As Cameroon joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 41st edition of International Women’s Day, women’s rights advocates in the country have renewed their calls for stronger action against gender-based violence and greater empowerment for women and girls.
Celebrated under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action, for All Women and Girls”, the theme highlights the urgent need to confront gender-based violence, promote equality, and ensure that women and girls are fully empowered to take their place in society.
Speaking on Sunday, March 8, 2026, Ngiah Blandine Foncha, Vice President of the Women of Virtue Association, an NGO exclusively for married women has emphasized that awareness of rights is the first step toward women’s liberation and protection.
“As a woman, if you personally do not make ways to know and understand your rights, even a kid will deprive you of what is actually yours,” Ngiah Blandine said. “As a wife and a mother, do not be comfortable with excuses that prevent you from attending gatherings or programs that teach and empower you to do better.”
She stressed that when women are empowered, the entire society benefits and the guaranteeing of collective empowerment is guaranteed. “Women can do better, and when they breathe, the whole world enjoys fresh air,” she added.
Amplifying the Voices of Girls
Ngiah Blandine explained that across the world, organizations and youth networks continue to push for stronger participation of girls in leadership and decision-making spaces.
Narrowing it down to Women of Vurtue Association, the Vice President revealed that the women's movement has played a key role in this effort, mobilizing more than 7,000 children including 5,632 girls to advocate for their rights and speak out on issues affecting them.
Through advocacy campaigns, Ngiah Blandine said with their leadership training, and community engagement, the movement seeks to ensure that girls’ voices are heard at local and national levels.
Standing Against Gender-Based Violence
Ngiah Blandine used the occasion to call on women and girls not to tolerate violence in any form. “We urge women and young girls not to condone any act of violence whatsoever,” she said. “To our sisters who have been victims of violence, your pain matters and we stand with you. You are not alone, and you can still rewrite your story.”
She encouraged victims of abuse to seek safety and support as quickly as possible. “We plead that you leave that place or environment immediately. Nothing is worth your life.”
Empowering Women Through Education and Support
The Women of Virtue Association, according to Ngiah Blandine Foncha, continues to organize workshops and community programs aimed at educating women about their rights, personal value, and potential. The organization focuses particularly on married women and girls who face abuse or social barriers. “Our mission is to educate women about their values and dreams,” she said. “We sensitize them on gender-based violence and help them understand the importance of loving themselves and protecting their lives.”
Call for Greater Government and Community Action
While acknowledging efforts by the Cameroon government to address violence against women, she appealed for stronger collaboration with civil society organizations, urging authorities to encourage the creation and expansion of NGOs working on women’s rights and trauma recovery.
She also recommended training young outreach workers who can travel to remote communities to educate women and girls about violence prevention and available support systems, especially for survivors of rape and abuse.
A Message of Hope
As the world marks another year of advocacy for gender equality, the vice president concluded with a message of encouragement to women and girls everywhere facing one challenge or the other in their marital lives. “Woman, you can be anything you dream of becoming. Let nothing stand in your way to the top,” she said. “You are equal to that standard you fear to approach.”
The message echoes the global call of International Women’s Day 2026 to transform awareness into action and ensure that rights, justice, and opportunity become a reality for every woman and girl.
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