Description
The Cameroon Medical Women’s Association (CMWA) is a National Non-Governmental Organization recognized under the law governing, non-political and non -profit making organizations Cameroon. CMWA Bamenda is affiliated to the International Medical Women Association. The group started in 1990 and was approved in Yaoundé by the Ministry of Territorial Administration Via Prefectural Decision No. 00810/RDA/J06/BAPP of 23/05/1991.
This is the annual report of activities for CMWA Bamenda which is one of the branches in Cameroon based in Bamenda North West Region.
International Women’s day 2000
Project Context
Given that one of CMWA’s area of intervention is women’s empowerment, participating in International Women’s Day is integral to spreading awareness about women’s rights. In this respect, CMWA is always very active in this celebratory day. In Cameroon, International Women’s Day is a day when women do not have to work and can celebrate themselves through parades and public engagements. Special commemorative fabric is designed each year by the president’s wife and is worn by women all across Cameroon.
International Women’s Day 2011
Activities
CMWA has participated in International Women’s Day activities in both Wum and Bamenda. In order to empower women and educate the general population about women’s issues and rights, CMWA has carried out the following activities:
Participation in parades
Information booths and distribution of pamphlets and materials related to women’s issues including HIV and AIDS
Presentation of songs and dances
Condom demonstrations
T-Shirt distribution for CMWA participants
A Community Volunteer carries out condom demonstrations on Women’s Day 2011
Results and Impacts
As a result of CMWA’s participation in International Women’s day the populations in Bamenda and in Wum have been able to become more aware of women’s rights and issues relating to women including HIV and AIDS. Women’s day also offers women in Bamenda and Wum an opportunity to find out about the services and programs offered to them by CMWA and other civil society organizations.
CMWA Coordinator raises awareness on Women’s Day 2011
Difficulties Faced
CMWA always has difficulty in obtaining funds for this event which results in a shortage of materials such as handouts and t-shirts.
Late approval from our partners sometimes results in some activities being cancelled.
Marching in Wum on Women’s day
Lessons Learned
T-shirts provide the best incentive for people to attend the parade.
CMWA’s participation in International Women’s Day further enhanced CMWA’s image in that community.
Raising Awareness on Women’s Day
Way Forward/Recommendations
CMWA should include International Women’s Day as an annual activity in its action plan
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