Fostering dev’t: Gov’t, UN urge communities to shun practices hindering participation of women.

He was speaking in Nkongsamba in the Littoral Region Tuesday June 11. This was during commemorations marking World Population Day.

The Day was observed under the theme: "Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world's infinite possibilities".

Activities marking the day, it should be said, were jointly organised by the Ministry of the Economy and the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA Cameroon. 

Activities to mark the Day in Cameroon included events such as awareness campaigns, provision of free maternal health services, family planning and gender based violence amongst others.

Speaking during the event in Nkongsamba, Tasong revealed that out of 28 million population in Cameroon, 51% are women and young girls. 

"The message of this day's celebration is enabling the women and young girls to play a more important role in the development process of our country," he noted.

He said if the fight against gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment and other prejudices on women are amplified, women will contribute a lot to development.

On their part, UNFPA Cameroon sounded an alarm that persistent social injustice keeps women and girls out of schools, the labour market and leadership positions. 

The body has said this "limits their ability to make decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and life, and increases their vulnerability to violence, harmful practices and preventable maternal deaths". 

UNFPA Resident Representative, Dr Justin Koffi, called on stakeholders to listen to the voices of women, girls and other marginalised groups as well as introduce laws and policies that allow the women exercise their rights and make meaningful choices. 

Speaking during the event, City Mayor of Nkongsamba, Frédéric Nzoki Epoh, expressed delight that his municipality was selected to host the event. 

He affirmed that Moungo Division has always followed instructions of President Paul Biya regarding gender-equality. 

The City Mayor promised that his municipality will continue working hand in gloves with women associations in Nkongsamba, so as to facilitate a channel to report gender based discrimination and discuss best and practical policies to adopt at the local level. 

During the event, Minister Tasong had handed over working materials, and agricultural inputs to 10 farming groups in the division as a means to support local development and women empowerment. 

Menstrual hygienic kits were also distributed to displaced women and young girls from war-torn North West and South West regions. 

The event culminated in an award of prizes to outstanding winners of a five-day competition organised on the heels of the World Population Day in both male and female categories.