Auteur/autrice : TimesNews2

Social Affairs Minister, Pauline Irene Nguene was speaking on Saturday 3rd December 2022 in Yaounde during the official celebration of the 31st edition of the international day of persons with disabilities, IDPD. Activities to officially mark the 31st edition of the international day of persons living with disabilities took place on Saturday, 3rd December 2022 at the courtyard of the national rehabilitation center for persons with disabilities in Etoug-Ebe, Yaounde. This year’s edition was placed under the theme: “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world“. As underscored by the Ministry of Social Affairs, the United Nations calls on States to seek innovative solutions and to take sustainable measures to improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities, by engaging in interactive dialogues on the themes of Innovation for disability-inclusive development in employment (SDG8) and Innovation for disability-inclusive development in reducing inequalities (SDG10). The ceremony punctuated by several articulations was another occasion seized by persons with disabilities, PWD to voice out the numerous issues that affect them notably the precarious situations in which many are entangled due to lack of employment. Spokesperson of PWDs and by the way President of a network of associations of women living with disabilities in Cameroon known by its French acronym RAFHCAM said despite the various efforts undertaken so far by the government to protect and promote the rights of PWDs, there are quite challenging issues that still need to be uplifted. Mrs. Djuimo Odette said: “We still face physical and psychological obstacles which prevent us from fully enjoying our various rights notably in the domains of education, decent employment, sports and leisure, community goods and services, access to information for some who lack adapted materials for translation just to name these few…Persons with disabilities are generally subject to discrimination and marginalization even in terms of decision-making in groups.” While outlining the different problems faced by PWDs in Cameroon, Mrs. Djuimo Odette equally challenged the government to transfer some competencies to other ministries which do not have inclusive programs and projects for the disabled. She pointed out that all worries are carried to the Ministry of Social Affairs which to her is a small ministerial department that takes into account all issues affecting PWDs. “There is no development without persons with disabilities.” Said Minister Pauline Irene Nguene in her introductory note. Cameroon’s Minister of Social Affairs indicated some key figures in her address. She said in 2017, the population of Cameroon was estimated at twenty-three million two hundred and forty-eight thousand four (23.248.004) inhabitants and if we apply the ratio of the World Report on Disability (15%) to these demographic data, Cameroon has almost three million four hundred and eighty-seven thousand two hundred (3.487.200) people with at least one disability. As stated by the Minister, this is a significant figure of our population that should not be left aside. “Persons with disabilities should have the same privileges as normal persons. And the theme chosen this year is another call to action. We should act together for an inclusive society.” said Madame Nguene. Social Affairs’ patroness said: “This year’s theme is built around two keywords that are: “innovation” and “transformative solutions” to achieve inclusive development based on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 8 and 10 which respectively prescribe to States to achieve full and productive employment and ensure decent work and equal pay for work of equal value for all women and men, including youth and persons with disabilities; Empower all people and promote their social, economic and political integration, irrespective of age, gender, disability…” “The celebration of the international day of persons with disabilities is part of the continued implementation of the policy of social justice and national solidarity advocated by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul BIYA, which promotes the contribution of all to economic growth, every one according to his or her possibilities and capacities. It is notably marked by the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as well as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, relating to the rights of these people. Besides, the IDPD 2022 is part of the operationalization of the orientations of the National Development Strategy 2020 – 2030 for structural transformation and inclusive development, which aim at the development of human capital and the well-being of the populations.” She added. Another point on the agenda of this ceremony was the official handing over of end of courses attestations to some seven young girls of the “Bobine d’Or” inclusive training center of Ekounou in Yaounde 4. And to drop curtains on the 31st edition of the international day of persons with disabilities, the Minister visited the stands of PWDs who showcased their arts of works. Elise Kenimbeni

