The Ministry of Secondary Education (MINESEC) hosted a series of engaging and informative activities to commemorate the 39th edition of International Women's Day (IWD). The event which ran from the 2nd to the 8th of March on the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Growth”, aimed to raise awareness about gender-related issues, promote positive parenting, enhance women's health, and celebrate the achievements of women. The diverse range of activities included a fitness walk, round table discussions, health watch, educative talks, gastronomy day, match pass, and a banquet.

       The celebration kicked off with a fitness walk along the iconic 20th May Boulevard followed with a round table discussion at the Distance Education Center. The focus was on "Gender Sensitive Budgeting and Positive Parenthood." Esteemed experts engaged in a fruitful dialogue to emphasize the significance of gender-sensitive budgeting and the role of positive parenthood in fostering gender equality and curbing violence in schools and the community at large.

     Continuing the discussions on gender-related issues, a round table session was held on the 5th of March with a discussion centred around "Raising Awareness on Gender Approach." Participants explored various aspects of gender such as the “Guarantee and Protection of Women’s Rights” and “Presentation of Legal Texts Related to the Management of Pregnancies and GBV in Secondary Schools”.

       Promoting women's health and well-being is a crucial aspect of the IWD celebrations. On the 6th of March, a health watch session focused on taking health parameters and screening for diabetes. Then followed an educative talk on “Women's Nutrition and the Prevention of Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases”. The session provided valuable insights on maintaining a healthy diet, preventing chronic illnesses, and empowering women to make informed choices about their nutrition and health.

     The IWD festivities equally feature a gastronomy day which event showcased the culinary talents of women, highlighting their contributions to the gastronomic world with a display of diverse cuisines from the four regional groupings of the Cameroon.

      The weeklong celebration culminated with a grand match pass at the 20th May Boulevard on the 8th of March, followed by a sumptuous lunch offered by the Minister of Secondary Education, Professor Nalova Lyonga, in MINESEC premises.

By JOSO Sophie,ARO2/CELCOM