Auteur/autrice : TimesNews2

The Ministry of Social Affairs and the UN Agency in charge of the food programme signed a memorandum of understanding on March 22, 2024, in Yaounde. It is a significant milestone in the World Food Programme’s partnership with the government of Cameroon, as the two entities signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, 22nd of March 2024 in Yaounde. The partnership agreement was sealed between Social Affairs Minister, Pauline Irene Nguene and country representative of World Food Programme, Wanja Kaaria. Reaching out to marginalized groups Speaking on behalf of the World Food Programme, Country Representative, Wanja Kaaria said this new collaborative accord comes at a time when her organization is engaged in curbing the needs of vulnerable communities and supports the government in its various actions. She outlined the fact that this partnership agreement is just the continuation of a long-standing collaboration established with the government throughout a series of ongoing programs that seek to relieve vulnerable groups in humanitarian settings or remote areas. “More than ever, we are called to effectively respond to the pressing needs of vulnerable people. We must make sure we build strong communities and social systems, including social services that help equip the vulnerable populations with tools required to increase their resilience to a variety of shocks.” Wanja Kaaria said. Pauline Irene Nguene, Minister of Social Affairs, on her part, said this agreement is highly welcomed as it will be an effective response to the multidimensional needs of marginalized communities as observed on the field. Taking stock of the numerous activities achieved by WFP on the field, she praised this new collaboration that will be of benefit to marginalized groups. Madam Nguene went further to express government’s will to see an extension of the MoU and new partnership agreements addressed to target groups such as those children and girls living with disabilities. It was disclosed during the signing ceremony that WFP and MINAS have put in place an annual plan of action for 2024 with a total budget of 107.587.898 FCFA. That is 81.114.748 FCFA for the World Food Programme and 26.473.150 FCFA for the Ministry of Social Affairs. This information was highlighted in a presentation by Henri Nyambi III Dikosso, Technical Adviser number 1 and Coordinator of the RESUC project at the Ministry of Social Affairs. Stakes of the partnership Since 2022, the two structures have worked together to operationalize the unified social registry (register unifié social au Cameroun-RESUC), aimed at assisting the government, humanitarian and development actors to implement social assistance programmes and projects effectively and efficiently. Through this agreement, the World Food Programme, the United Nations Agency, and the Ministry of Social Affairs, MINAS will strengthen collaboration to design and deliver inclusive social assistance, placing marginalized groups at the heart of their work. Via this newly signed memorandum of understanding, MoU, the World Food Programme, WFP which embarked on the field of social protection in Cameroon, is setting the pace for technical and financial assistance. According to provisions of the MoU, the UN’s agency food programme and MINAS are expected to collaboratively achieve some key objectives as stated in their partnership accord. In objective number 1, WFP facilitates South-South and Triangular cooperation for the government of Cameroon through direct exchange of knowledge, experiences, skills, resources, and technical know-how to support the expansion and coordination of Cameroon’s social protection system. In objective number 2, it is stated that accountability to affected populations is mainstreamed through information, provision, consultation, and the establishment and efficient management of a grievance redress and feedback mechanism for the Unified Social Registry. In objective number 3, MINAS’ capacity is strengthened to coordinate, design, deliver, monitor, and evaluate inclusive social assistance through digital cash transfers, taking into account the varied vulnerabilities of those supported through MINAS and partners’ mandates. Timesnews2.info

Pour cette 2eme phase des chantiers musicaux du Cameroun, près de 30 experts nationaux et internationaux ont été conviés à Yaoundé du 18 au 21 mars 2024. C’est un projet rénovateur qui a été mis en place par le Conseil Camerounais de la Musique (CCM) avec l’appui de la Coopération Française. C’est un programme de rencontres axées sur la structuration de l’industrie musicale du Cameroun dénommé « Chantiers Musicaux du Cameroun ». Tel qu’indiqué par le comité d’organisation, l’objectif principale est de mener une réflexion sur les enjeux et les perspectives de ce secteur artistique et économique de premier plan, et de proposer des solutions concrètes dans ses différentes composantes. Et entre autres, il est question de créer et structurer un réseau de professionnels sur tout le