First Lady Madam Chantal BIYA presided over a colourful march past in Yaoundé as part of activities to mark the International Women’s Day on 8 March 2013. The day was celebrated under the theme: “Elimination and prevention of violence against women and young girls”.

At 10 am precisely, the motorcade of the First Lady arrived the ceremonial grounds on the 20th May Boulevard in Yaoundé, where she was received on arrival by the Minister of the Women and Family Affairs, Marie Thérèse ABENA ONDOUA and Administrative officials of Yaoundé. A young girl also presented her a bouquet of flowers as part of the welcome ceremony.

The march past, which constituted the main part of the celebration, kicked off shortly afterwards and lasted till 1 pm. Women from various walks of life took part in the parade, including blind and dumb women, women of various ministries and public organisations, women from friendly countries such as France, the USA, Nigeria, etc. It was a moment of joy and jubilation which was displayed in various formats, to the delight of those watching from the grand stand.

After the march past, a luncheon was offered at the Yaoundé Hilton Hotel to give more time for happy moments with the First Lady. All said and done, women’s day 2013 was a very successful and cheerful event.