By Noela EBOB BISONG
The 2026 International Women’s Day was celebrated in Cameroon on the theme, Rights, Justice and Action for all women and girls. The event saw beautiful march parades by women across towns, with the central event taking place in the capital city, Yaounde, under the auspices of Cameroon’s First Lady, Chantal Biya.
The memorable moments, designed by colourful outfits worn by women, in breathtaking styles, coupled with heavy feastings and celebrations within various women’s groups after the march pass sessions, told of a Cameroonian women who appears strong, valuable and courageous. The glamour was real. But beyond the colour, glamour and flavour, there remains stark realities on the emancipation of women in Cameroon, and the actual significance of the celebration of women’s day, even to women themselves.
Some real issues at stake
Irrespective of the number of women in the population of Cameroon, estimated at about 56%, the representation of women in government and other positions of authority still remains very low. For instance, of the 10 regional governors, none has ever been a woman.
Aside power and authority, some women continue to “drown” in their daily lives, faced with situations their strength cannot carry. The recent poisoning to death of her three children and killing of herself by a young woman in Yaoundé, sent shockwaves across the nation, depicting the ordeal faced by some women. Also, another recent killing of a wife by her husband in Douala enraged obsevers to agree that such was a femicide too many in the country.
Speaking on March 8 in Buea, the Southwest Regional Delegate for the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Lucia Ediage Sona said, “Marriage does not validate you as a woman. If it is not working, walk away. So many women are married but they are separated from their husbands. Don’t stay in an abusive marriage”, she warned.
In her message to women ahead of March 8 celebrations, the head of LTM Television, Dinaly, called on women to boycott the event. She wrote that, “Dear women, dear sisters, the time is no longer for celebrations but for indignation. Let us take a necessary pause to cry out our revolt against the violence and femicides that strike us down in the shadows. How can we celebrate when our safety is being violated? Our lives are taken with such brutality—yet we are the ones who give life, who feed and protect our families at the cost of so many sacrifices. Let us refuse to be reduced to mere statistics. Let us stop celebrating as long as our blood continues to flow. Today, we do not march to please, but to denounce and demand justice and respect. Let us transform this day into a day of struggle. Strength and resilience to all of us. LET US STAND FIRM.”
However in a contrary view, while celebrating women in his region, Littoral Governor, Samuel Ivaha Diboua made a startling statement that, “We celebrate women’s rights today, but it’s also time to remind us all that men also suffer from domestic violence. As I speak, a police officer was killed this morning by his wife… “.
Some observers have celebrated Cameroon’s president, Paul Biya for his statement during his oath-taking ceremony last November 6, to give priority to women and youth. A statement from the Presidency reads that, “March 8 is no longer limited to a fabric pattern. For President Paul Biya, true empowerment begins with the land. By facilitating women’s access to land ownership and titles, the Head of State transforms the farmer into a landowner. This is the foundation of second-generation agriculture where women own their means of production.”