Empowerment Beyond Fabric: Transforming International Women’s Day in Cameroon

Every year on March 8th, the world celebrates International Women's Day (IWD). This day was initially established as a day 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?

History and Significance of IWD

International Women's Day (IWD) has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. It emerged from the growing women's rights movements of the time, particularly in Europe and North America. In 1908, over 15,000 women from various countries participated in a march in New York City, demanding better working conditions and voting rights. Similar protests and demonstrations took place around the world, paving the way for the establishment of IWD in 1911.

Initially, IWD focused on advocating for women's suffrage and labor rights. However, over the years, its themes have evolved to encompass a wider range of issues related to gender equality. This includes access to education and healthcare, political participation, economic empowerment, and ending violence against women. Today, IWD serves as a global day to celebrate women's achievements and call for action to accelerate gender equality.

The Case of Cameroon – Beyond Festivities

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 play a role in raising 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 towards achieving gender equality. This concern is echoed by some Cameroonian women who feel that the focus often shifts towards superficial celebration, neglecting the core issues they face.

This can manifest in several ways. Firstly, 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, the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and the Family (MINPROF), while organizing official events and programs, might face limitations in implementing and monitoring long-term policies that truly empower women in various aspects of life.

A stark example of how tokenism can overshadow the true essence of IWD is an earlier decision by MINPROF. Underfunded in 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 towards 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 the true struggles women face 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. No holistic action plan has been 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 towards gender equality. By shifting the focus from tokenism to meaningful engagement, we can truly empower women and contribute to a more just and equitable future.

Here's how individuals and organizations can participate in this positive change:

Individuals:

• Educate yourself: Take the initiative to learn about the existing gender inequalities and women's rights issues in Cameroon. Utilize resources from reputable organizations like UN Women or local women's rights groups to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women.
• Advocate for change: Don't be a passive bystander. Engage in open and respectful discussions about gender equality with friends, family, and colleagues. Support women-led initiatives in your community, whether it's volunteering your time, skills, or resources. Hold yourself and others accountable for upholding principles of gender equality in every aspect of life.

Organizations:

• Integrate long-term goals: Gender equality should not be a singular focus on IWD alone. Integrate concrete goals for achieving gender equality throughout your organization's mission and long-term strategic plans. This includes implementing policies that promote equal pay and opportunities for women, fostering an inclusive work environment, and actively seeking diverse perspectives in decision-making processes.
• Invest in action: Support and invest in initiatives that empower women and truly contribute to lasting progress. This could involve partnering with local women's organizations, providing scholarships and training programs for women, or supporting businesses owned and operated by women.

Asking the right questions is crucial. As you commemorate IWD, consider these thought-provoking questions and how they apply to your own sphere of influence:

1. Are women adequately represented in leadership positions across various sectors?
2. Do women have equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities?
3. Are women safe from violence and discrimination in their communities?
4. Are policies and practices actively working to dismantle harmful gender stereotypes?

By actively engaging with these questions and taking concrete steps towards positive change, we can ensure that IWD truly lives up to its original purpose: a day to celebrate women's achievements and push for a future where equality is not just a dream, but a lived reality.

Conclusion

International Women's Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality. While celebrations play a role in raising awareness, it's crucial to avoid tokenism and ensure that IWD truly serves its purpose of pushing for lasting change.

We've seen how the focus can shift towards superficial activities, neglecting the core issues women face. By asking the right questions, educating ourselves, and taking concrete actions, both individuals and organizations can play a vital role in driving meaningful progress.

Remember, this fight for equality concerns everyone. Whether you're a man, woman, or someone identifying elsewhere, 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.

Do you think superficial celebrations overshadow the true meaning of International Women's Day? How can we ensure IWD leads to meaningful change?

Share your thoughts in the comments.