Society: Cameroon Takes a Bold Stand Against GBV
The government of Cameroon is going to initiate a vigorous campaign against gender-based violence (GBV) because of its worrisome rate, which occasionally results in fatalities.
Gender-based violence (GBV) has been a major global concern, and in Cameroon, these figures have recently taken a toll that has resulted in some victims losing their lives. The government of Cameroon has recently become involved in the matter by launching a strong campaign against GBV.
According to Minister of Women’s Empowerment (Minproff) Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa, 36 women have died in Cameroon as a result of gender-based violence (GBV) this year. She made this announcement in a news conference on November 27. The government has been driven to develop a preliminary measure against GBV and lobby for greater support for victims due to this frightening figure, which presumably represents only recorded occurrences.
Not just Cameroon is dealing with this serious problem. Recognizing the prevalence of gender-based violence in Central Africa, UN Women used November 25’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women as a platform to raise awareness. According to research by UN Women and the Network of Local Elected Women of Africa, six out of nine women, or 65% of the female population, there has been GBV in the area. The state of the world is similarly worrisome. In response, UN Women has scheduled a 16-day worldwide campaign, which will take place from November 25 to December 10, to combat violence against women and girls. This week, Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa formally launched the campaign in Cameroon, highlighting the importance of increased awareness.
“This campaign aims to draw the attention of all stakeholders to the multiple forms of mistreatment and abuse of which women and girls are victims in social, professional, family, community, and social circles,” stated Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa.
In addition to the government’s initiative, powerful individuals have been mobilized to campaign for change by civil society organizations with backing from the French Embassy in Cameroon. Prize-winning author Djaïli Amadou Amal, the 2020 Prix Goncourt des lycéens, who was compelled into marriage at the age of 17, candidly discusses her own experience with gender-based violence. She has turned into an outspoken supporter of the #MeToo movement in Cameroon in an effort to effect constructive change.
Cc: Stopblablacam(SBBC)
