By Doh James Sonkey
Cameroon’s First Lady who doubles as Founding President of the Pan African None Governmental Organisation, African Synergy against AIDS and Suffering, Chantal Biya, has issued a special message to her counterpart nationwide on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the International Women’s Day in Cameroon.
Chantal Biya says “March 8 is now inscribed in our collective consciousness as the symbol of successive battles won or lost by courageous women for greater social justice and equality between men and women.”
She declared that, “the battles waged by our predecessors are our battles today”, explaining that the fight against HIV/AIDS which she and African First Ladies are involved in is the basis of her social and humanitarian commitment. We owe it to future generations”. She holds.
“Women are not asking for any favours but are simply demanding the right to enjoy all the opportunities that life has to offer, just as much as men. They are fighting to take their full place in the society”, explained Chantal Biya.
She further detailed that, “this inevitably means equal access to education, health care and positions of prime responsibility. Efforts are also needed to combat discrimination in recruitment, to promote equal pay for equal skills and to guaranty fair access to finance for enterprising women. Together we must continue to combat violence against women with the utmost firmness.”
The First Lady paid tribute to her husband, the President of the Republic, H.E Paul Biya to the progress made in Cameroon under his leadership.
Chantal Biya was accompanied by the Minister of Women Empowerment and the Family, Prof Marie Therese Abena Ondoa and several others at the May 20th Boulevard in Yaounde to see how other women showcased their prowess to the world, last March 8, 2025.