Minister of women’s empowerment and the family, Marie-Therese Abena Ondoa on Friday 25th November 2022 in Yaounde, Cameroon urged all key actors to mutualize efforts in order to bring at the heels Gender-based violence. Activities marking the international day for the elimination of violence against women and the 16th edition of the global campaign dubbed: “16 days of activism against violence on women and girls” were officially launched on Friday 25th November 2022 in Yaounde, Cameroon by Minister of women’s empowerment and the family, Marie-Therese Abena Ondoa. The campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10 is this year placed under the theme: “Let us join forces to end violence against women and girls.” Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Abena Ondoa Marie-Therese said the fight against Gender-Based violence, GBV remains one of the core priorities of her ministerial department and government as a whole as coordinated actions have been put in place to end this scourge. She said the government with the support of its technical and financial partners has recently elaborated the 2022-2026 National Strategic Plan for the fight against Gender-Based Violence and a National Plan of Action to tackle female genital mutilations. In her address, MINPROFF underscored some relevant challenges such as the environmental, health, security, and climate change crises that accentuate all forms of GBV on women and girls notably in the North-West, South-West, and Far-North regions which are rocked by the crises. The Minister equally indicated that the government is inclined on uplifting legal challenges to restore the dignity of women and girls. “At the national level, the principle of gender equality is affirmed in the Constitution of Cameroon adopted in 1972 and revised in 1996 and 2008. Although there is no specific law that punishes violence against women, the legal framework for the protection of women against attacks on their dignity and physical integrity was strengthened with the adoption in 2016 of Law No. 2016/007 of 12 July 2016 on the Penal Code. However, more efforts need to be made to domesticate the provisions of ratified international conventions and align them with the national legal framework. The revision of the Civil Code, which has been underway for several years, the drafting of new texts integrating the relevant provisions of the CEDAW, such as the Persons and Family Code, and the bill of law on the repression of gender-based violence are hopeful for the many victims…” Minister Abena Ondoa outlined. GBV rates on alert As indicated in a report from the Ministry of women’s empowerment and the family, violence against women and girls is still a reality in Cameroon and key figures show how challenging is the situation nationwide. The report states that: “The 2018 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) indicates that 39% of women and 42% of men aged 15-49 years reported having experienced physical violence from individuals, since the age of 15. Furthermore, 18% of women and 14% of men experienced such violence in the last 12 months of the survey. It should be noted that the percentage of women aged 15-49 who experienced physical violence from individuals in the 12 months prior to the survey increased from the 2004 DHS-III to the 2011 DHS-MICS, from 21% to 27%; then it dropped to 18% in the 2018 DHS-V.” Added to the above statistics, MINPROFF states that domestic violence is predominant and is even the cause of several deaths. “In terms of domestic violence, more than four out of ten (44%) women aged 15-49 in a union or in a broken union reported having experienced violence, be it emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse, at some point by a current or most recent husband/partner and 32% of cases are recent, that is in the last 12 months. The most common forms of domestic violence for women are physical (34%), emotional (29%), and sexual abuse (10%).  The results for men show that one-third (33%) of men in a union or relationship breakdown have experienced emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse, at some point from a current or most recent wife/partner and 22% of cases are recent, that is within the last 12 months. Men mostly reported experiencing emotional abuse (30% at some point and 18% recently) compared to 12% and 7% respectively for physical violence. Compared to women, the percentages of men who experienced physical violence are about three times lower (12% and 7% compared to 34% and 20%). The DHS-V data also reveals that among women aged 15-49 who are currently pregnant or have been pregnant, 7% reported having experienced physical violence during pregnancy, regardless of the perpetrator.” UNiTE Campaign The “16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence” is an international campaign launched in 1991 by activists from the Women’s Global Leadership Institute to protect women’s rights and prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls. In support of this civil society initiative, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres is calling for global action to raise awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts, and share knowledge and innovations to end Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) once and for all through the global UNiTE campaign against violence on women and girls launched in 2008. It is a multi-year advocacy effort for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls worldwide. “UNiTE” calls on governments, development actors, civil society, women’s organizations, youth, the private sector, the media, and the entire UN system to join forces to combat violence against women and girls. The dates of 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and 10 December, International Human Rights Day, marking the beginning and end of the Campaign respectively, were chosen to symbolically create a link between violence against women and girls and human rights. Thus, emphasis is placed on the fact that such violence is a violation of human rights. The sixteen-day period also highlights other significant dates, such as 29 November, International Human Rights Defenders Day, and 1 December, World AIDS Day. Elise Kenimbeni

