On September 17, 2026, hundreds of men and women responded to a call to action by Jeunesse émergente et républicaine du Cameroun (JERC) to march against femicides in Yaoundé. The participants, dressed in white t-shirts with a red handprint symbolizing their refusal of violence, marched through the city, waving Cameroonian flags and accompanied by a fanfare. The event was part of the third edition of this sports march, organized on the occasion of the 45th International Day of Peace and as a prelude to the Citizens' Encounters for Peace, Unity, and Coexistence.
The march started at the Voirie municipale and proceeded through several major streets, including Montée Anne-Rouge, Hôtel de ville, Carrefour Warda, and Carrefour des Services du Premier ministre, before ending at the Boulevard du 20 mai. Along the route, large banners carried messages condemning violence against women and children, including "The right to life, a right for all," "No to violence," and "A society that kills its women and children will disappear." The event drew several high-profile attendees, including the British High Commissioner to Cameroon, Matt Woods, and Senator Françoise Puene.
The march was part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the issue of femicides in Cameroon and to promote peace and unity. According to Cathy Meba, president of JERC, the initiative aimed to bring attention to the plight of women and children who are victims of violence. The event also drew participation from numerous civil society organizations, who joined in the march to show their support for the cause.
The march against femicides in Yaoundé is not an isolated event, but rather part of a larger movement to address the issue of violence against women and children in Cameroon. The country has been grappling with this problem for years, with many women and children falling victim to violence and abuse. The march was a call to action, urging the government and citizens to work together to address this issue.
The event was well-received by participants and observers alike, who praised the organizers for bringing attention to this critical issue. The march demonstrated the power of grassroots mobilization and the willingness of Cameroonians to come together to address social problems. As the country moves forward, it is likely that this issue will continue to be a major concern for activists and policymakers.
In addition to raising awareness about femicides, the march also highlighted the importance of promoting peace and unity in Cameroon. The event was part of a larger effort to promote social cohesion and to encourage Cameroonians to work together to build a more just and equitable society. By bringing people together, the march helped to foster a sense of community and solidarity.
The success of the march against femicides in Yaoundé demonstrates the potential for social mobilization and activism in Cameroon. As the country continues to grapple with social problems, events like this march will be crucial in raising awareness and promoting change. The government's response to this issue will be critical in determining the effectiveness of efforts to address violence against women and children.
Key points
- Hundreds of Cameroonians marched against femicides in Yaoundé, calling for an end to violence against women and children.
- The march was organized by Jeunesse émergente et républicaine du Cameroun (JERC) as part of the 45th International Day of Peace and as a prelude to the Citizens' Encounters for Peace, Unity, and Coexistence.
- The event drew high-profile attendees, including the British High Commissioner to Cameroon, Matt Woods, and Senator Françoise Puene.
