Culled from ews 247
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, politician and lawyer Akere Muna issued a heart-wrenching appeal that shakes consciences. In a powerful message shared on March 8, the former presidential candidate strongly denounced the dramatic situation of Cameroonian women, who are victims of daily violence in several regions of the country.
“Violence against girls and women is massive every day”, Akere Muna emphasized in his message.
The former bar president particularly pointed to the situation in three regions where women endure horror “every minute, every hour, every day”: the North-West, the South-West, and the Northern region.
These areas, marked by persistent security crises, have become the scene of unspeakable atrocities against women and young girls. A reality that the authorities struggle to fully acknowledge.
“There is no more effective development tool than the empowerment of women. So, why is this not happening on a large scale in Cameroon?“ Akere Muna questioned. This question resonates like a thunderclap in the Cameroonian political landscape, where official speeches on women’s empowerment starkly contrast with the reality on the ground.
The politician does not mince his words: “Rather than uplifting and empowering girls and women as the most powerful force for transformation and progress, horrible violence is perpetrated against them.”
This scathing statement highlights the hypocrisy of a system that celebrates women one day a year while turning a blind eye to the violence they endure the other 364 days.
“Where have we failed?” he concludes with disarming sincerity. A question that should concern the entire Cameroonian society, beyond traditional political divides.
