By DANIELA ITOE NGUM
Despite the ongoing crisis in the two English Speaking Regions of the country, some 48 couples have in a single ceremony legalized their marriages in Kumba.
The ceremony that took place on Friday, May 31 at the Kumba I council chambers chaired by the 1st Assistant Senior Divisional Officer, ASDO for Meme Division, Joseph Nguime, was organized by the Meme Divisional Delegation of Women Empowerment and the Family in collaboration with the Kumba I Council, as an activity to mark the 25th edition of the International Day of the Family.
The event that was celebrated under the theme ‘Cameroonian families faced with the socio-political crisis, challenges and perspectives’, gives an opportunity for families to brainstorm on their welfare and how to survive during this crisis period.
The International Day of the family according to the Delegate, is an opportunity for the government and their civil society organizations to advocate appropriate measures for families especially direct family support, supply of basic social services, parental leave, flexible working conditions that allow for part time work, equitable distribution of responsibilities within the family and granting of old age pension.
Addressing the couples, the Meme Divisional Delegate of Women Empowerment and the Family, Tabetah Ayukanda Enow said family occupies a central and a unique position within the society because of its diverse roles and functions.
She added that it is the ideal place for the education of the children and their integration in society. The Delegate reminded the population that the family represents the society, and as such, if the family is united and living in peace, the same will be reflected in the society.
She congratulated the couples for taking a bold step to legalize their marriages and put an end to ‘come we stay’. According to her, their new status provides a legal backing to their union and provides security to the spouse and their children. She called on them to remain steadfast in prayers and to put God at the centre of their marriage in order for it to succeed.
The Mayor of the Kumba I Council, Abel Ebako Ndoh lauded the decision taken by the couples to legalize their marriages. He told them that “today marks the beginning of their marriage life”.
He further encouraged family members, friends and invitees present who are not legally married to copy the examples of those doing so.
Couples on their part, thanked the Delegation for the opportunity provided to give a legal backing to their marriages.
“I am so happy today because finally I have a ring on my finger as a married woman. Marriage is a good thing that many will like to be part of. It is also good because it gives you the opportunity to show to the world the man you love and cherish”, Mrs. Grace Mekanya said.