Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info (Editor)
Published on 2024-03-09 22:16:21
Cameroon’s First Lady, Chantal Biya, has strongly denounced the ongoing violence, intimidation, and discrimination that women in the country continue to face. In a statement delivered on International Women’s Day, she expressed deep concerns about these issues that impact women in various aspects of their lives.
At a time when women in Cameroon are increasingly becoming victims of gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, the First Lady highlighted the urgent need to address these challenges. Discrimination, particularly in the workplace, and intimidation are also prevalent, especially among women caught up in the armed conflicts in the Far North and two English-speaking regions of the country.
Chantal Biya labeled these atrocities against women as “unacceptable” and emphasized the importance of recognizing the progress made by women in asserting their rights. The theme of this year’s celebration, “Investing in women: Accelerating Progress,” prompted her to reflect on the achievements of women while acknowledging the existing disparities between men and women that still require attention.
She praised the dedication and commitment of women from all walks of life who are working tirelessly to advance the cause of women’s rights. However, she also acknowledged the challenges faced by women, including discrimination in various fields, underrepresentation in the sciences, and limited access to resources and funding.
Chantal Biya called on women to be more courageous, united, and bold in their pursuit of equality. She urged them to seize every opportunity to improve their circumstances and emphasized the significance of Women’s Day as a reminder of the essence of the struggle for women’s rights.
The First Lady highlighted the urgent need for women to be included in decision-making roles and encouraged them to work together to make the situation of women a priority on the political agenda. She called for collaboration to create a better world for women, with benefits extending to society as a whole.
As someone with closeness to President Paul Biya, Chantal Biya holds a unique position to address the challenges faced by women in Cameroon. The absence of women in key leadership positions for over 60 years of independence raises important questions about gender representation and inclusion in the country.
In conclusion, Chantal Biya’s call to action on International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by women in Cameroon and the importance of collective efforts to achieve gender equality and promote the rights and empowerment of women.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
