Mariam Dicoh Konan passed away on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024. While her name may be unfamiliar to many, her face is widely recognized by West Africans who have ever held a 25 CFA franc coin. Mariam Dicoh is the woman whose profile is depicted on this coin, and her inclusion is far from coincidental.
Being featured on a coin that circulates in the pockets and wallets of millions is a rare honor. Mariam Dicoh, renowned as one of the first chemists in Ivory Coast, is even more famous in West Africa as the woman whose profile adorns the 25 CFA franc coin. The image of a young woman handling a test tube in a laboratory has become a legendary symbol of African women’s emancipation.
“The first symbol is a tribute to African women, whether they contributed to the anti-colonial struggle, like Marie Koré, or invested themselves in science, like Mariam Dicoh. The second symbol is to encourage women to engage in scientific and technical fields. We need inspiring models, and I believe she was one,” explains historian Jean-Noël Loukou.
For her son, Jean-Luc Konan, she was a role model above all. “To summarize the magnitude of her character, regarding the anecdote about the 25 CFA franc coin, we were unaware. Some people, including lawyers, approached her saying, ‘Madam, didn’t they ask for your image rights? You could sue the Central Bank and claim damages.’ She simply replied, ‘It is an honor for me to represent the country and Africa on this coin; I would never do such a thing.’ This shows you the kind of person she was,” he recounts.
The 25 CFA franc coin, now rarely found in West Africa, only adds to its sentimental and historical value.
Mariam Dicoh’s legacy as a pioneering chemist and a symbol of empowerment continues to inspire, reflecting the profound impact she had on science and society.