The city of Yaounde played host on November 22, 2022, to a press lunch aimed at raising awareness on the optional protocols relating to the convention on the rights of the child ratified by Cameroon. Close to 20 participants from the media, international organizations, civil society organizations, and the government gathered in Yaounde, Cameroon’s nation capital on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, in line with the 33rd anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, placed under the theme: “For an equal and inclusive world”. According to the United Nations, the celebration that takes place every year on November 20 recalls the crucial role of children in our societies, and the need to protect and promote their rights. Cameroon signed on October 27, 1990, and ratified on January 11, 1993, the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This convention made up of some important protocols was reviewed by the different participants at the press lunch. As indicated by the Country Director of Plan International, this ratification marks the willingness and commitment of authorities to create a favourable and conducive environment for the full development of every child. Cameroon, despite this strong willingness, faces security, economic and cultural challenges that hamper the implementation of children’s rights. Mr. Johnson Bien-Aimé added that this ratification marks the will and commitment of authorities to create a conducive and favorable environment for the full development of each child. In addition, Cameroon signed on October 5, 2001, two of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, CRC. In particular, the: Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict, ratified on February 4, 2013; Optional Protocol, concerning the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography, ratified in 2019, in accordance with Law No. 2019/017 of December 24, 2019, authorizing the President of the Republic to ratify the said protocol. In his speech, the Country Director of Plan International outlined that, children are often victims of bad treatment, negative social and cultural practices, sexual abuse, and all forms of exploitation. Mr. Bien-Aimé said: “We want the media to act, protect, support, to relay and work together with Plan International for the wellbeing of the children, especially girls. It is time for the media, and journalists to give us a push at all levels. You have to help us to disseminate, and educate children and people in villages and communities wherever they could be in Cameroon.” While officially presiding over the press lunch session, Minister of women’s empowerment and the family, Pr. Marie-Therese Abena Ondoa in her keynote address stated some rights which are fundamental to the well-being of children. Minister Abena Ondoa said children have: the right to have a name, a nationality, an identity; the right to be cared for, to be protected from diseases; to have an adequate and balanced diet; the right to go to school; the right to be protected against all forms of discrimination; the right not to engage in or be subjected to war; the right to shelter, to be rescued and to have decent living conditions; the right to play and have leisure; the right to freedom of information, expression and participation; the right to have a family, to be cared for and loved; the right to protection from exploitative labour, just to name these few. Taking stock of the numerous challenges which affect children’s rights, the Minister of women’s empowerment and the family said parents and communities have a crucial role to act for the best interests of children. She seized the occasion to pin down issues such as non-registration of births which impede the country’s development and the 2030 SDGs; the recruitment of children in arm groups; children deny from schooling and those exploited at various levels. She went further to point out significant figures brought out in a recent report published by UNICEF. “265 million children around the world still do not have access to school and 250 million are directly affected by conflicts and wars, 168 million are engaged in work, half of whom are involved in dangerous work that is 85 million…” She said. Madame Abena Ondoa equally said the current insecurity environment faced in some parts of the country is a threat to children’s rights. “In Cameroon, the 10th edition of world children’s day is celebrated as it has been for several years, in a context marked by an environment of insecurity, following the atrocities of the Boko-Haram sect in the northern regions of the country and the socio-political crisis that is rocking the North-West and South-West regions.” The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is an international agreement on childhood. Now the most ratified of all international treaties, this historic commitment to the world’s children has radically transformed young lives across the globe. Elise Kenimbeni

