On the occasion of the 41st International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8, 2026, the First Lady of Cameroon, Chantal Biya, has launched a strong appeal for collective mobilization against violence against women, emphasizing her deep concern about the persistence of femicides.
In a public message, she deplored the increase in these "unacceptable" acts, forcefully reminding that no circumstance can justify the murder of a woman. She insisted that protecting the lives and dignity of women remains an essential fight, even in the 21st century.
"Nothing, absolutely nothing, justifies the murder of a woman!" declared Chantal Biya, expressing her heartfelt cry as a woman, mother, and wife. She called for urgent action to end all forms of violence against women and girls, emphasizing that "woman is not an object at the mercy of man".
The First Lady welcomed President Paul Biya's commitment to dedicating his new seven-year term to women and youth, thus recognizing the essential role of women in the balance and development of Cameroonian society. She also highlighted the significant contributions of women in various fields, from science to the arts, and encouraged women to fully play their roles with boldness and perseverance. She stressed that the active involvement of men remains a necessary condition in this fight for a fairer and more egalitarian society.
The theme for International Women's Day in 2026 is "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL women and girls". This theme emphasizes the need to take concrete action to ensure that all women have equal access to the same rights as men.
In Cameroon, the Ministry for the Promotion of Women and the Family (MINPROFF) revealed that 69 cases of femicide were recorded in 2024, compared to 56 in 2023, an increase of 23.2%. These figures may be below the actual numbers due to unreported cases. The resurgence of femicides raises serious concerns and highlights the urgent need to strengthen mechanisms for the prevention and protection of women.
Chantal Biya's call for collective mobilization comes in a context where the fight against violence against women remains a major challenge in Cameroon and worldwide. Her message resonates as a call to action to build a more just and egalitarian society, where the rights and dignity of every woman are respected and protected.
