Fabrics shouldn't conceal marginalisation of Cameroonian women!.

The inequality is equally reflected in the ownership of assets: with only 3% of Cameroonian women owning a house.

Again, a study of April 2021 titled: "Democratisation and Political Advancement of  Women in Cameroon" by  Dr Steve Tametong and Vanessa Aboudi, noted that: "Despite the existence of numerous texts and a slight increase in women’s representation in political bodies, it appears that practice consolidates social prejudices that keep women in a position of the “weaker sex” and a perpetual struggle for affirmation".

The irony is that in various studies, especially in management, which is also a prerequisite for good governance in politics, women have proven to be better achievers than their male counterparts.

Actually, the conclusion has been addressed, researched, and reported several times that: “The tendency of women to outperform is not only seen in retail investors,” writes Dr Daniel Crosby, in his book, titled: “The Laws of Wealth”.

He adds that: “Female hedge fund managers have consistently and soundly thumped their male colleagues as well”.

If women can perform so well in investment and the economy, there is no excuse why they should not take their affirmative action to politics.

The question often asked is, with their majority and impressive performing skills, why do women lag behind and have to lobby, beg and cajole to be donated 30 percent of political positions; which are not even given in some countries, like Cameroon which has not hit the threshold in government appointments, administrators, mayors, senators and parliamentarians?

One of the distractions as pointed out by some researchers, is "the women's day wrapper". Cameroonian women are more interested in debating about it than even the theme which this year is: "For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment."

Cameroonian women have been debating more about the fabric "for the 2025 edition unveiled at a price of 10,000 FCFA, which many say is too high," compared to 6,000 FCFA last year.

In "Fabrics of loyalty: The politics of International Women's Day wax print cloth in Cameroon", Pommerolle Ngaméni notes that: "As an object of exchange and social distinction, the "wrapper" provides women with a variety of ways of interacting (or not interacting) with the State and with men. 

Although, on the face of it, the act of dressing in the day's clothing may be seen as an expression of collective loyalty to the regime, one cannot assume that it represents a single and undifferentiated approach to authority".

Licentious behaviour in drinking places while wearing the uniform, the author noted, "represents a real condemnation of moral and political power imposed on women. For the moment, however, this ritual and its popular mobilisation are sufficient for the government's purposes: it is able to point to the event as an example of its capacity to mobilise its female citizens, thereby showing that its claims to legitimacy are well-founded".

That shouldn't be the objective. Thirty years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, it is time for Cameroonian women to keep their fabric debate on the back burner, especially at a time of mounting challenges in a crucial presidential election year  and a backlash of gender equality.   

In a unique survey, UN Member States took stock of their progress on gender equality, with a significant portion reporting that backlash on gender equality is hampering their implementation of critical policies; including those addressing Gender-based Violence and political leadership. Cameroonian women should stand up to the theme: "For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3385 of Friday March 07, 2025