This 39th edition was marked by a series of activities organised over a period of eight days before the grand finale at the 20th May Boulevard on Friday 8 March 2024.
International Women’s Rights Day, celebrated every year, is an opportunity to strengthen the empowerment of women and girls in all sectors of activity. To this end, the theme chosen by the Cameroonian public authorities, in synergy with the international community, for the 39th edition of this celebration is : “Invest in women: accelerate progress”. This theme highlights the importance of a certain gender balance, with a view to bringing about major changes and helping to speed up the transition to a more inclusive and egalitarian world for all. As far as the Road Fund is concerned, particular emphasis is placed on equality issues; this is reflected in the staff, programmes and activities carried out. For example, women represent 41% of permanent staff. Over the past three years, the percentage of female staff has risen from 33.33% to 41.66%.
Concerning festivities, the week of activities carried out from 02 to 08 March began with a sports walk. This was an opportunity for the Road Fund’s ladies, in conjunction with their technical supervisor, the Ministry of Public Works (MINTP), the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF) and many other public administrations to clear their minds and revitalise their bodies, in order to carry out their duties more effectively. The women also benefited from additional know-how in the form of a placemat-making workshop. It was an exciting activity, revealing the hidden talents of each and every one of them.
In addition, a round table, moderated by an expert on gender and development issues, enabled staff to discuss the theme: “Invest in women in the road sector institutions: opportunities, challenges and prospects”. At the end of discussions, participants were greatly enlightened, and the women remembered that they are the architects of their own destiny, that they must dare.
To cap it all, the amazons of the Road Fund were brave and magnificent during the parade on the20th May Boulevard. They gave a performance that was much applauded by officials, dressed in their pretty accessories with their well-matched colours. To round off the festivities, a cocktail reception was offered by the Administrator for the occasion. In his opening remarks, Aubin ESSAIE MOUSSA congratulated his female staff on their commitment, while appreciating the efforts and sacrifices they had made to ensure that Women’s Week was a complete success.