The celebration of the 2021 International Women’s Day (IWD) was a memorable event in the Limbe campus of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Cameroon yesterday March 8th, 2021. Welcoming students and guests to the ceremony, the Chief Operating Officer of AIMS-Cameroon, Mr Honoré Bernard Youfegnuy dwelled on the IWD’s theme “Women’s Leadership: For an Equal Future in the World of COVID-19” and stated that women have indeed been at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19. “It’s a woman named Katalin Kariko whose research was used for the Covid-19 vaccine,” the COO told guests and 37 AIMS-Cameroon students from 7 countries. He reminded the audience that the Day was to challenge stereotypes that
cause gender inequality. In an edifying keynote address, the First Deputy City Mayor of Limbe, Mrs Wouapit Karen Tanga said the Women’s Day was for every woman, especially the African woman; those in the frontline, in the back office, health workers, market women, all those taking care of children while working from home, women who lost their jobs during the crisis as well as those who no longer want to settle for discriminations, insecurity and unfairness. Unequivocally, Mrs Wouapit chose to challenge the age-old stereotype which sees motherhood as a limitation to the woman’s career and leadership. “Of course, women are fit to lead. Career and Motherhood can go together. I am a wife, I am a political leader I am an activist. I always fight for women’s rights. I take care of my home just like I will take care of my job. You should not choose between motherhood and a career. You can be a mother and you can still have a career,” the municipal
authority pointed out. While wishing that 2021 brings goodwill to Cameroonian and African women, the female leader revealed that work is being done to put women at the
centre of all policies. Business Consultant Dr. Mofor Clementine Cendoh, Regional Council Member Madam Catherine Martin and Women Empowerment Advocate Ule Ruth Adama attended the event as Guest Speakers and delivered motivational talks to the students. A Panel
Discussion and a Play by the students were also key highlights of the event.