Fostering women’s participation in development through non‐governmental efforts in Cameroon

Abstract

Women constitute 52 per cent of the population of Cameroon and play a very crucial role in the development of society at all levels. Unfortunately, they function from a subordinate position inherent in both traditional and state institutions. Women's empowerment is currently an issue of national concern and both state and international efforts at mainstreaming women in development have so far produced mixed results. The 'grassroots' approach of NGOs has been effective in reaching women at all levels. Activities of NGOs have had far reaching but mixed effects in meeting both practical and strategic gender needs. This paper examines case studies of NGOs and women's empowerment in Cameroon, and highlights their successes, with regard to improved access and welfare and their limitations, with regard to conscientisation, participation and control.

Adopting, manipulating, transforming: Tactics used by gender practitioners in South African NGOs to translate international gender policies into local practice

“…On the one hand, feminist scholars working in international development have been trying to establish a coherent discourse about the importance of gender for health and development outcomes. In support of this effort, these feminist scholars have focused on identifying organisational factors that can improve the consideration of gender by local NGOs, including the support of management, the 'sensitisation' of staff to gender inequalities, human resources policies, gender sensitive budgets, the surrounding social and political environment, and gender norms both internal and external to organisations (Fonjong, 2001;Howard, 2002;Jahan, 1995;Kardam, 1991;Moser & Moser, 2005;Razavi & Miller, 1995;Tiessen, 2007;Wendoh & Wallace, 2005). This has positioned many local NGOs as 'failing' to meet the gender criteria established at a global level.…”

HIV/AIDS in Cameroon: Rising gender issues in policy-making matters

“…Women have fewer legal rights than men, and have limited access to support services, credit, and inputs. The result is a marked increase in poverty [20]. The study concludes that because women have less formal employment than men, this makes then a vulnerable social group.…”

“…It is often referred to as "Africa in Miniature" [20] because of its complex cultural, social and geographical diversity. Cameroon's population is estimated at slightly above 15 million, comprising some 250 ethnic groups, making her a "racial crossroads" in Africa.…”

“…In an analysis on fostering women's participation in development through non-governmental efforts in Cameroon, Loftman [20], explains that despite their numerical strength, women who are a major force of development in the country unfortunately do not have an equal share of the country's wealth and resources compared to their male counterpart. In the economic sector, he argues, they are mostly found in the informal sector, where they operate as small entrepreneurs (they either sell food stuff on the street, operate small bars and restaurants), even in terms of waged employment, women are mostly found in teaching and nursing professions, which are usually looked upon as extension of their caring roles.…”

“…The study concludes that because women have less formal employment than men, this makes then a vulnerable social group. For those that drift into prostitution, exposure to the risk of AIDS and sexually transmissible diseases is increased [20].…”