By Neba Jerome Ambe
Activities commemorating the 61st edition of the International Women’s Day were marked with a blend of community outreach, institutional engagement, and advocacy in Bamenda, under the coordination of Elizabeth Mary, Community Development Officer of MIDENO.
The week-long celebration brought together staff of the development authority in a series of events aimed at promoting unity, social responsibility, and the empowerment of women and girls. A key highlight was a sporting exercise that saw both male and female staff participate, reinforcing teamwork and institutional cohesion.
Speaking during the event, Ndula Lawrence, Staff Representative of MIDENO, emphasized the importance of collaboration within the institution. He noted that joint activities such as sports help strengthen bonds among staff, thereby enhancing productivity. He added that it remains a point of pride for male colleagues to support their female counterparts in all initiatives.
In a gesture of solidarity, the women of MIDENO extended their outreach to inmates at the Bamenda Central Prison. They donated essential items including sanitary kits, cartons of soap, and detergent. The initiative, organizers said, was aimed at encouraging female inmates and reminding them that incarceration does not define their future.
As part of efforts to raise awareness and stimulate dialogue, participants engaged in discussions on key societal issues. Topics included empowering young people for responsible social living, protecting the rights of women and girls in conflict situations, improving access to justice in Cameroon, and addressing gender-based violence while combating impunity.
The commemorative activities culminated in a grand march past on March 8, 2026, along Bamenda’s Commercial Avenue, in line with nationwide celebrations marking International Women’s Day. Organizers say the initiative reflects MIDENO’s continued commitment to gender inclusion, community development, and social transformation in the North-West Region.