territoire ; Contribuer à la formation et la professionnalisation des acteurs camerounais de la musique ; Rédiger un schéma de développement de l’industrie musicale au Cameroun proposant la mise en œuvre d’objectif à court, moyen et longs termes. Revalorisation de l’industrie musicale Au cours de la cérémonie de lancement de cette 2eme phase qui s’est tenue à l’institut français du Cameroun (IFC), Didier Toko, président en exercice du Conseil Camerounais de la Musique a planté le décor en soulignant les contours de ce programme qui est exécuté en 6 mois (de janvier en juin 2024). Ledit programme se déroule en trois grandes étapes soutenues par l’élaboration d’un document cadre (le schéma directeur de la musique au Cameroun) qui posera un diagnostic froid sur la situation ainsi que les pistes et axes stratégiques de développement de l’industrie musicale. Selon Didier Toko, cette deuxième phase prévue du 18 au 21 mars 2024, en marge du YAMEX (Yaoundé Music Expo), est la suite des premières rencontres qui se sont tenues à Douala du 8 au 10 février de cette année. Il souligne que la première phase a permis de planter le décor sur le programme qui est soutenu par la Coopération Française. « Il faut dire que nous avons commencé par regrouper à Douala pendant trois jours des professionnels venant des dix régions du pays, pour identifier déjà leur savoir-faire et aussi identifier leurs besoins. Nous avons découvert que les problématiques sont diverses d’une région a une autre, d’où nous avons pensé qu’une seconde phase est nécessaire et nous devions faire intervenir des professionnels dans plusieurs domaines. Toute à l’heure nous expliquons par exemple que sur le plan fiscal, il y’a plusieurs entreprises qui créent de la musique mais qui ne sont pas sur le plan légal (qui n’existent pas. Et on s’est dit qu’on devait faire venir tous ces experts à Yaoundé pour une seconde phase. Des experts en fiscalité, marketing, communication et même en diffusion. » dixit Didier Toko. L’artiste musicienne et animatrice TV, Ruby Gyang a salué les efforts entrepris par le CCM qui a mis en place ce programme bénéfique. Elle a aussi souligné le fait qu’elle est venue acquérir de nouveaux outils qui l’aideront à être meilleure dans ses productions musicales. La jeune artiste camerounaise ajoute que, grâce à ce type de programmes, la musique camerounaise est sûre d’avancer sur le plan mondial et de se positionner au sommet. Des artistes de renommée internationale comme le camerounais Blick Bassy ont également pris part à ces rencontres qui se sont déroulées dans la capitale camerounaise sur plusieurs sites. Les quatre sites choisi pour ces ateliers étaient : L’IFC, le Centre culturel UBUNTU au quartier Fouda, où se tenaient les ateliers en tronc commun en matinée et en après-midi des ateliers de diffusion ; le cabinet Sciencage pour l’atelier de promotion, et le laboratoire de Bastos & Studio Ndabott pour l’atelier de production. A propos du Conseil Camerounais de la Musique Le Conseil Camerounais de la Musique est une association à but non lucratif créée en 2009 à Douala. Elle a pour objectif de : Timesnews2.info

Within the framework of the Plan for Girls Project, an advocacy session with parliamentarians was organized on March 7, 2024, in Yaounde, Cameroon. Urgent Actions Needed Fatoumata Mapaltei, a young girl from the locality of Tcheboa in the Benoué division of the North region, got entangled in a situation where her birth certificate was highly required. While trying to have the precious document, she discovered that thousands of children were deprived of birth certificates in the North region. In her advocacy memo, she disclosed that over 12.000 children could not sit for the 2023 official examinations in the North region due to lack of birth certificates. On her part, Solantine Mainipa, 17, who comes from the Lagdo subdivision said, that today she is filled with tears and remorse because her best friend got pregnant at an early age and was later unable to pursue her studies, and most importantly achieve her dreams. She believes, her young female friend and other girls in her school have been trapped in this situation because they were not well counseled. Miss Mainipa pledged the creation of safe spaces and centers in schools, as a move to address the challenges of comprehensive sexual education(CSE), and to help adolescents and young girls who are victims of several abuses to report on their cases. The young natives of Tcheboa and Lagdo subdivisions were speaking on Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Yaoundé during an advocacy session with parliamentarians. As two beneficiaries of the Plan for Girls project implemented by Plan International Cameroon in the North region, they volunteered to be spokespersons of other adolescents and youths for a positive change. The said advocacy session, gathered six senators from the North region, authorities, the Representative of the Canadian High Commission, youth leaders, champions, and the staff of Plan International Cameroon. Parliamentarians