Community Spokespersons Engage Ntambang Residents On Fair Inheritance

Dialogue Session Ongoing 

By Dingana Raymond

The concept of fair inheritance regardless of gender is gaining steem in Bamenda, particularly within the Ntambang community of the Bamenda II municipality. This progress is largely attributed to a recent initiative organized by Community Spokespersons (CSPs), designed to educate community members about the importance of considering fair inheritance when distributing family assets.

This initiative is part of a broader effort led by CSPs trained by Community Action for Gender Development (COMAGEND), a nonprofit organization based in Bamenda. Their work is supported by the Adjust for Me Project, funded by Amplify Change, a non-governmental organization.

The timing of this initiative is crucial, as it addresses the pervasive issue of women's unequal treatment in property inheritance in many communities around Cameroon.

During a dialogue session in Ntambang, also known as Old Town, the CSPs moderated discussions among community members. Opinions varied significantly. While some participants opposed the notion of women inheriting property, others argued that women can often be better managers than men.

One community member expressed concern, stating,

 “What if you allow your daughter to inherit your property and she gets married? What if her husband is the type to squander assets? It would mean everything is wasted.”

Another added, 

“Men will just come and reap benefits from what they haven’t contributed to. A woman can only have equal rights when she is single, even if she has children not after she’s married.”

These perspectives highlight the challenges CSPs aim to address in changing the prevailing narrative. However, other voices in the discussion countered these arguments, with one participant affirming, 

“There are women who can manage a family better than men. I am supporting the idea that fair inheritance is essential for family growth.”

By the conclusion of the dialogue session, attendees committed to disseminating the information shared.

They recognized the importance of altering mindsets and reducing the discrimination women face in matters of inheritance. 

This commitment reflects a collective effort to foster a more equitable community where fair inheritance becomes a norm rather than an exception.

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