Some women of the North West Region have joined their peers nationwide under the umbrella of National Women Convention for Peace to celebrate Pan African Women's Day 2025. The day which took place July 31, coincided with the fourth anniversary of the National Women Convention for Peace unfolded with a Peaceful walk from Mile I junction Bamenda to the governor's office where a declaration was made to authorities with the Governor represented by the Secretariat General of the region.
Christened Waka Waka for Peace,the walk saw the Women Match in song and dance.
Accompanied by the North West Regional Delegate of Women Empowerment and the family Wirba Assan, they carried placards with diverse messages on peace and the efforts of women in Peace building.
"We, women of Cameroon are longing for Peace" one of the placards reads with another carrying the inscription, "peace grows through respect and dignity"
According to the organizers of the event, the walk was part of effort put in by women since 2016 for Peace to return in the troubled North West and South West Regions of Cameroon.
"This is just one of many actions that women have taken since 2016.We are doing this because we believe women have done a lot of actions and it is a day for us to celebrate ourselves," said Wa Clotilda Coordinator of North West ,South West Women Task Force.
The exercise took place in all regional capitals of Cameroon
Munteh Florence, North West Regional Coordinator of National Women Convention for Peace revealed that the outing was " to celebrate the resilience of the Cameroonian Woman."
In 2021, over 1,800 women gathered in Yaounde to contribute their quota for a peaceful Cameroon.Today marks four years since the holding of the historic event.
"As women, we have taken up the responsibility to build peace in our nation and we are calling on all stake holders including the government including the government -our partner to join us" Munteh Florence added.
Stating that Bamenda needs the peace that existed before 2016, he said the current situation is 'precarious'
"Women suffer more when there is war.We have seen our children killed,families displaced,a lot of pain with impunity " she wept recalling, " It is fine to enjoy peace in our region as it has always been. We can not be silent on a day like this "
This year's Pan Women's Day carries the theme "reparation and justice for women." This she reiterated should be seen and not only heard.
"We are reminding stakeholders that we are not where we are supposed to be with peace.We are still looking forward for more action ," Said Sally Mboumien, member of National Women Convention for Peace.
The woman also made demands for inclusion in politics, security and climate change that affect their lives.
On behalf of the North West Governor, the Secretary General of the region congraluted the women for their commitment to build peace in the region.
Promising government collaboration he said "we will make all efforts at our level to engage women to take our country to progress"
By Wawa Jackson Nfor Lamu
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