After 56 years of independence, with almost 50% of the population being women, the condition of women’s rights in Cameroon is still dire. Followed by rebel groups, COVID-19 and inflation due to the Ukrainian War, Cameroon is facing gender-based violence. In Cameroon, 979,000 people need gender-based violence services, with 94% of them being women and girls.

Politics

In 1949, under British and French rule, women in Cameroon submitted a petition to the U.N. They demanded the elimination of racial discrimination, increased economic opportunities and better economic services for women and children. The New Constitution 2012 and the 2015 National Gender Policy got more women elected to cities, legislatures and senators. In 2020, women in Cameroon occupy 33% of parliamentary seats, compared to only 11% at the beginning of 2000. Nonetheless, the total time in parliament is still dominated by men, at 95%.

Education

About 70% of Cameroonian girls are illiterate. Cameroon’s Ministry of Women’s and Children’s Empowerment notes that only 80% of girls attend school. It is also reported that 40% of Cameroonian girls drop out in their fourth and fifth years of primary school.

According to cultural norms and expectations of women in Cameroon, they assume that they do not need education like boys. The main barriers for women to education are poverty, early marriage and early pregnancy

Improving Women’s Rights in Cameroon

Some organizations advocating for the rights of women and girls in Cameroon include:

1. Women for a Change Cameroon (WFAC)

Founded in 2009, WFAC is a feminist advocacy organization working with and for women’s sexual and reproductive health rights, leadership and development. Through the African Women’s Development and Communications Network (FMNET), WFAC educates women and girls on gender equality and sexual reproductive health. By strengthening women’s voices, WFAC is committed to the advancement of women, gender health and complete service to society.

2. Women in Alternative Action Cameroon (WAA)

WAA Cameroon was founded in 2004 with a vision to promote communities free from gender-based violence, stigmatization, discrimination and exclusion of women, youth and girls in Cameroon and the Central African sub-region. The nonprofit supports young people by allowing them to speak out, discuss and promote peace in their environment.

3. Mother of Hope Cameroon

Mother of Hope Cameroon (MOHCAM) is a nonprofit youth and women’s organization in the North West Region of Cameroon. MOHCAM promotes and fosters the rights and development of youths and women. The organization advocates and fights against all forms of abuse faced by youths and women in homes, schools and communities.

– Afra Amirah
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