Ebolowa: Stakeholders reviewing draft bill against Gender-based Violence.

Discussions will end Thursday, February 5.

Participants included government officials, development partners, and civil society actors committed to protecting the rights of women and vulnerable persons.

There are also representatives from ministries such as that of justice, social affairs, public health, and economy alongside partners including the World Bank and UN Women. 

Organisers said the gathering seeks to review, refine, and harmonize the draft bill before its planned submission to the National Assembly for adoption.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Moussa Aoudou, opened the session. 

Also present were the President of the Club of Ambassadors for Positive Masculinity, Ulrich Ovono; the representative of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission, Prof Joyce Endeley Bayande; as well as officials from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Key aspects of the exchanges include; proposed legal framework designed to intensify efforts against GBV, which remains a major social and human rights concern in Cameroon. 

Moussa Aoudou noted that the document under review is the outcome of collaborative work carried out by several ministries, particularly the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family. 

He stressed that Gender-Based Violence has serious human, social and economic consequences and poses a real threat to human security.

Quoting the Head of State, President Paul Biya, he recalled the government’s commitment to reinforcing legal protections for victims. 

“I will strengthen legislation on violence against women. I will protect women and children in particular and take all necessary measures to improve the protection of victims of violence,” he said, citing the President’s declaration.

Moussa Aoudou further explained that the meeting is taking place in a context where existing laws and sanctions remain insufficient to curb GBV. 

He emphasised the need for stronger investigative mechanisms and clearer punitive measures to ensure justice for victims.

Participants expressed optimism that the validated bill will provide a comprehensive legal tool to address GBV more effectively and deter future abuses.

According to officials, the bill, which has been under preparation since 2022, is now in its final stages after extensive consultations and technical input from various institutions.

Once finalized, the draft law, according to officials is expected to be transmitted to the National Assembly, with the aim of putting in place legal framework for the protection of human rights and the promotion of gender equality.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3693 of Wednesday February 04, 2026