onboard The session which was mainly dedicated to advocacy brought together some six senators from the region of concern. These Senators who represent the Upper House of Parliament in Cameroon were convened to be informed of the social ills plaguing the well-being of their populations notably adolescents and youths, who constitute a major force in the development of the country. The Senators who praised the courage and engagement of the two young girls also acknowledged the fact that they are aware of such issues and have set the pace with some local authorities to remediate the situation, especially that of birth certificates which causes a lot of grievances. Senator Pierrette Hayatou said Plan International Cameroon should issue a memo stating some key interventions where they need to act. At the end of the session, Senator Oumarou Vaindang vowed to lead the young girls in their advocacy move. “We will first thank Plan International for this initiative. And we appreciate the fact that our children left our native North region to meet us in Yaounde to come and pose their daily worries. I think as elites and parliamentarians, we have to contribute to the well-being of our young girls in this part of the country. We all know the problems they brought up, these are serious issues that affect the majority of our population. This advocacy should not stay in our coffers, we have to accompany these young girls, so that, they can move out of these precarious situations.” He said. Senator Didjatou Oumarou, went further to reiterate the support of parliamentarians in this laudable initiative and said it will be done progressively. She added: “We are glad to have been associated with this project of Plan International and we have heard, if I have to say so, the different grievances made by our young girls from the North region. Our approach here is to help them, as we commit to accompany them in their advocacy, to have the results expected.” Plan for Girls Records Strides Speaking to media practitioners after the session, Edith Tambe epse Owona, Program Manager of the Plan for Girls project praised the progress made so far by the project and its level of implementation in the North region. She said: “We are happy with the environment which is becoming much more safe for adolescents. However, much has still to be done, in the sense that, service providers who are intervening in the different domains of the project have been trained, and made to understand the delicate stage of adolescence and the beautiful potential they all have. Henceforth, in their service delivery, and because of the capacity-building sessions they had, now they are more conscious of the fact that they need to make those services adolescent-friendly, and protective. They need to indeed be very conscious when they are dealing with adolescents. We will also celebrate the collaboration with key stakeholders like civil society organizations, mayors, and local authorities…” As concerns the perspectives, with regards to the numerous strides recorded by the project that entered year six, Edith Tambe epse Owona outlined the fact that Plan International Cameroon has set in place innovative measures to push forward the project. “We are marching up to the seventh year which is characterized by a lot of sustainability and one of the key successes regarding that, is the putting in place of a transition committee composed of different stakeholders, and Plan International Cameroon is taking the backstage. They are the ones to move on with key interventions and they commit themselves to say in which domain they will work on.” She narrated. About Plan for Girls Project Since 2018, this project supported by the Canadian High Commission has helped to empower adolescent girls in Benin and Cameroon. Through this project, youths have access to improved, adolescent-friendly services in the areas of education, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and economic empowerment by creating an integrated package of core, community-level activities for adolescents. The project uses an approach that puts girls at the center of its actions, working in collaboration with parents, community leaders, and governments, to advance gender equality and empower adolescent girls. It also addresses persistent challenges

