In Cameroon, the celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th is a deeply rooted tradition, marked by a parade where women wear a 'pagne' specially designed for the occasion. However, this year, the question of the cost of this 'pagne' raises concerns about the real inclusion of all women in this celebration. Adeline Tsopgni, a student leader and committed citizen, has voiced concerns about the high price of the March 8th 'pagne', questioning the accessibility of this celebration for all Cameroonian women.
Tsopgni emphasizes that March 8th is more than just a festive date; it is a legacy of struggles for women's rights, a day of demands and assessment. She recalls that originally, this day was a cry launched by invisible and exploited women, deprived of fundamental rights. Clara Zetkin's idea in 1910 was to demand justice, not to celebrate an identity. In 1977, the UN formalized this date, consecrating a historical struggle. In Cameroon, the official celebration began in 1986, with the ambition of institutionalizing a moment of reflection and action around the status of women.
Over the years, the official 'pagne', produced by the Cotonnière Industrielle du Cameroun (CICAM), has become a symbol of this day. However, its price has increased considerably, from a modest cost in the 1980s to around 15,000 to 17,000 FCFA this year, an increase of about 36% in one year. This inflation poses a major problem in a difficult economic context, where many women struggle to make ends meet. The cost of living in Cameroon is high compared to the average salary.
The paradox is that this day, which is supposed to promote inclusion, risks increasing exclusion. Some women, especially those from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds, simply cannot afford to buy the 'pagne' and pay for tailoring costs, which prevents them from fully participating in the festivities. Tsopgni questions the relevance of maintaining an organization where the symbol becomes an expensive consumer product, thus transforming a space for demands into a seasonal market.
Beyond the 'pagne', Tsopgni criticizes the very structure of March 8th, often seen as a mechanical celebration, disconnected from social realities. She argues that this day should be an opportunity to address burning issues such as domestic violence, access to credit for rural women, and women's mental health. She suggests organizing advocacy actions, challenging judicial institutions, and demanding concrete reforms. The theme for International Women's Day in Cameroon in 2026 is “Justice for all women and girls,” highlighting the importance of rights, access to justice and protection.
For the coming years, Tsopgni proposes concrete solutions, such as setting up a transparent sponsorship mechanism to reduce the price of the 'pagne', or even distribute it free of charge to disadvantaged women. She insists on the need to involve young women in the design of activities and the evaluation of public policies. March 8th must once again become a political space where the voices of women are heard.
March 8th is not just a fabric, but a legacy of struggles and sacrifices. It is essential to reorient the trajectory of this celebration so that it remains true to its essence: a space for demands and solidarity for all women, without distinction.
