Thousands of women took part in a big march past at the May 20 Boulevard in Yaounde on March 8, 2015.

Women in Cameroon joined their peers in the world to commemorate the 30th edition of the International Women’s Day yesterday March 8, 2015. In Yaounde, the grand march past at the May 20 Boulevard crowned week-long activities to mark the event in Cameroon which was celebrated on the theme “Implementation of the Beijing platform for action in Cameroon: Assessment and prospects”.

For over two hours, women of all walks of life from Yaounde and its environs clad in their beautiful attire thronged the May 20 Boulevard for the march past. To many, it was the first time of taking part in such a march past while for some it was a tradition. The thousands of elated women demonstrated their commitment to the nation through messages on banners.

The messages were clearly written in English and French. A large banner carried by women from different professions did not only announce the theme of this year but also carried the message “Thanks to Madam Chantal Biya for her support to women and families”.

This was followed by the women of the Presidency of the Republic and attached structures. They carried banners on which were written “Women of the Presidency say Thank You Chantal Biya.” Other of the banners read; “Women of the National Assembly support President Biya and the defence forces against Boko Haram” and “Yes to the involvement of women in decision-making and emergency of Cameroon”, “A bilingual woman: An assert for emergence in 2015”.

The police came with banners assuring Cameroonians of their safety. Their banners read; “Protection of citizens and their property our daily concern”. The Association of Wives of Policemen carried the banner that read “Beside our husbands to fight Boko Haram”.

The international community also showed their support for Cameroon. The American Embassy carried the banner; “The American people in partnership with Cameroon” while the women of the French Embassy came with the message wishing that the Beijing platform be implemented in Cameroon. Nigerian children carried the banner which read “We support our fathers fighting against insurgency”.

The other embassies like Côte d’Ivoire, Congo, Gabon and Chad all were unanimous with Cameroon for the protection of the rights of women and girls.

Women from the Ministry of Communication carried a banner; “Women of Cameroon counsel your children against joining Boko Haram”. As the march past unrolled, more messages also read; “Together for the implementation of the Beijing platform” and “No to violence against women, yes to peace and development”, among others. The march past took place in the presence of cabinet ministers, representatives of the diplomatic corps and guests.