On Saturday March 8, Cameroon will join the rest of the world in commemorating the 2025 International Women’s Day held under the theme “Accelerate Action”, a theme chosen to drum the importance of strategic efforts in promoting gender equality. Ahead of the event, The National Post newsroom puts together this piece honoring some of the outstanding women who have over the years, not only strived in promoting gender equality but even more excellently, distinguished themselves as major drivers of change in the Cameroonian society both locally and internationally.
She is honored as the mother of the nation. A beacon of stability and hope. First Lady Chantal Biya has for decades, restlessly worked for the betterment of the lives of Cameroonians especially children, young girls, women and vulnerable groups. As the founder of charity organization, the Circle of Friends of Cameroon, CERAC, she has led dozens and dozens of initiatives covering the healthcare sector and several other sectors, reaching out to thousands of beneficiaries from across the national territory. In December last year, the First Lady joined staff of the Gynecological Endoscopic Surgery and Human Reproductive Teaching Hospital, CHRACERH in delivering the 504th child of the center.
Through the institution which specializes in gynecological endoscopy and reproductive medicine, the First Lady has been helping families facing childbearing challenges, steadily and consistently revolutionizing the mother and childcare system in the country. The UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Social Inclusion who also doubles as UNAIDS Special Ambassador has equally extended her activities towards covering the education of young, vulnerable or underserved Cameroonians. As a highly-loved and cherished mother, her activities are not only designed to provide relieve. She also plays a crucial role in several socio-cultural domains.
The First Lady contributes immensely towards the betterment of the Cameroonian society in the areas of sports notably through the annual international cycling race, the Chantal Biya International Cycling Tour which brings together dozens of athletes from across the globe each year. The competition has since established itself as one of the most celebrated annual events in the Central Africa subregion, attracting interest from both the old and the young and those of the international community. Apart from her numerous activities in Cameroon, the First Lady also works in partnership with other first ladies on the African continent and beyond, where she among other key areas of engagement, contributes in efforts towards building a better place for the larger African population and humanity at large.
