International Women’s Day serves as both a celebration of women’s achievements and a testament to ongoing strides towards equality. Despite ongoing debates surrounding women’s rights, gender equality, and feminism, the importance of this day endures.

Women’s movements and the leadership of women have spearheaded significant progress in advancing women’s rights, resulting in transformative change.

Around the world, March 8 is designated by United Nations Women’s agency as International Women’s Day.

Women around the world mark this day in various ways.

In South Korea, I recall women exchanging verbal greetings among colleagues. While my Italian friends mentioned the tradition of gifting flowers to female friends, colleagues, and mothers. A Ukrainian friend told me, their husbands or boyfriends take them out for special lunches and give the flowers.

Interestingly, in Cameroon, the celebration takes on a vibrant carnival-like atmosphere with elaborate day-long festivities.

Since its inception, Cameroonian women have embraced the annual celebration with distinctive enthusiasm.

Each year’s theme holds significance, like this year’s focus on promoting women in technology.

The 38th edition of International Women’s Day in 2023 centers on “An Inclusive Digital World: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.”

How is the International Women’s Day commemorated?

In every Cameroonian regional city, town, or village, you’ll find a prominent stadium-like structure by the main road.

This place serves as a hub for parades celebrating independence, labor, youth days, and other significant national occasions. Every 8th of March, women gather here, ready to join the parade.

The event commences with a brief ceremony, gathering esteemed dignitaries, both male and female, at the grand stand. During this segment, various government officials deliver speeches. Notably, in 2024, the female Deputy Mayor of the Buea Council graced the occasion. This was marking a significant shift from past norms when all mayors were men.

An unexpected highlight was the inclusion of female pastors from select churches invited to offer prayers for peace in Cameroon. Thier prayers included peace for the success of the event in Buea. While this may not be customary in other regions, it was a welcome acknowledgment of spirituality.

The Regional Delegate of Women’s Empowerment, representing the Ministry of Women Employment and Family, delivered an extensive speech summarizing the ministry’s initiatives, particularly emphasizing their impact through sports and other activities for women.

Concluding the speech section, the regional Governor of the Southwest encouraged and motivated women to assume supportive leadership roles within their households.

To showcase the rich diversity of Cameroonian culture, various tribal groups, upon government invitation, participate by presenting traditional dances and songs.

This offers a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant performances of different tribal groups from the region.

Who receives awards?

Following the speeches, awards were presented to individuals, regardless of gender, who have made outstanding contributions to women’s causes in the city.

Notably, in 2024, one recipient was honored for her distinguished career achievements and activism for women, while another, the head of an NGO named Reach Out, was recognized for her commendable projects promoting gender equality.

A notable surprise came from Brasseries du Cameroon, who generously awarded one million to a woman recognized for her diligent efforts in transforming vegetables into powder, including plantain and cocoyam flour, as well as crafting local snacks like chingching.

For many, receiving recognition from the government is a point of pride, celebrating their impactful work.

In Buea, the capital of the Southwest region, a renowned male dreadlocks stylist was recognized in 2023 for his contributions to enhancing female beauty.

He stands among a few men who specialize in hairstyling for women. Additionally, the first female taxi driver was acknowledged for breaking gender stereotypes by pursuing a profession traditionally associated with men.

How is the parade done?

From all corners of the country, a multitude of women of diverse backgrounds unite to take part in this lively event.

The parade features multiple groups, each symbolizing a distinct sector.

These sectors encompass sovereignty, defense, and security; general and financial administration; education, training, employment, and research; communication, culture, youth, sports, and leisure; health, social affairs,churches and social security; infrastructure; production and trade; civil society; religious and family associations; as well as women’s network associations across the city.

In a well-coordinated march held at the heart of the national or regional city centers, women engage in joyful conversations with friends and forge new connections, all while wearing smiles and clapping.

The parade, which typically lasts around two and a half hours or less, is graced by the presence of esteemed government officials, depending on the city. For instance, in Yaoundé, the First Lady, Chantal Biya, wife of the President of the Republic, is a regular attendee.

In other regions, governors, delegates, and respected figures from the area represent the government to express solidarity with women. They are expected to clap as each group passes.

The pinnacle of the day arrives with the grand procession of various women’s groups.

Sometimes, they chant the renowned “We are one… We are together” song, invoking the timeless spirit of unity and support among Cameroonian women.

This gesture garners a resounding applause and standing ovation from all attendees at the presidential or regional podiums. This is accompanied by warm smiles and clapping.

Shopping at the exhibition corner

Adjacent to the celebration street, an exhibition corner showcased various homemade items crafted by women or women’s groups.

The array of offerings was vast, ranging from food items to artisanal crafts. In particular, this year, I purchased plantain flour with the intention of making pancakes.

How does the day end?

After the parade, a unique luncheon is organized by Mrs. Chantal Biya at the Hilton Hotel, drawing distinguished dignitaries.

Concurrently, women throughout the country engage in their own festive activities.

Restaurants, hotel dining spots, and bars are booked as women unite to revel in the evening.

Joyful laughter, animated discussions, delightful cuisine, refreshing beverages, and enthusiastic dancing to lively music persist far into the night.

International Women’s Day costume.

Fashion holds a special place in the hearts of Cameroonian women, as they enthusiastically embrace wardrobe makeovers and creative home fabric designs.

Every year, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs office produces exclusive fabrics, displaying an exquisite palette of lively hues.

These fabrics proudly showcase a prominent inscription of the year’s theme, corresponding date, adding an individualistic flair to their artistic patterns.

Throughout the month of February, anticipation builds as women enthusiastically acquire these fabrics adorned with the national flag’s vibrant green, red, and yellow colors.

Teaming up with skilled tailors, they collaborate to bring their envisioned styles and designs to life.

As a result, the city center transforms into a mesmerizing tapestry of diverse women proudly presenting an array of stylish creations, forming a captivating mosaic of intricate designs and patterns.

Does every lady wear the women’s day uniform?

While numerous women diligently sew the national fabric in preparation for this day, there are some who choose not to participate.

Personally, like many others, I’ve only worn the fabric a few times, mainly because my workplace provided it for free, with the expectation that we wear it during the parade. In such cases, we only needed to sew it and be present, reducing the financial burden.

However, there are women who opt to wear their group or company uniforms instead. Some wear t-shirts with inscription of their companies. For this event, I decided to wear one of my own fabrics and simply observed the proceedings as a spectator.

Overall, the event was a testament to the progress and contributions of women in various spheres of society, as well as a celebration of their resilience and achievements.

Explore a variety of travel articles to discover more about exciting activities in Cameroon and other countries. Click here to embark on a journey of exploration and adventure.