The 40th edition of the International Women’s Day was commemorated in Yaounde, at the 20th May Boulevard, on 8 March 2025.
Over 25,000 women and girls from all walks of life participated in the colourful march-past presided at by First Lady Chantal BIYA.
The enthusiastic women clad in the official fabric were grouped in 11 wagons. They were arranged in the following order: sovereignty, defence and security; general administration and finance, education training and research; communication, culture, youths, sports and leisure; health, social affairs and social security; infrastructure; production and trade; civil society; women’s associations in the Mfoundi Division; the motorised parade; and the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family.
Banner messages and songs from some of the groups centred on the theme of this year: “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment”.
The event's highlight was the spectacular show of force of women from the South-West and South-West regions, whose massive turnout was spiced with the popular refrain: “We are one, we are together”. The emotionally filled scene that evoked the ideals of peace and national unity – incarnated by President Paul BIYA, received a standing ovation from the grandstand.
Women in Cameroon commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action with messages advocating for gender equality, the education of the girl child, access to quality health care, female leadership, and economic opportunities.
They equally displayed messages that condemned social ills like child marriages, female genital mutilation, and gender-based violence.
The day ended with a reception offered by the First Lady at Hilton Hotel.
