For as long as the CPDM has existed, women have undertaken the special role of upping the numbers of militants at rallies and other Party events, and ensuring that the ambiance is lively enough till crowds disperse.
Women make up a huge chunk of the total militant population of the CPDM. This wing of the party has grown consistently over the years, making headlines as the dynamic and lively arm amongst men. Marking their presence by their numbers, women have also distinguished themselves as the voice of rally. In most if not all political gatherings, the women, usually clad in the blue party fabric stand out by their active participation in the unfolding of the day’s agenda. They are involved in spreading the word to have massive attendance and also much concerned in spicing the atmosphere in song and dance.
The story is told of how dignitaries present at the laying of the foundation stone of the second bridge over river Wouri turned in amazement to stare at the late Francoise Foning, then Section President of Wouri V in Douala. The voluptuous, diehard militant is said to have intoned a song in praise of Paul Biya, National President of the CPDM when the population was keen on the speech that was being read. Her comrades had joined in the singing, followed by rounds of applause and laughter that filled the air which was not all together crisp, but had been made lighter after the musical interlude. It is this lighthearted and ready to cheer characteristic that women of the CPDM have used very much to the delight of the Party, in attracting more numbers within the fold as well as diluting the sometimes tensed atmosphere at party meetings.
When the attendance in rallies reaches record levels and the animation lively, praise no doubt goes to the women folk, who have over the years mastered the art of setting the stage through their networking and organizational skills. The party has not only hinged its bet on these entertaining aspects but equally relies on women to contribute solid ideas to its growth, which seeks the betterment of Cameroonians no matter their political leanings. Like their male counterparts, women have grown to command respect within the party, going by their mobilization strength and for which no doubt has earned them ample admiration from the National president, who is relentless in giving both the men and women equal chances at the Party’s decision making tables.
Claudette CHIN