Plus de 21.000 femmes ont pris part à la parade de la 39eme édition de la Journée internationale des droits de la femme, qui a été présidée par la Première dame, Chantal Biya. C’est le boulevard du 20 mai à Yaoundé, qui a servi de cadre comme il est de tradition, à la parade de la journée internationale des droits de la femme, le vendredi 8 mars 2024. Pour le défilé de cette 39eme édition, il y’avait au boulevard du 20 mai, plus de 21.000 femmes issues de plusieurs couches sociales. La parade qui s’est tenue durant plus de deux heures d’horloge a été présidée par la Première Dame, Mme Chantal Biya qui avait à ses cotes, Mme Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa, Ministre de la promotion de la femme et de la Famille, les Ministres et plusieurs autres les invités. Les femmes en rangs serrés Le défilé présidé par la Première Dame du Cameroun a duré plus de deux heures. Il a été constitué de 11 wagons à savoir : le secteur souveraineté, défense et sécurité, le secteur administratif générale et financier, le secteur enseignement, formation et recherche, le secteur communication, culture, jeunesse, sports et loisirs, le secteur santé, affaires sociales et sécurité sociale, secteur infrastructures, secteur production et commerce, secteur société civile, Associations féminines du département du Mfoundi, défilé motorisé et le wagon du MINPROFF comme à l’accoutumée a clôturé la parade. C’est exactement à 12heures top pile que la Première dame, Madame Chantal Biya est arrivée au boulevard du 20 mai. Elle a été accueillie par deux enfants puis place à l’exécution de l’hymne national du Cameroun. L’ambassadrice de bonne volonté a tenu une fois de plus à communier avec les femmes au cours du défilé. Des messages qui appellent à un investissement sur la femme, ainsi qu’à son autonomisation étaient en vitrine. Les femmes des administrations publiques, du secteur privé, de la société civile et du secteur informel comme l’association des buyam sellam du Cameroun, ont brillé par leur participation active et remarquables. Il était question de démontrer que les femmes jouent un rôle prépondérant dans le développement de notre pays et souhaitent être partie prenante à tous les niveaux de prise de décision. Toute en joie, la Première dame, Chantal Biya a encouragé toutes les défilantes à leurs passages à travers des applaudissements. La Ministre de la promotion de la femme et de la famille ainsi que les autres personnalités et diplomates présents au boulevard ont été émus par le joli spectacle offert au public. Il y’a eu au cours de la parade, un carré spécial de la société civile. Celui-ci comme les années antérieures était composé des femmes venues des régions du Nord-Ouest et du Sud-Ouest. Une véritable démonstration de force qui traduisait le vivre ensemble, la paix et l’unité au Cameroun. Au cours de leur passage, les femmes de ces régions anglophones ont chanté : « We are one, we are together » qui signifie en français « Nous sommes un, nous sommes ensemble ». Thème de la JIF 2024  Les festivités marquant cette 39eme édition de la journée internationale des droits de la femme étaient placées sous le thème : « Investir en faveur des femmes : accélérer le rythme ». Selon le Ministre de la Promotion de la Femme et de la Famille (MINPROFF) : « Cette thématique nous invite à nous unir pour transformer les défis auxquels les femmes font face en opportunités. Il est également question de réfléchir sur la manière de façonner un avenir meilleur pour tous en luttant contre la pauvreté des femmes, à travers les réformes et institutions mises en place, le renforcement de la lutte contre les inégalités entre les sexes et l’amélioration des réponses aux besoins financiers de la femme et de la fille. » « Malgré les avancées, l’on observe encore des écarts dans de nombreux domaines entre les hommes et les femmes, les filles et les garçons. Notre ministère n’attend pas reculer et à cet effet, nous devons accélérer la mise en œuvre des stratégies déjà mises en place afin d’atteindre l’Objectif de Développement Durable N°5 d’ici 2030, qu’on ne cessera jamais de répéter parvenir à l’égalité des sexes et autonomiser toutes les femmes et les filles. Les femmes camerounaises expriment leur adhésion sans réserve aux politiques mises en route tous les défis de développement, dans un élan de patriotisme, de fraternité consolidée et d’unité » a indique Madame le Ministre, Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa. A propos de la JIF Le 8 mars est une journée internationale qui permet d’évoquer les acquis des femmes mais également de prendre la mesure des défis qui restent à affronter et de rappeler que l’amélioration des droits des femmes, leur participation à la vie politique et économique et l’égalité entre les sexes est un enjeu de société global qui nécessite la mobilisation et la contribution de toutes et tous. Reconnue officiellement par les Nations Unies en 1977, la Journée internationale des droits des femmes trouve son origine dans de multiples luttes des ouvrières et des suffragettes du début du XXème siècle, pour de meilleures conditions de travail, le droit de vote et la fin des discriminations entre les femmes et les hommes. Les manifestations organisées à travers le monde lors de cette journée permettent de célébrer les actes de courage et détermination accomplis par les femmes ordinaires qui ont joué un rôle extraordinaire dans l’histoire de leurs pays et de leurs communautés. Cette journée est l’occasion d’évoquer les acquis des femmes, de prendre la mesure des défis qui restent à affronter et de rappeler que l’amélioration des droits des femmes, leur participation à la vie politique et économique et l’égalité entre les sexes est un combat de tous les instants qui nécessite la mobilisation et la contribution de toutes et tous. Ayouba Nsangou

