Ahead of 63rd African Women's Day: Minister salutes women's strides in visual art.

The ceremony took place in the presence of the Minister of Arts and Culture, Bidoung Mpkatt. Also present were close collaborators of the two ministers.

The open exhibition of the Heritage of the Tikar Women took place under the theme: “The strength of the African Woman”. 

This was part of the activities to commemorate the 63rd edition of the African Women’s Day commemorated this year under the theme: “Advancing social and economic justice for African women through Reparation”. 

The exhibition saw the display of bronze Tikar women artefacts from Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon and Gabon. These were grouped under eight themes, namely: Governance and empowerment; social status and dignity; human reproduction; social and cultural reproduction cycle: transmission of knowledge and skills; aesthetics; joy of living; freedom; women's economic dynamism and women in other cultural areas in Africa.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Director of Cultural Patrimony in the Ministry of Arts and Culture, Edjoa Akoa Marie Thiery, said the exhibition showcased talent, strength and creativity of women who have made their mark in history through contributions to rethinking the world, sharing insights, inspirations, and ever-changing creations.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Prof Marie Therese Abena Ondoa, said the ceremony sought to celebrate the contribution and the promotion of African artistic expression and cultural heritage. 

“The bronze works presented to us embody the essence of African female identity. Each sculpture, meticulously crafted, tells a story of courage, beauty, and resilience. These representations bear witness to art as an essential vehicle for dialogue between the past and the future. They invite each of us to rediscover the central role of women in transmitting our cultural heritage and in building a society enlightened by tradition and innovation,” she said.

The minister noted that the open exhibition is not just an artistic event; but reflects government's unwavering commitment to women's rights. 

“The theme of this year's African Women's Day invites the entire community to recognise the historical and contemporary injustices suffered by women and to commit to reparations,” Prof Abena Ondoa added.

She called on all stakeholders to acknowledge the historical and contemporary injustices suffered by women and the need to carry out reparations aimed at restoring victims' rights and compensating them for the damage they have suffered. 

“This activity, which reminds us of the collective memory of the important role played by women in ancient and modern society, contributes to these reparations,” noting that government through her ministry, supports all initiatives that prioritize gender equality and women's wellbeing. 

She, however, regretted that in a context marked by current challenges and reaffirms, the commitment to working towards an environment where every woman can develop, actively participate in socio-economic life and benefit from all the opportunities offered to her. 

The exhibition, she insisted, is an invitation to reflection, a call to action for each and every one to be a witness to the power of creation and the symbolism contained in the bronze artefacts that go through time to remind us that the strength of women resides in their ability to transform adversity into a source of inspiration.

She noted that it is equally a moment to mobilise to support the initiatives that promote women's autonomy in respect of the values of justice, equality and dignity and to actively support the projects in favour of women's rights and celebrate together this cultural heritage and this journey of hope. 

“Through this commitment, we affirm our desire to build a fairer, more equitable and more inclusive society,” she noted.

It should be noted that the 63rd edition of African Women’s Day continues July 31 with an awareness campaign on Gender-Based Violence, GBV, and training of women in income-generating activities to hold in the town of Kekem, Upper Nkam Division of the West Region. 

This would be followed by the official ceremony to celebrate the day in Kekem. It will be capped with a workshop on the establishment of a GBV management and care chain at the Ngoumou Court in the Mefou and Akono Division of the Centre Region.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3520 of Thursday July 31, 2025