By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Coordinator of the Nso Cultural and Development Association (NSODA) Women, Tardze Jackline, has declared that a new dawn has begun for Nso. She made the statement on October 10 during the maiden edition of the Nso All Women Conference, which took place in Bafoussam.
The conference, organized by the Women’s Forum of the Nso Cultural and Development Association (NSODA), was held under the theme: “New Dawn: ‘Ke’ Ye Fiyii’, Women Leading Change: Unity, Development, Impact.”
The milestone gathering brought together key government officials, traditional leaders, and community elites to chart a path toward peace. The event was chaired by Yaa Dr. Asheri Kilo, Secretary of State to the Ministry of Basic Education, alongside West Region Governor Augustine Awa Fonka.
Traditional dignitaries in attendance included the Paramount Fon of Nso, HRM Sehm Mbinglo I, and the Fon of Oku, among others. According to Tardze Jackline, for too long, the Nso land has passed through a long night—a night of tears and pain. “We, the mothers, have carried that pain in silence. But every night must give rise to a new day,” she said.
She added, “Here in Bafoussam, a new sun is rising. Ke Yi Fiyii! A new light is shining, and that light is the light of the Nso Woman.” Tardze Jackline stated that a time has come when mothers will change the story of their families by teaching their children love instead of hate, and unity instead of division.
While empowering women, she said women will build businesses, cooperatives, and educate their daughters. “When a Nso woman rises, Nso land rises,” she said. “We want to be remembered for what we built.”
“My people, we want to leave a legacy. This conference must not end in Toket. It must go home to Nso. Therefore, we, the NSODA Women All Over the World, have taken a sacred vow to create a befitting Safe Space for the Nso Woman and the Girl Child back home in Nso,” she added.
She further said, “A space where our beautiful girls will learn computer and other trades. A space where our widows and single mothers will learn business skills to feed their children with dignity. A space where our culture and Lamnso’ will be preserved. A space where any Nso woman in distress will find hope.”
To Tardze Jackline, “This space is our New Dawn. This is how we will make our Fons, our families, and our husbands proud.”