Secretary-General in the Ministry of Social Affairs, Beryl Itoh Panje chaired on Tuesday 22nd November 2022 in Yaounde, a meeting aimed at reviewing the strategic plan to fight against HIV/AIDS in this ministerial department. The meeting that took place on Tuesday, 22nd November 2022 in the conference hall of the ministry of social affairs brought together experts from UNICEF, the national committee for the fight against AIDS, and personnel of the host ministry. As outlined by the Secretary-General in the Ministry of Social Affairs (MINAS), the meeting that entered within the framework of the Cameroonian month for the fight against HIV/AIDS is also crucial as its falls in line with the national strategic plan of action set up by the ministry. Mrs. Panje Itoh Beryl said: « This meeting we just held enters within the framework of activities marking the celebration of the 7th edition of the Cameroonian month for the fight against HIV/AIDS and the 31st World AIDS day come December 1. At the Ministry of Social Affairs, we try to work together with our partners to evaluate and see how we can improve the visibility and performance of the social sector as our key contribution. The close two-hour working session placed under the theme: “Exigence and implication in a sectorial planning of activities for the fight against HIV/AIDS” paved the way for in-depth discussions on the 2017-2021 strategic plan of action put in place at the level of the ministry of social affairs notably for those living with disabilities. UNICEF’s representative and expert in the HIV/AIDS program, Dr. Bacha seized the occasion to praise efforts undertaken by MINAS on the field and said the Ministry has a pivotal role to play at the levels of communities, this thanks to the different partnerships signed recently with decentralized authorities and 20 councils. Secretary-General while chairing the meeting insisted on the fact the ministry which is at the service of people living with disabilities and vulnerable groups like elderly persons has been working towards an inclusive campaign. Communication has been adapted for the various target groups as she said. “We equally work with our partners to seek efficient strategies that will help us identify the various methods of intervention so that we get right to our target populations and see how we can at our level reduce this pandemic of HIV/AIDS. Peer educators trained a year ago will equally be evaluated in the course of these activities…” Mrs. Panje Itoh said. The Focal point of HIV/AIDS in the ministry, Theodore Ngue in his presentation emphasized the different communication supports that need to be adapted to people living with disabilities. Theodore Ngue said most posters designed for the campaign against HIV/AIDS are not inclusive. He said, for instance, visually impaired persons are most often left aside in the course of such communications and the role of MINAS is to make sure that such campaigns take into account all their target groups as well as to put in place initiatives that are socially inclusive. He added that the session was equally out to launch a series of activities that have been endorsed in the sectorial plan of action and to review the different challenges which are hindering the fight at the level of their department. Innovative measures have been set up to commemorate the 31st edition of World AIDS day as he said. “We have among other open doors activities that will help to sell out what we do in our sector. Through this activity, we intend to inform the public about strategies put in place at MINAS to eradicate this pandemic. On December 3, 2022, in all ten regional headquarters, we shall organize a sensitization campaign for people living with disabilities and who are highly exposed to the disease due to some hindrances.” Besides the Secretary-General, other officials of MINAS such as the Inspector General, Mr. Valentine Asongtia Foreke, the Director of social protection, Jean-Pierre Edjoa, the Chief of the communication unit, Mrs. Nathalie Dikoume, etc. Elise Kenimbeni

De son vrai nom Brice Kembue Tetchou, le jeune étudiant en communication des organisations a été plébiscité par les jurys et les internautes lors de la 32e édition de la finale de Mutzig Star édition 2022 qui s’est tenue le 18 novembre au centre de production de la CRTV a Mballa II, dans la cité capitale Yaoundé. Grâce à son titre « Nou Njieu njieu », Brice Legend a réussi à séduire les mélomanes avec son rythme folklorique y compris sa tenue vestimentaire. Ils étaient cinq candidats en finale mais deux d’entre eux ont capté l’attention des votants à l’instar de Brice Kembue et Laure Meke. Au finish, c’est l’étudiant en deuxième année communication des organisations qui finit par damer le pion à sa concurrente directe, grâce au vote des internautes. Stupéfait, le jeune chanteur en herbe n’en revient