Traditional authorities and rural women poised to improve women’s participation in the electoral processes in Cameroon

Administrative and traditional authorities attending the sensitization workshop. Photo credit: Mengue Valerie, UN

 A sensitization workshop to raise awareness of women traditional leaders and rural women for the active participation of women in the electoral process in 2018 was organised in Ebebda from the 16 – 17 of March, by DYDESCA (Dynamique de Developpement Economique et Social des Femmes Chef Traditionnels et Reines-Mere du Cameroun) with the technical support of UN Women organised.

The workshop that brought together over 123 participants including 16 traditional leaders from chiefdoms and women associations in Ebebda and beyond was aimed at increasing the involvement of traditional authorities in the mobilisation and sensitization of rural women to become interested and to actively participate in the 2018 elections.

A cross section of participants during the sensitization workshop. Photo credit: Mengue Valerie, UN Women Cameroon

Adama Moussa, Resident Representative of UN Women Cameroon. Phot credit: Mengue Valerie, UN Women Cameroon

Mr Syrinus Aqono, Mayor of the Ebebda Municipal Council lauded this initiative by DYDESCA and UN Women for organising this workshop which is instrumental in capacity building and information sharing on ways to boast interest of rural women to participate in the different electoral processes. “In every democratic society women play a massive role in all elections” the mayor noted. 

Adama Moussa, Resident Representative of UN Women used this forum to emphasize the need for rural women to actively participate in political processes; participate as candidates, register in the electoral lists, collect their voters’ cards, cast their votes.

Her Majesty Mfegue Olinga Salome Aline, President of DYDESCA. Phot credit: Mengue Valerie, UN Women Cameroon.

Responding to the lack of birth certificates and national identity cards, major barriers affecting the effective political participation of rural women, Her Majesty Mfegue Olinga Salome Aline, President of DYDESCA noted that community health agents (ASC) as part of their field responsibilities can help the women acquire a birth certificate. “Unfortunately most women are uninformed about this process” she decried.

The presence of the ELECTIONS CAMEROON (ELECAM) during this workshop provided the opportunity for participants especially rural women to register in the 2018 electoral list in Ebebda Sub Division.