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Cameroon: Mrs Biya Boosts Women's Day Celebrations
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Cameroon Tribune (Yaoundé)
10 March 2008
Posted to the web 10 March 2008
Tche Irene Morikang
Elegance and glamour were on display last Saturday at the May 20th Boulevard in Yaounde where women of the capital city came out in splendour to celebrate their day; the 23rd International Women's Day.
Apparently galvanised by the decisions taken on the eve of the event by the Head of State to increase the purchasing power of Cameroonians, the joy on the faces of the women was immense. With telling symbols and incisive messages, folks of the fairer sex demonstrated their force in a gigantic march past presided over by the First Lady, Mrs Chantal Biya.
It was a ceremony that cut across age brackets, profession, social status, tribe, religion and nationality. The women were united in diversity with the common denominator being the beautiful African attires carefully tailored with the special fabrics of the day. The messages highlighted the theme of this year's celebration; "Investing in women and girls", while the numerous symbols brought out the indispensability of people of the female gender in nation building.
The event began with the arrival of the First Lady, Mrs Chantal Biya at the ceremonial grounds where women of all walks of life, some members of government and those of the diplomatic corps had already taken their seats. The Minister of Women's Empowerment and the Family, Suzanne Mbomback, accompanied by some female members of government, opened the show that went on for three hours. The female staff of the public, para-public, private, as well as the informal sector, took turns to march past the grand stand under the watchful eyes of the First Lady who smiled, clapped and even cheered to demonstrate her appreciation.
Noticeably present were women of some African countries such as Côte d'Ivoire and Chad, female refugees, those of some marginalised groups such as the Bororos and a handful of men and kids who also came to sing the hymn of the woman. The motorised march past almost stole the show as the population watched with admiration women display dexterity in some professions hitherto reserved for men - bus driving, motor mechanics, heavy duty vehicles manipulation, etc.
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After the march past, Mrs Biya moved over to MAFE, "Mamans en fête", an exhibition by women at the May 20th Boulevard. The guided tour of the stands enabled the First Lady to appreciate the savoir faire of women. It was a demonstration of the force of Cameroonian women and an indication that they are proud to be who they are and just too ready to play the role which is rightfully theirs; that is wholly participate in nation building. It was amidst shouts of joy and cheers that Mrs Biya left the May 20th Boulevard with all those present satisfied that tradition was once more respected.
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