Cameroon's First Lady, Chantal Biya, will preside over the parade marking the celebration of the 41st edition of International Women's Day this Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Boulevard du 20 Mai in Yaounde.
This annual event highlights the crucial role of women in Cameroonian society and their contributions to the country's development. This year's theme is "Rights, Justice, and Action: For All Women and Girls". This theme emphasizes the need to ensure equal rights, access to justice, and the empowerment of women and girls, not only in Cameroon but worldwide.
International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8 and is an opportunity to reflect on progress made, to call for change, and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
In Cameroon, this day is also a moment for reflection on the status of women beyond public celebrations and parades. The 2026 theme comes amid concerns about the increasing trend of femicides. According to data compiled by the Ministry for the Promotion of Women and the Family, 69 cases of femicide were recorded in 2024, up from 56 in 2023, an increase of 23.2% in one year.
In addition to the parade, several activities are planned across the country to mark this day, including conferences, workshops, awareness campaigns, and cultural events. These activities aim to promote women's rights, combat discrimination and violence against women, and encourage their participation at all levels of society.
The First Lady's presence at this event underscores the Cameroonian government's commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. It is an opportunity to reaffirm this commitment and take concrete steps to improve the status of women in Cameroon.
The March 8 parade on Boulevard du 20 Mai will therefore be a highlight of this day of celebration and advocacy for women's rights in Cameroon.
