Women from the North West Region once again made a strong impression during the march past marking the celebration of International Women’s Day in Yaoundé, drawing cheers from the First Lady, Mrs Chantal Biya, and other dignitaries seated at the grandstand.
Like a gentle river, the women from the region of Political Bureau member Senator Regina Mundi streamed past the re- viewing stand where senior gov- ernment officials and diplomats looked on. It is not the first time the women of the North West have turned out in large num- bers for the national celebra- tion. Yet each year, observers say, the mobilisation appears even more impressive.
The women were easily identifi- able by their distinctive toghu hats, hand-woven with colour- ful wool, and by their spirited singing of their signature hymn: “North West women, are we to- gether? We are one, eeh eeh, we are together.”
The participants came from the seven divisions of the North West Region — Boyo, Bui, Donga-Mantung, Ngoketunjia, Mezam, Momo and Menchum. Many of them now live in Yaoundé for different reasons. Some came to join their hus- bands, others in search of em- ployment or business opportunities. A large number are engaged in petty trading and vocational activities, mostly within the informal sector. Among the crowd were also women who had fled the An- glophone crisis, which is now entering its ninth year. Observers noted that the massive. turnout was a demonstration of their attachment to a united Cameroon, far removed from separatist narratives. For many, their presence in Yaoundé also reflects the sense of acceptance they have found in the predom- inantly francophone part of the country, reinforcing the idea of national integration in a nation defined by diversity.
The mobilisation did not hap- pen overnight. Elites of the North West Region played a key role in organising the women for the event. Leading the effort was Minister Mbah Acha Rose, Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of the Supreme State Audit, with support from Asheri Kilo, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Basic Educa- tion; Judith Yah Sunday Achidi, General Manager of CAMTEL; Professor Uphie Chinje, former Rector of the University of Ngaoundéré; and Mrs Linda Yang, spouse of former Prime Minister Philemon Yang, among several other prominent women.
Each of the seven divisions had a coordinator responsible for mobilising participants, drawing largely from the numerous women’s groups and associa- tions that serve as platforms for community organisation. Behind the scenes, men from the North West Region also played a supportive role, con- tributing funds for the purchase of the official International Women’s Day fabric, covering tailoring costs, and organising a reception in honour of the women after the celebrations. Meanwhile, observers noted that this year’s participation for women in the North West Re- gion appeared larger than in previous editions.
Jude VIBAN
