On March 5, 2026, the esplanade of the Yaounde VI sub-prefecture in the Acacias district hosted a training session focused on income-generating activities (IGAs). This initiative was led by Virginie Simone Ngah, president of the OFRDPC section of Mfoundi VI and second deputy mayor of Yaounde VI. The event was part of the celebrations for the 41st edition of International Women's Day (IWD).
The main objective of this day was to promote women's economic empowerment. Virginie Simone Ngah demonstrated her commitment by translating words into action, initiating women into concrete actions rather than simply making demands for equality. The participants, from the OFRDPC section of Yaounde VI and other districts of the arrondissement, benefited from diversified technical expertise, focused on immediate growth poles through local innovation workshops.
These workshops covered different areas:
Agro-food processing: development of local products by processing cassava and plantain into baking flour, and preparation of pasteurized fruit juices. Domestic chemistry: manufacture of soaps (liquid, solid, powder), vinegar, alcohol and menthol. Crafts and Fashion: making pearl jewelry and dyeing techniques.
Beyond manual learning, this fourth consecutive session also emphasized the legal aspect and the well-being of women, in accordance with the theme of the year: "Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls". Legal clinics, led by lawyers from the Cameroon Bar Association, raised awareness among women about their fundamental rights. Discussions on the management of adolescence and mental illnesses highlighted the importance of psychological well-being for economic development.
The enthusiasm observed during this day testifies to the vitality of the OFRDPC in Mfoundi VI. By offering production tools to women, the OFRDPC section is not content with celebrating a date, but lays the foundations for lasting autonomy. The smiles of the participants, acquiring new skills, illustrate the success of this initiative. They expressed the wish to see Virginie Simone Ngah continue her action in favor of the social emancipation of women in the Yaounde VI district.
The 2026 edition of International Women's Day in Cameroon focuses on justice for all women and girls, a theme that underscores the importance of rights, access to justice and protection, amid growing concern about violence against women. The theme was announced on February 4, 2026, by the Ministry for the Promotion of Women and the Family.
In 2024, 69 cases of femicide were recorded, compared to 56 in 2023, an increase of 23.2% in one year. The ministry estimates that these figures are probably lower than reality, due to unreported cases linked to fear, family silence, social pressure and distrust of institutions.
In parallel, the government has been working since 2023 on a bill relating to gender-based violence, aimed at strengthening the protection of victims and toughening penalties. A validation workshop was held from February 3 to 5, 2026 in Ebolowa, bringing together the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, several partner ministries, as well as the World Bank and UN Women.
