Bamenda: Women's Proposals For Equality Spark Discomfort In Men On Women's Day

By Raymond Dingana

During celebrations marking the 39th International Women's Day in Bamenda, chief town of the North West Region, women put men especially traditionalists in an uncomfortable situation when they made requests that didn't sit well with them.

The women used 8th march 2024 celebrations to petition for things many men didn't fine funny. 

Speaking on behalf of women in Bamenda, the lady whose names we could not get indicated that they are highly depending on men to bring in more women in traditional stewardship.

Women Representative

"include women in traditional setup. There is no female quarter head in Bamenda I II,and III, talk less of sub chiefs."

she said.

Reacting to the outing of the women representative, Samjela Peter said he was not comfortable with some of the things the women proposed.

"Why did they go that far? my personal view is that women should not think towards that direction. We have our values, and they must stay intact. A woman as sub chief? I don't think so. Let them look elsewhere," 

Samjela Peter, a native of Bali reacted after listening to the women.

Adding his voice to that of  Samjela, Tantoh Anthony indicated that:

"women have their rights, that's true, but not the kind that is coming from the white man. We are different from white people, we have our culture, and we must guard against enemy forces. What difference would a woman make if appointed Sub Chief? They seem to be forgetting their traditional role as women."

NW Governor, Adolphe Lele Lafrique Speaking At The Commercial Avenue Grandstand 

Governor Lele Lafrique who chaired the event said they have taken note of the proposals made by the women to the traditional, and political leaders to improve on women participation in traditional leadership.

"Thank God the North West House of Chiefs is here and have listened keenly to what the women have proposed. They will necessarily take measures to implement the proposals,"

said Lele Lafrique.

Celebrated with the theme: Invest In Women, Accelerate Progress, other highpoints of the day were award of prizes, and march pass that saw mostly government institutions taking part, with some women marching in almost all the groups.

Family Photo With Those Who Received Awards

NW Public Independent Conciliator, Tamfu Simon Fai Handing Over Award To Laureate 

There was a group of women,and men marching behind a banner that carried the following message: Papa Paul Biya, After the Fire in the Market, We are in Tears.

We have not been able to confirm if those behind the banner were victims of the recent fire incident at the Bamenda Main Market or not.

We have not also been told if they designed the banners carrying the messages or they were prepared for them by officials.

Women Whom Officials Say Were Bamenda Main Market Fire Victims 

It should be noted that after the fire outbreak at the main market in Bamenda, Mayor Paul Achobong called on the victims to turnout massively and take part in women's day celebrations.

He said it was going to be a sign of solidarity with the Head of State, Paul Biya whom he added is the only one that can change their stories for the better.

This didn't go down well with some of the victims who accused him of trying to use their plight for political gains.

With 8th march 2024 now history, and after marching pass the Bamenda Commercial Grand Stand in flying colours, followed by heavy eating and drinking, women are now anxiously waiting for concrete action to salvage their plights.

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