Ahead of the 40th Edition of the International Women’s Day Celebration roundtable conference, organised by the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT), took place on March 6, 2025, at the ministry’s conference hall. The theme for this year’s celebration was “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment.” The roundtable discussion centred around the role of traditional rulers in combating violence against women and protecting customary land rights.
The event was graced by the presence of distinguished participants, including Her Majesty Niaorolo Ndombréji, the Second-Degree Chief of Soa, Mefou-et-Afamba Division, Centre Region, and His Majesty Hathé Tchouris Jean-Michel, the Second-Degree Traditional Chief of Angossas, Haut-Nyong Division, East Region. Her Majesty Togani Jeannette (Chief of Mokolo 3, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Territorial Administration, Yves Christian Edoa Effa) represented the Minister. The event was moderated by the Inspector General of Electoral Affairs at MINAT, Mme Gisèle Bekila.
The roundtable session aimed to engage key stakeholders, including women from MINAT and other participants, in a discussion on the protection of women’s rights and the importance of reinforcing public policies to curb violence against women. Panellists emphasised the need for concrete strategies to prevent and address violence against women. The discussion explored various dimensions of violence against women, including physical abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional and psychological trauma, economic restrictions, and harmful traditional practices such as early marriage and female genital mutilation.
Participants acknowledged the importance of raising awareness, promoting gender equality, and engaging communities in changing harmful practices that perpetuate violence against women. The strategies discussed included strengthening legal frameworks, providing support services for survivors, and involving men and boys as allies in promoting gender equality and preventing violence.
In addition, the role of traditional leaders in reinforcing these strategies was emphasised. Traditional rulers play a crucial role in shaping local culture and norms, which can have a direct impact on the protection of women’s rights and the prevention of violence. The role of chiefs in protecting customary land rights was also highlighted as an important aspect of women’s empowerment in Cameroon.
The session ended with a group photograph.