Leaving behind the White House battles over border walls and tax returns, Ivanka Trump is visiting Ethiopia and Ivory Coast in pursuit of a very different goal advancing a global women's program she hopes will outlast an administration better known for "America First" isolationism.
The president's daughter and senior adviser arrived in Africa on Sunday on a commercial flight, opening a four-day swing to advocate for an initiative that aims to boost 50 million women in developing countries by 2025.
Her plans include visiting with women working in the coffee industry and touring a female-run textile facility, as well as meeting with dignitaries and appearing at a World Bank policy summit.
But even thousands of miles from Washington, Trump is sure to be shadowed by her father's efforts to cut international aid, as well as his past disparaging comments about the continent. While she has drawn praise for taking on this project and for making this trip the contrast between her priorities and those of many others in the White House was evident.
On the continent, reactions to the visit reflected the contradictions of her role. Activist Marakie Tesfaye, who founded a group in Ethiopia for women, welcomed the attention, saying: "I think she's coming genuinely to empower women and it's good that she's coming because she will push forward our agenda."
Ethiopian journalist Sisay Woubshet was more skeptical, citing President Donald Trump's past comments and adding: "I don't think people will have a good feeling about his daughter's visit this time around to promote her global initiative towards women."
But he said the abortion-related ban could have a negative economic impact, saying that "I think one of the most powerful tools for women's economic empowerment is the ability to choose when and how many children they have."
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