “survivor activist category. This leader in the fight against female genital mutilation has liberated her voice through her testimony and her courage.

Marie-Claire plans to expand her activities in both the New Aquitaine region and the Ivory Coast. She wants to put an end to this violence, which is still inflicted on too many little girls: six girls around the world are cut every minute.

 EN SAVOIR PLUS      MARIE-CLAIRE KAKPOTIA MORALDO - LINKEDIN

INTERVIEW - MARIE-CLAIRE KAKPOTIA MORALDO

How has your education and different work experiences contributed to your growth and the creation of your projects?

My education and professional experiences taught me discipline and the knowledge necessary to manage a company and a team. They also gave me the ability to develop a long-term vision and strategy to manage my association like an efficient and innovative start-up – one that can adapt to any contingency, such as a health crisis, and anticipate what comes next. I credit the creation of my projects and my own growth to my history, to the women in my family and especially to my grandfather, who encouraged me at a very young age to strive for my freedom. 

How did you found your association, and why did you choose the name "Les Orchidées Rouges"?

I was able found this association by listening to my heart and my intuition. After my own reconstructive surgery, I told myself that I couldn't just sit back and do nothing, and started the process of setting up this association two months later. It wasn't easy to establish and develop it, and I still face many challenges. But I see those challenges as steps that give flavour to all my successes.

I chose the name Les Orchidées Rouges because my reconstruction was a rebirth for me - like a flower that is cut and grows back more beautiful. I like red orchids for what they symbolise, which is the ardent desire to make love. And because female circumcision is often performed to control women's sexuality, I chose this name to declare that women also have the right to pleasure and that they have the right to control their bodies and their lives as they see fit. 

What was your reaction to receiving the Initiative Award in Bordeaux and the Global Woman Award?

I was very emotional when I received those two awards. For me, they were the manifestation of the strong local and international support there is for this cause as well as a victory for all people who are victims of oppression in the world. I received those awards during the association’s early years, so even though I was already very motivated and committed from the very beginning, they gave me a huge boost.

What do you think the future holds for Les Orchidées Rouges, and what are your plans for it in the years to come?

I see Les Orchidées Rouges as continuing to increase its impact on women's freedom around the world by developing a global network of resilient women. These women will in turn become role models and ambassadors for women's and girls' rights in their own communities, who will then go on to inspire other women to believe in themselves and achieve their dreams. In short, they will become women who contribute to making positive changes in the world and creating a just and equal human society. 

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