Together with their male counterparts, the womenfolk of the National Blood Transfusion Service, NBTS have discussed the role of women in the education of society, at a round table conference presided at by Professor Dora Mbanya, General Manager.
In prelude to the celebration of the 40th edition of the International Women’s Day on 8 March, the conference is one of several activities earmarked for this year’s edition. In a succinct presentation, Mrs Wongolo Vanessa, Chief of Service in Charge of Promoting Women’s civil rights in the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, highlighted the fact that by nature, women are teachers and play an important role in the cognitive, emotional and social development of children. Consequently, they have a determinant touch in the way these children later turnout in life. Ensuing discussions saw both men and women bringing forth various ills plaguing today’s society due to a rupture in the assumption of responsibilities at the level of the family which is the nucleus of every society. The two-hour long discussions ended on a satisfactory note with the participants agreeing on the complementary role of women and men in the upbringing of children for a better society.
A plethora of activities have been planned by women of the NBTS which according to the Dr. Aba’a Marthe epse Assiga, Coordinator of the Organising Committee, should help to make the celebration worthwhile. “Today’s conference sets the ball running for all what we have planned this year. Our calendar of activities includes sensitization campaigns on the importance of donating blood, and this will take place as from the 26th of February. We intend to use our visit to the Brasseries du Cameroon and fitness walk organised by Minproff to spread the word and encourage Cameroonians especially women to join the life-saving course of donating blood to those in need.” In previous occasions, the NBTS has organised blood drives and this year the objective to surpass the number of blood pints collected during such drives. “We will be organising a blood drive at the esplanade of the Ministry of Public Health from 4 to 6 March 2025 and our plea is for Cameroonians aged from 18 who are in good health to come and donate blood”.
This year’s edition of the international women’s day is celebrated under the theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This year’s theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a future where no one is left behind.
Claudette Chin