pas. « C’est inexplicable parce que je ne m’attendais vraiment pas, pas du tout ! Étant gagnant, je suis tellement ému. » a-t-il lancé visiblement très ému. Il a indiqué également : « je vais d’abord continuer dans la musique, à valoriser la culture camerounaise et faire l’effort de mettre cet argent au profit de la musique camerounaise. » Agé de 26 ans, le vainqueur de Mutzig star 2022 remporte la somme de cinq millions de francs CFA, plus un contrat d’un an pour la production et la promotion de son album. Le numéro un, Brice Legend est suivi par Laure Meke qui empoche deux Millions de francs CFA (2.000.000FCFA), la troisième, Rose Yako Njoh remporte la somme d’Un Million Cinq Cent Mille francs CFA(1.500.000FCFA), la quatrième, Flora Madeleine Bokengue empoche la somme d’Un Million de francs CFA(1.000.000FCFA) et Massai Pueugueu classe en cinquième position à la somme de Sept Cent Cinquante Mille francs CFA(750.000FCFA). Cette autre édition riche en couleurs et pleine d’innovations a rendu son verdict final en faveur de Brice Legend, qui succède à Jean Léopold Bitom vainqueur de l’édition Mutzig Star 2021.   Ayouba Nsangou

In order to wrap up the month-long celebration of the 2022 international day of the girl child coupled with its 10th anniversary, Plan International Cameroon organized a girls’ takeover activity in the ministry of external relations on Wednesday, 16th November 2022. Marie-Rose Atangana Bella, a 16-year- old student at the Okola technical high school situated in the outskirts of Yaounde, precisely in the Lekie division of the Center region of Cameroon has been chosen by Plan International as the 2022 Girls Takeover champion to fill in the shoes of Director of the United Nations and decentralized cooperation in the Ministry of External Relations. The female student mentored by Plan International Cameroon was welcomed in Yaounde by Mr. Bien-Aimé Johnson, Country Director, and later on in the office of the Director of the United Nations and decentralized cooperation, His Excellency Ebenezer Mouandjo where she held a meeting with her various collaborators. Marie-Rose for close to 30 minutes reviewed files of the ongoing COP-27 taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt; current issues at the department of the United Nations and decentralized cooperation and ended discussions with the Girls Takeover initiative. The young student studying food and nutrition in the class of “Premiere”, francophone sub-system education was warmly applauded for her dynamism and bravery, as she was able to play the role of director with a lot of serenity. As one of those championing the rights of the girl child in Cameroon notably in her community, Marie-Rose said this exercise was of great importance for her who believes in female leadership. His Excellency Ebenezer Mouandjo, Director of the United Nations and decentralized cooperation said: “My impressions are really great because to be the representative of the Minister of external relations in this occasion gives me the opportunity to portray the strong commitment of the ministry alongside the government as a whole in order to point out the advocacy of the girls’ right in our country. And as recalled during the discussion that we are celebrating this year the 10th anniversary of this day of the girl child and so ten years ago the United Nations took that commitment to work with Member States to foster and promote the rights of the girl child…” The Diplomat equally praised the bravery of the young girl who to him is a good example of female empowerment and clearly shows the need to invest in the girl child. The Department of the United Nations and decentralized cooperation in the Ministry of External Relations is a broad office that has among others duties: relations between Cameroon and the United Nations; the coordination of multilateral cooperation between Cameroon and the United Nations System, in liaison with the other administrations concerned; the monitoring of activities and programs of the United Nations bodies and its specialized agencies; maintaining and updating the file of United Nations bodies and its specialized agencies; maintaining and updating the file of United Nations Member States; monitoring cooperation with decentralized entities, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations; research and exploitation of employment opportunities with a view to Cameroonian access to the UN Public Service and the periodic evaluation of Cameroon’s cooperation with the United Nations. Taking part in this Girls’ takeover activity was equally the staff of Plan International Cameroon led by Mr. Fagnon Paul, Head of Programs who represented the Country Director. Girls Takeover Initiative The initiative launched worldwide in 2016 by Plan International is a call to action for radical social and political change to tear down barriers of discrimination and prejudice that continue to hold girls back. Plan International equally states that, through this exercise, hundreds of girls step into the roles of leaders for a day to demand equal power, freedom, and representation for girls and young women. Through the Girls Takeover, young girls occupy spaces where they are rarely seen or heard, making it clear they have the right to be there without being silenced or ignored. Elise Kenimbeni