As part of activities to commemorate the International Women’s Day on March 8, 2016, women of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation (MINATD) have expressed the need for women to be guided towards leadership roles. This was the main message that emerged on Friday March 4, 2016 during a roundtable discussion organised by the female staff of MINATD on the theme, “Women: Associative Life, Leadership and Decision-making,” attended by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Rene Emmanuel Sadi.

Moderating the discussions, the Inspector General No. 2 in the Ministry of Territorial Administration in charge of Electoral issues, Gisele Bekila, underscored the fact that the International Women’s Day offers the opportunity for the world to reflect and evaluate the problems faced by women. Commenting on the theme, she said feminine leadership is an ingredient for socio-economic development, social cohesion and peace in the society.

The two speakers at the roundtable, the Deputy Director of the Yaounde-based School of Management, Dr. Viviane Ondoa Biwole and the Mayor of Bangangte, Celestine Ketcha Courtes, pointed out strategies women can use to assert themselves in leadership positions. Both speakers underlined guidance, lobbying and coaching for the female folk by both men and women for them to succeed. According to Dr Viviane Ondoa, though Cameroon is making progress in inclusive gender balance in politics and decision-making positions, statistics still indicate that more is still to be done. She said capacity-building, resources, resilience and guidance are necessary prerequisite for women to rise up to leadership positions. Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi saluted the initiative and rejoiced that thanks to the of the Head of State, Paul Biya, more women are today in top leadership positions in government. This, he assured, will continue in the years to come with the appointment of more women.