To curb gender inequalities: Activists call for efficient public policies, education of communities.

They also recommended the need to raise awareness on gender equalities. This was recommended during a debate, organised in Yaounde October 11. The debate, which brought together researchers, civil society actors, think tank leaders, amongst others, was placed under the theme: “Reducing gender inequality in Central Africa requires a change of mindsets”. 

It was organised by the Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation. 

The public debate was geared towards exploring issues around gender inequality, discuss the challenges, and propose solutions for effective implementation of laws to address gender disparities for progress in Central Africa.

Moderated by Research Assistant at the Nkafu Policy Institute, Jengu Jengu Guy, the debate had as panelists; Mylene Noubi, President of Women Leaders for Development Association and Financial Magistrate at the Supreme Court’s Audit Bench, and Tchoumi Luarelle, a gender-based violence specialist and Programme Manager at Leap Girl Africa. 

Speaking during the discussion, Tchoumi explained that the problem of gender inequality in Central Africa could be linked to the patriarchal system imbued in African cultures. 

“We have the social and cultural norms that weigh more on women than men, because it is evident that the disparity between gender doesn’t favour the development of women nor of men. So, the main challenge of this gender inequality is culture and religion, which is weighing down on women and requires them to submit to men, making them mentally weak to challenge any decision of their husband,” the activist said. 

According to her, the patriarchal system in Africa is worrisome as it enhances an imposing dominance of men. 

“The constitution of Cameroon is very clear that men and women are born free and equal, so using the patriarchal system will continue to swallow women, which is a major setback to the development of society in Central Africa,” she reiterated. 

Proffer solutions

On her part, Mylene Noubi argued that in order to reduce the inequalities, government should promote gender equality policy by institutionalising efficient legal framework with public policies that streamline gender equality. 

“The problem of gender equality comes from social norms and cultures. We are in a country that is so patriarchal and conservatives, which enables the perpetration of gender inequality because the society itself has relegated women to home duties,” she explained. 

The financial magistrate also emphasised the need to educate the population and put in place legal framework that are efficient.

Meanwhile, one of the participants of the debate, Ernest Fobin, asserted that gender inequality is a complex problem which requires more than “cosmetic measures” to be able to mitigate. 

“It will require very drastic measures to resolve the situation. One of the possible solutions is a total reform of our country’s political institutions and a lot of sensitisations is required to make people aware of the fact that gender inequality exists,” Fobin opined.  

Going by the organisers, it is expected that through the debate, awareness and deeper understanding of participants on the importance of effective implementation of gender equality laws in ECCAS will be increased in order to achieve sustainable development and social justice in Central Africa.

“This Nkafu Debate is part of series of public debates that we have been organising since the start of last year, which enable us to change the mentality on several issues,” Dr Yollande Tankeu, Senior Policy Analyst at Nkafu Policy Institute said. 

She added that the overall objective is to reduce gender inequality in Central Africa and to make contribution to efforts already being made.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No: 3261 of Wednesday October 16, 2024