ELECAM, UN to boost women’s participation in politics.

This was the focus of a meeting in Yaounde Tuesday May 30 to harmonise statistical data on gender mainstreaming. 

Participants used the meeting to discuss how to boost women's involvement in politics. They underscored the need for accurate data on women’s participation in political processes.

Present at the meeting was the Director General of Elections at ELECAM, Dr  Erik Essousse, the Resident Representative of UN Women in Cameroon, Marie Pierre Raky Chaupin, the Secretary General of the National Union for Democracy and Progress, NUDP, party, Senator Pierre Flambeau Ngayap, and the President of the Cameroon Democratic Front, FDC, Denis Atangana, alongside others.

The UN Women Resident Representative underscored that, his institution was engaging ELECAM and stakeholders to boost women participation in politics at all levels of society.

Raky Chaupin told The Guardian Post that: “We are partnering with ELECAM to have an effective approach to address the issue to make sure that everywhere at local and community level, we are working in order to strengthen women’s empowerment”. 

She further said the goal is to ensure women “are ready and have the right skills to be able to be candidates to accompany the government of Cameroon towards attaining development goals.”

The UN Women boss said though there is progress in terms of women’s participation in politics in Cameroon, there is need to do more. Raky Chaupin said they are also working with other UN bodies and the Ministry of Women Empowerment and the Family to support stakeholders crusading more female presence in decision making.

ELECAM on progress made 

The Director General of Elections at ELECAM, during the meeting, indicated that in the last couple of years, there has been progress when it comes to women participation in politics. 

Dr Essousse stated that women make up 32% of member of the National Assembly and about 33% of the senate. He urged women to encourage their peers to take interest in politics.

Denis Atangana of the FDC said women must come to the reality that nothing in life comes easy. Atangana said women must remain committed and resilient to make their mark in politics in Cameroon.

Senator Flambeau Ngayap of the UNDP seized the meeting to trace the progress made in women presence at the senate since 2013. He said the number has continuously increased from 20 women in 2013 to 26 in the 2018 legislature and 31 in the 2023-2028 legislature.

Some of the participants regretted that, most women in positions of power do not empower others. 

On this score, participants were unanimous that, women who have seen the light politically should redouble efforts and encourage others to follow their pa