By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms (MINFOPRA) proudly celebrated the 2025 International Women’s Day, standing tall as a beacon of gender parity. On March 8, following a vibrant march at the 20th May Boulevard in Yaoundé, Minister Joseph Lé highlighted the ministry’s commitment to equality.
“Statistics reveal that MINFOPRA exemplifies gender parity, especially in leadership roles,” Minister Lé stated. He emphasized the significant contributions of female senior officials who work alongside him to achieve the objectives set by President Paul Biya for the ministry.
The Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to making gender parity a tangible reality throughout Cameroon. This year’s Women’s Day theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” resonated deeply with the celebrations.
Leading up to the festivities, MINFOPRA organized a variety of engaging activities, including sports events, educational talks, and community clean-up initiatives. A highlight of the celebration was the culinary showcase by women from MINFOPRA, featuring traditional dishes representing Cameroon’s diverse cultural heritage.
The Center region dazzled attendees with “kwem,” a delightful dish made from crushed cassava leaves mixed with palm nut juice or groundnut, typically served with plantains, cocoyams, or cassava tubers among other dishes.
From the Littoral region, the Sawa people introduced their iconic dish, ndole, accompanied by plantains, cocoyams, or Bobolo, a traditional cassava stick. Many other dishes were also on stand.
The West region, renowned for its Bamileke culture, presented “nkui,” a rich sauce made from plant bark, often prepared to celebrate new births. This flavorful dish, seasoned with spices, is traditionally served with corn fufu.
In the three northern regions—North, Adamawa, and Far North—millet balls made from millet flour and water were featured, typically enjoyed with beef, corn, and sorghum.
The South region showcased a variety of exotic fruit dishes, including the beloved DG chicken, a savory blend of chicken, carrots, onions, tomatoes, plantains, and spices.
Southwestern female workers also presented “Eru,” accompanied by water fufu made from cassava, a cherished dish in the area. Other delights included “kwacoco,” “Ewang,” and more dishes.
The Northwest region offered traditional dishes such as “Achu” and “khati khati,” complemented by palm wine and other local products. Participants proudly donned their cultural attire, adding vibrant color to the celebration.
MINFOPRA’s International Women’s Day celebration not only highlighted the achievements of women in leadership but also showcased the rich cultural tapestry of Cameroon, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment.
In Yaoundé, Chantal Biya, the First Lady of the Republic, presided over the Women’s Day march at the 20th May Boulevard.
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