Hundreds of women gathered at the Fundong municipal grandstand on Sunday, March 8, 2026, to celebrate the 41st edition of International Women’s Day in a ceremony marked by vibrant cultural displays, calls for empowerment, and strong appeals for peace and civic participation.
The event was presided over by the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Boyo Division, Menyong Gilbert Sunday, who commended the women for their impressive turnout and their continued contributions to the development of their communities.
Women Praised for Their Role in Society
Addressing the gathering, SDO Menyong Gilbert Sunday described women as the foundation of families and society, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the future of communities. “I am overwhelmed by the colourful display and the impressive turnout of our women today,” he said. “Women have a special gift and a powerful voice that can influence families and communities positively.”
He praised their courage and dedication, noting that women remain central to social stability, family cohesion, and community progress.
Appeal for Peace and Reconciliation
During his address, the SDO made a passionate appeal to mothers to help restore peace in the division by encouraging their children who have taken up arms against the state to abandon violence and return to normal life. According to him, many of the young people involved in the ongoing crisis were raised and nurtured by the very women present at the event.
“You carried these children for nine months,” he reminded the audience. “You did not raise them to lose their lives in the bushes. Use the special voices God has given you to talk to them so they can drop their weapons and come back to live normal lives.”
Cross Section of Boyo Women Marching Past the Grandstand.His message emphasized the crucial role mothers can play in fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence within their communities.
Women Encouraged to Participate in Politics
The SDO also called on women to take an active role in the country’s democratic process, noting that 2026 is an electoral year with both legislative and municipal elections scheduled to take place. He urged women to register in large numbers and exercise their civic rights by voting and participating in decision-making processes. “If women unite with one voice, they can influence leadership choices,” he said. “They can support the emergence of female parliamentarians or even female mayors.”
Youth Groups Marching Past the Grandstand.Local Authorities Reaffirm Commitment
Earlier in the ceremony, the mayor of Fundong Council, Denis Awoh Ndang, welcomed participants and praised women for their dedication to family welfare and community development. He assured the women that the council remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote gender equality, justice, and opportunities for women.
Cultural Performances Showcase National Diversity
The celebration also featured a vibrant display of cultural heritage as women from different groups performed traditional dances representing Cameroon’s ten regions.
Dressed in colourful traditional outfits, the dancers entertained the audience with rhythmic movements and drumbeats, symbolizing unity, pride, and the strength of women.
Cross Section of Dignitaries at the Grandstand.Agricultural Support for Women
As part of efforts to promote economic empowerment, the Senator for Boyo Division, Fointama Hilda Aluma, donated corn seedlings to women’s groups. The support is expected to encourage women to remain active in agriculture, increase food production, and contribute to tackling food insecurity in the division. In addition, the wife of the SDO presented prizes to selected women in recognition of their participation and contributions to the celebration.
Hope for Greater Impact
As the event concluded, many participants expressed hope that the messages of empowerment, unity, and peace shared during the celebration would inspire women to continue playing a stronger role in the development and stability of their communities.
The Fundong celebration stood as a reminder of the growing influence of women in shaping both social progress and peacebuilding efforts in Boyo Division.
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