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A Week of Impact: 8 Ways UNESCO Marked Women’s Day In Yaounde
UNESCO ۲dzܲԻé hosted a series of memorable events to mark International Women’s Day, including forums, workshops, community outreach, and cultural celebrations aimed at inspiring and uplifting women within the local community. Here's a look back at the impactful activities that took place throughout the week:
04 MARCH 2025 – "TALKS WOMEN" FORUM
As a reminder, the theme of this year's event was ‘For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’. The week's celebrations kicked off with a fascinating forum on the promotion and protection of women's rights, moderated by Yvonne Akoa, a magistrate and expert in legal issues.
Key topics included the hierarchy of legal norms, gender-based violence, equal civil and political rights and the socio-economic empowerment of women.
Addressing the audience on the digital gap between women and men, Serge Banyimbe, Acting Head of the Communication and Information Sector, underlined the need to improve women's digital skills in order to achieve greater inclusion.
05 MARCH 2025 – Community Outreach: Donations to Women's Rights Association
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, the women of UNESCO ۲dzܲԻé visited ACABEF - Association Camerounaise pour le bien être familial - a local association that advocates for women's rights and works to empower vulnerable women. Donations of food and essential goods were made to support the association's efforts in enhancing women's capacities and ensuring their well-being.
06 MARCH 2025 – Self-Defense Workshop with Martin Bitti
A self-defense session led by Martin Bitti, president of “Me, Myself and I” – an organization combating violence against women and girls – was organized to teach practical self-defense techniques. The session aimed to equip women with the basic skills necessary to defend themselves in dangerous situations.
Self-defense isn't about knowing martial arts, but knowing how to protect oneself from potential threats, when you have only yourself to save yourself in a life-threatening situation.
07 MARCH 2025 – International Women’s Day Town Hall Meeting
On Friday 07 March, UNESCO participated in the International Women’s Day Town Hall meeting organized at the RCO’s Office with the UN Resident Coordinator. The meeting brought women together to discuss the challenges of balancing career and family life while exploring collaborative solutions to advance gender equality.
Donations & Environmental Awareness at Lycée de Nkol-Eton
Still on 07 March, UNESCO hosted a waste management awareness session at Lycée de Nkol Eton, encouraging students to adopt eco-friendly practices. The event included the presentation and donation of recycling bins for selective waste sorting. Students were excited to showcase their plans for waste, with all women invited to see their progress at the end of the year
08 MARCH 2025 – March-pass with sister-agencies of the United Nations in Cameroon
On International Women’s Day proper, UNESCO joined women from sister UN agencies for a grand March-Pass at the 20th May Boulevard in ۲dzܲԻé. The Acting Office Representative, Mr. Ould Saiid, was present with other Heads of Agencies to support this important display aimed at promoting the rights of women and girls.
11 MARCH 2025 – Grand Concert: "La Voix des Femmes"
The week concluded with a spectacular concert, “La Voix des Femmes,” organized at the Boukarou Lounge, Yaounde, with well-known artists and women's rights activists - Sandrine Nnanga and Sanzy Viany.
The concert, offered by the Culture Sector, brought together UNESCO staff and Implementation Partners from the Government, International Organizations and Civil Society to celebrate the potential, talent, and resilience of African women through music and art. This event reinforced the importance of teamwork and solidarity among women, while honoring their contributions to society.
The week-long celebration at UNESCO ۲dzܲԻé was a resounding success, bringing together women, men, and communities to reflect on the importance of gender equality, women’s rights, and empowerment. Through engaging discussions, hands-on workshops, and meaningful community outreach, the events highlighted the strength, resilience, and potential of women in Cameroon and beyond.
As the week concluded with a beautiful musical tribute to African women, it was clear that UNESCO remains committed to promoting a future where women’s voices are heard, their rights upheld, and their potential fully realized. These activities were not just a celebration, but a call to action for continued progress towards a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
