Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info (Editor)
Published on 2024-03-08 20:51:05
One of the highlights of Women’s Day celebrations in Buea, the headquarters of the South West Region, was the sight of the Regional Hospital Director leading his female staff in a march past at Bongo Square.
Dr. Martin Mokake, a respected and award-winning surgeon, was dressed in a blue senator outfit made from the Regional Hospital’s fabric. He wore the 2024 Women’s Day fabric around his neck as a sign of solidarity with his female colleagues.
The 38-year-old doctor could not contain his joy as he celebrated women and received a rousing cheer from spectators at the grandstand. He was one of the few men who participated in the Women’s Day parade in Buea, which was predominantly made up of over 5,000 women from various sectors.
This year’s International Women’s Day had the theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” While the slogan focused on the economic empowerment of women, the importance of men and women working together was emphasized.
During his speech at the event, Governor of the South West, Bernard Okalia Bilai, stressed the need for mutual collaboration between men and women based on trust and tolerance for both to progress.
At the Buea Regional Hospital, male and female staff members appeared to be working together in great unity. Female nurses, some dressed in medical attire, participated in the march past led by the hospital director.
Women from various government ministries in Buea also took part in the parade. Ministerial delegations led by female regional delegates, such as the Ministry of Secondary Education, Social Affairs, Basic Education, and Women’s Empowerment, put on impressive displays.
Female uniformed officers, including police officers, military personnel, and women from the justice department, drew loud cheers from the crowd as they marched past the grandstand.
Unlike in some other parts of the country, the Women’s Day parade in Buea did not feature any placards raising women’s issues or making political demands from the government. The only placards seen were from the non-governmental organization Reach Out, with messages promoting peace and non-violence.
Women from different Christian denominations also carried placards with messages centered on God. Some women held peace plants and waved them as they marched past, symbolizing their desire for peace in a region plagued by a seven-year armed conflict.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
