Day of the Rural Woman: Women in Cameroon resolve to be peace crusaders

Sunday 15th October 2017, the international community commemorated the International Day of the Rural Woman. Cameroon took part in the commemoration under the theme, “Rural Woman, Claim your Rights to Peace.”

Nationwide there was a clarion call for the rural women to be Ambassadors of Peace and actors of sustainable development.

The ceremonies were also opportunity for rural women to highlight successes and discuss ways of addressing difficulties.

On each occasion, the women acknowleged Government’s support but requested for more.

In the Mbam and Inoubou Division in the Centre Region for example, 15th October 2017 was another opportunity to thank Government for platforms, projects and specialised programmes aimed at improving the livelihood of the rural woman.

The women however requested for a more conduisive environment to carry out their activities and better access to land.

The rural women in Cameroon all face similar challenges. These challenges stem from limited access to land, limited finances, restrictions from their husbands, insufficient training (skill development) to lack of information on existing opportunities.

The on-going socio-political unrest in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon has further restricted the activities of the rural woman.

A rural woman is a woman who depends on the informal sector for her income or livelihood.

Her activities are mostly centred around agriculture, fishing and hunting.

According to the U.N. System, rural women are active agents of economic and social change and environmental protection. This explains why they are considered the backbone of society.

The 2017 international theme for the Day of the Rural Woman is “Challenges and opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls”.

Eleanor Ayuketah

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