The Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of Cameroon launched on November 28, 2025, in Yaoundé, activities marking the 16 days of activism.
As part of activities to mark the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of Cameroon organised a sensitisation walk with media persons.
This activity, which is now of tradition, takes place each year with members of the ACAC (Advocacy for Comprehensive Abortion Care) project network involved in the organisation for a positive boost in expected results.
The one-hour sensitization walk that kicked off at the head office of SOGOC at the Nkol-Eton neighbourhood went up to Bata Nlongkak, where a good number of persons encountered in the streets were edified on the theme of this year’s commemoration, which is: “End all forms of digital violence against women and girls.
Women, young girls, and men whom the ACAC network of journalists and communicators of SOGOC met on the streets had the opportunity to receive in-depth information on the ills of GBV, especially in this era of digitalisation.
Some of the vendors with whom the group exchanged praised the initiative and called for more actions to be taken to strangle this social scourge that leads to several deaths.
Rita Yenjong, Project Manager of the ACAC project also seized the occasion to discuss with women and men on ills of GBV.
In a bid to amplify its messages on this year’s commemoration, which comes in to reinforce the numerous actions undertaken so far by SOGOC, a statement was released to castigate all forms of violence that exist online.
The Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of Cameroon states that: “In Africa, statistics reveal that an estimated 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, while digital violence remains an alarming reality. In Cameroon, the situation is equally concerning, where approximately 36% of women have encountered some form of GBV, including online harassment and threats. This violence often intersects with women’s reproductive health, leading to increased stress and health complications. Moreover, the impact of GBV on maternal health is devastating. SOGOC estimates that 25% of maternal deaths are linked to unsafe abortion practices tragic consequence of unwanted pregnancies resulting from violence. Many women are forced to resort to clandestine abortions due to a lack of access to safe services, often resulting in severe complications or even death.”
SOGOC’s staff also pointed out the fact that the launch of 16 days of activism against GBV is a critical period for collective actions and to push forward decision makers in implementing laws that will reinforce gender-based violence, notably online.
“A society, we are dedicated to advocating for comprehensive health services, including safe abortion access for survivors of rape and sexual violence. Every woman deserves to make informed choices regarding her body, and it is crucial that we provide safe spaces for them to do so. This includes addressing the barriers posed by digital violence, which can deter women from seeking help. We call upon policymakers, healthcare providers, and civil society to take immediate action to combat digital violence, ensuring that our digital environments are safe and supportive. Education and awareness initiatives are vital in empowering women and providing them with the tools to navigate these challenges without fear.” As indicated in the statement
To accentuate calls for change, the statement released by SOGOC outlines the necessity to establish quality healthcare as a move to tackle some forms of GBV.
“Together, let us strive to end all forms of violence against women and girls, both in the physical and digital realms. By fostering a culture of respect and support, we can create a future where every woman in Cameroon lives free from violence, has access to quality healthcare, and can thrive in a safe environment.”
As SOGOC continues to intensify advocacy campaigns through its project dubbed: Advocacy for Comprehensive Abortion Care (ACAC), there is a need to recall that the fight against GBV can be achieved if there are also preventive approaches to end unsafe abortion.
Elise Kenimbeni