Close to 30 young girls and boys were convened on Wednesday, 6th of March 2024, at the head office of the non-governmental organization in Yaounde as part of activities to mark International Women’s Day come March 8. As part of activities to mark the 39th edition of the International Women’s Day in Cameroon, humanitarian organization, Plan International Cameroon organized a media corner with close to 30 young girls, boys, and women. The event that took place on March 6, 2024, at the head office of the non-governmental organization in Bastos, Yaounde was an open discussion for girls and boys who expressed themselves on how to accelerate gender equality at their level. Discussions focused mainly on the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, IWD 2024: “Invest in women, accelerate progress towards Gender Equality”. The media corner which is now a traditional activity inscribed in the agenda of the humanitarian organization, Plan International Cameroon, as a move to impact her influencing activities, has paved the way to another session with amazing stories and best practices from youths invited. The session anchored by Dr. Eddy Patrick Donkeng, Head of the communication and influencing department and Jacqueline Nkonla, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Lead, took place in the form of an exchange with questions, answers and later came up recommendations from participants. Clovis Ayuk, country Gender Equality and Inclusion specialist for Plan International Cameroon said the media corner was aimed at thrilling these young girls and boys, to express themselves on the theme of this year and in another way, to partake in advancing children’s rights. He said: “Plan International Cameroon in its way to accompany the government with regarding the theme of this year, that is: investing on women, accelerating progress towards gender equality, organized this media corner that gathered young girls from different parts of the country… It is very important to get girls and let them involved practically into it. Through this activity, we are trying to get their understanding of the theme and what they can bring in. That is, what they want, what is that action in which they want to invest in, to be able to accelerate gender equality in the country. And of course, based on the recommendations made here by these young girls and boys, we will be able to accompany them and ensure they are taken into account in our programs and influencing activities.” Going by her experience as a young student who got pregnant in year one of the national advanced school of engineering in Yaounde(Polytech), Vanessa shared her story as one who lost hope at a given moment. Vanessa said she got pregnant at 20 when she just entered the prestigious school known as Polytech. At her age, she was determined to succeed in her education but with an unwanted pregnancy, her hope was shattered and she wished to abort. Her thoughts to abort finally faded, thanks to advice and support from her family and some close friends notably boys, she kept the baby and pursued her education. The 24-year-old student specializing in cybersecurity at Polytech narrated her story during the media corner with great enthusiasm and hope. She said the occasion is well seized to encourage young girls who believe that pregnancy is a fatality and can lead to failure in education. Just like Vanessa, Aichatou Oumarou who is a trained champion of children’s rights has incited her peers to work hard and never relent. Speaking to media practitioners, Aichatou 20, said activities of the international women’s day are crucial for young girls who will be the future women of tomorrow and who should be aware of the key role they will play in society. “An educated girl has an important role to play in the society tomorrow.” She underscored. Aichatou went further to boost the morale of other young girls and boys present, taking an example of her situation as an underprivileged girl who succeeded in going to school. Miss Oumarou said she is striving to be among the best thanks to Plan International Cameroon who allowed her to continue her studies and enrolled her into several educative programs. She narrated: “Whatever the difficulties you face in your life never give up! Always rise and believe in your potential, and say “Yes I can”. Always work hard and when you dream of achieving something in your life, wake up every day with this idea in your mind.” At the end of the session, the young participants expressed the will to have several other initiatives of this kind to build awareness and encourage parents to invest in both their male and female children. Let us recall that, since 1996, Plan International Cameroon has worked together with children, young people, supporters, and partners to strive for a just world, where we are all equal. To do that we tackle the root causes of the challenges and inequalities that children and young girls face. Elise Kenimbeni