International Women’s Day (March 8, 2023) Activities at CEC-PROM Mature

March 8th is a special day for CEC-PROM Mature in Cameroon – a day that honors all its promoters. This unique and special event includes a parade on 20th of May Boulevard, as well as a gathering at the Chamber of Commerce, and this year, the promoters marched taller and stronger than ever! This article offers you an overview of how this important day unfolded, including the activities and all the festivities that took place on March 8th.

The March 8, 2023, activities at CEC-PROM Mature began with the parade of its promoters on 20th of May Boulevard in front of an audience of distinguished guests. The theme chosen in Cameroon for this year is: “Technological Innovations for Gender Equality.” These technological innovations are essential for women to take their destinies into their own hands and contribute to a more equitable world. As part of the event, workshops were held at the Chamber of Commerce to discuss some of the issues faced by women and examine how technology can provide solutions. Experts from the academic and private sectors shared their experiences and initiatives. This is not only an excellent opportunity for women to find the resources they need to advance their careers and interests but also to pay tribute to women making a difference in their communities.

The Chairwoman of the Board (PCA) of CEC-PROM Mature, Dr. NGANGUE NSEKE Rose, opened the forum by welcoming the promoters and various guests. “Today, we gather to discuss the impact of technological innovations on gender equality. We firmly believe that the use of new technologies can be a catalyst for gender equality within our communities and beyond!” she stated. After the welcome address by the PCA, the floor was given to Ms. BESSOLO SOYA, an expert in human rights and international humanitarian law, to speak about the technological inclusion of women as a factor in promoting gender equality in the professional sphere.

Ms. BESSOLO SOYA first defined Human Rights. Then, she added that the use of modern technologies is a fundamental tool to accelerate the process of promoting gender equality in the workplace. She emphasized the importance of appropriate training and fair opportunities for women so they can benefit from new technologies.

The PCA then took the floor again to speak about ICTs and present CEC-PROM Mature’s financial products to encourage female entrepreneurship. Indeed, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have become an indispensable tool for women to benefit from online training, earn additional income, and make economic decisions with greater confidence. CEC-PROM Mature has therefore implemented financial products to support women-led businesses and encourage their growth. These include credit facilities, youth savings accounts, e-Banking, investment funds for starting or expanding their businesses, and micro-entrepreneurship programs to create long-term jobs. The PCA highlighted the partnerships with Orange Money, MomoKash, and Western Union. Through these initiatives, CEC-PROM Mature ensures sustainable and balanced development for all members of the local community.

Ms. WOUNFACK Diana spoke next, addressing the women about natural skincare and haircare using “Made in Cameroon” products. She presented various recipes and solutions based on natural products to treat common skin and hair problems. She explained how to use plants and other ingredients found abundantly in African forests to nourish and moisturize the skin. She stressed the importance of using natural products to care for one’s skin, rather than using products that can be abrasive and cause medium or long-term problems. Ms. WOUNFACK extolled the power of African women to care for themselves and their families using homemade products from natural ingredients.

Dr. NKOUAMEN Yvonne closed the forum by speaking to women about nutrition and oral health. She encouraged women to consume nutritious and varied foods and to have regular dental check-ups to maintain their health and prevent oral diseases. Furthermore, she emphasized that eating healthily, brushing and flossing regularly, and limiting the consumption of sugary products are simple methods for preserving and promoting good oral health. She finally highlighted the role of women as role models for their children and families and recommended that they practice appropriate and informed oral hygiene.

After a day of enriching discussions, the forum for these women entrepreneurs concluded to everyone’s satisfaction. The guests and promoters enjoyed a convivial moment over Cameroonian-style refreshments to joyfully conclude this women’s celebration.