More women in the CPDM are gaining stamina in matters of decision making in the region, yet a scary terrain.
Political savviness among women in the North West Region has witnessed significant growth over last eight years despite the tense sociopolitical atmosphere in the region. Their growing influence and far-reaching contributions to the development of communities in the Region at a time when belligerents clamp on progressive voices – kidnapping and even murdering politicians is a glaring show of their steadfastness and bravery for general good. From education, healthcare and agriculture, the CPDM women in the region have stolen the hearts of communities, investing in these sectors to keep their grip in the political arena.
Many women in politics in the North West groomed by the women’s wing of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement party, the WCPDM have in the last half decade risen tall in the corridors of power. They hold a significant representation at the Cameroon Senate, clinching four of the ten seats in the Region, namely Senators Regina Mundi, Emma Lafon, Fointama Hilda and Prof Nebah Ndosiri Bridget. They also hold giant representation of councilors across municipal councils in the region, willing a strong influence on grassroots development.
Their stories, like most success stories have come through grimed experiences to stand tall, with promises to steer the development ship of the Region. In 2022, Sen. Regina Mundi who is current Acting Head of the North West Permanent Delegation of the CPDM was held in captivity for 30 days by armed separatist fighters. Her experience was likely to cause her fear militating with her party where she serves in high ranks, but no, it has rather increased the fire in her. She leverages on her political prowess to provide support to thousands of women through maternal healthcare. Her contribution has greatly downsized mortality rate of women and children at point of delivery.
Another woman, Lum Miriam who has been a militant of the CPDM since 1989, and currently the WCPDM Section President for Mezam IV shared with l’Action that she has had multiple threat calls including threat of life. Her most dreadful experience she said was when they came to kill her but missed her house and rather went to the neighbour’s compound. “They rained severe gunshots around my house and I slept on the floor like a dead person, God so kind, the security forces intervened and they ran.” The threats on her life notwithstanding, Miriam has multiplied her consistency at serving her people in Bafut through education and agriculture by offering scholarships to kids, donation of school materials and donation of farm inputs to the women of her community. The reward of her service she says is endless. “The satisfaction I get from serving my people cannot be bought with money. By supporting these women today, when I need their support tomorrow, they will obviously support me in return, and this is how we win elections,” she said.
Jennyhans Nde
