Beyond the Fabric: Redefining International Women’s Day in Cameroon

In the aftermath of last month's International Women's Day celebrations, Liz Lum questions whether the day is a missed opportunity for lasting change.

Remember, advocating for equality concerns everyone. Creating a truly equitable future benefits us all.

The world celebrates International Women's Day (IWD) each year on March 8th. This day was initially established to fight for women's rights and equality in all aspects of life. However, there's a growing concern that in many countries, including Cameroon, IWD has become less about pushing for change and more about empty gestures, often referred to as tokenism. We often see parades, speeches, and official events, but the real issues women face, like limited access to education or equal pay, often receive less attention. 

This begs the question: is IWD in Cameroon just a celebration, or is it a missed opportunity to create lasting change?

Balancing Celebration and Sustained Action

Come March 8th, Cameroon becomes a vibrant tapestry of celebration. The streets of major cities like Yaoundé and Douala see colorful parades featuring women's groups, cultural performances highlighting the diverse contributions of women to society, and official speeches delivered by prominent figures, including government officials and representatives from women's organizations. These festivities undoubtedly raise awareness about the importance of gender equality.

However, a closer look reveals a potential pitfall. While the celebratory atmosphere is undeniably positive, it's crucial to acknowledge the risk of IWD becoming reduced to a singular annual event, overshadowing the need for sustained efforts to achieve gender equality. Some Cameroonian women echo this concern, feeling that the focus often shifts toward superficial celebration and neglects the core issues they face.

This can manifest in several ways. First, the emphasis might be on isolated events like parades or speeches, without a clear plan for year-round action and follow-up on addressing existing gender inequalities. For instance, while organizing official events and programs, the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and the Family (MINPROF) might face limitations in implementing and monitoring long-term policies that truly empower women in various aspects of life.

An earlier decision by MINPROF is a stark example of how tokenism can overshadow the true essence of IWD. Underfunded by the national budget allocation, the ministry attempted to raise funds by printing and selling Women's Day fabrics. This single act of improvisation, intended to generate revenue, inadvertently became the center of IWD activities in Cameroon.

The focus now shifts toward women buying these fabrics, which increase in price annually, just to participate in parades and events. Many women, perhaps unaware of the historical context and deeper meaning of IWD, feel pressured to purchase the fabric, regardless of its cost. This superficial participation often overshadows women's true struggles in their daily lives. These struggles may include domestic violence, limited access to education or healthcare, and economic hardship.

A particularly glaring example is the plight of women and girls in the English-speaking regions. A violent and armed conflict has been raging there for the past seven years, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Many of these internally displaced persons (IDPs) are women and girls. Fleeing from the violence, they face immense economic hardship. Girls are often forced to drop out of school, increasing their vulnerability.

However, year after year since the conflict began in 2016, IWD has been celebrated with parades and speeches, seemingly oblivious to this harsh reality. A holistic action plan has yet to be implemented to address the specific needs and challenges faced by English-speaking Cameroonian women displaced by the conflict. This is a stark reminder that IWD needs to move beyond token gestures and focus on creating lasting change for all women in Cameroon.

By recognizing these potential pitfalls and focusing on year-round efforts to address them, we can strive for a more meaningful engagement with IWD in Cameroon. This includes advocating for adequate funding for the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and the Family to implement impactful policies and programs that support women's empowerment throughout the year, not just on a single day.

Moving Forward: Engaging IWD with Purpose

Instead of viewing IWD as a single day of celebration, we can approach it as a springboard for sustained action toward gender equality. By shifting the focus from tokenism to meaningful engagement, we can empower women and contribute to a more just and equitable future.

Remember, advocating for equality concerns everyone. Creating a truly equitable future benefits us all. When women thrive, societies as a whole thrive. Let's work together, big or small, to create a world where equality is not just a dream, but a lived reality for all.

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