March 8 parade of colour & purpose: Over 33,000 women march for rights, justice, action in Yaounde.

From the young to the elderly, from market traders to civil servants, women from every walk of life turned out in their ceremonial finest, creating a vibrant spectacle that drew applause from spectators. 

Some waved small national flags while others moved in synchronised steps, brandishing banners with varied messages, all centred on respect of their rights.

The Day was commemorated nationally under the theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls”. 

The First Lady, Chantal Biya, presided activities in the nation’s capital yesterday. She was flanked by the First Daughter, Brenda Biya and the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Prof Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa.

Government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, special guests and other dignitaries filled the stands. The event also attracted a number of men who turned out at the Boulevard to show solidarity with the women. Some said their presence was intended to encourage women and recognise their efforts toward achieving their goals.

Over 33,000 women took part in the parade, organised in three phases, with 10 wagons each comprising squares of 49 persons. 

The procession opened with the honourary bouquet, which paid tribute to the Head of State, President Paul Biya, for what organisers described as his sustained commitment to gender equality and more than four decades of gender-sensitive policies.

First Lady raises alarm on rising femicide

Yet, behind the spectacle, a sober message cut through the celebration. In a statement issued to mark the occasion, Chantal Biya delivered what she described as a cry from the heart, drawing attention to the growing concern over violence against women and girls.

“My heart is heavy when I think of all our sisters and daughters who are victims of femicide. It is sad and shameful that in the 21st century, we are still concerned about women’s fundamental right to life. The number of these unacceptable acts is increasing at an alarming rate,” part of the message read.

While noting that nothing justifies the murder of a woman, The First Lady urged both men and women to work together to address violence and ensure respect for women’s rights.

“Women are not objects at the mercy of men. This cry from the heart that I am making today is that of a woman, a mother, a wife. It is a vibrant call to action to end all forms of violence against women and girls,” she added. 

The First Lady, in the statement, further highlighted the irreplaceable role of women in society, stating that “women, the mothers of humanity, have their rightful place in human societies” and deserve protection, respect and consideration.

“In all fields, from science to the arts, from agriculture to commerce, from high technology to industrialisation, women have always shown courage, dynamism and a high sense of entrepreneurship,” The First Lady’s statement read.

It further pointed to President Paul Biya’s decision to devote his new seven-year term to women and young people as a strong recognition of that essential role. The First Lady’s message continued to remind women that the fight remained their own to lead.

“The fight for women’s right to life, education, health, equal opportunities, access to decent employment and self-determination, is above all, our main challenge. Every woman must play her part to the full, with boldness and perseverance. Let us, men and women, mobilise together to build a more just and egalitarian society!” the message urged.

Progress noted but challenges remain

Speaking in an interview ahead of the celebration, the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Prof Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa, acknowledged the strides made while conceding that persistent gaps undermine progress. 

She noted that despite a constitutional guarantee of equality and a revised National Gender Policy adopted in 2022, implementation continues to be hampered by discriminatory social norms, limited access to land and inheritance, and the under-representation of women in decision-making positions.

She added that efforts would continue to strengthen economic empowerment programmes, improve women’s participation in decision-making and intensify the fight against gender-based violence. 

The minister also emphasised that addressing these issues requires cooperation across government institutions, communities and families.

According to the minister, work on establishing Gender Desks in police stations and training law enforcement personnel in handling gender-based violence cases would continue, alongside the broader push for a dedicated law against GBV.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3726 of Monday March 09, 2026