Women's Day Celebration: My Congratulations Letter to Dynamic Women

According to the UN, International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

It is also a measuring rot for the UN to see how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal number 5: To achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls; and number 4: To ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.

But with us at The Eye Newspaper we believe that there is nothing more important than taking advantage of today’s celebration to commit to memory the efforts of some outstanding women who have played significant roles in their communities, jobs, professions etc.

Today March 8, 2018, we are repeating the same statement to our mothers, sisters and wives that real men will stand by you all to accompany you throughout the year and not just in a single day. Notwithstanding, it is worthy for you all to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements you have made since the Beijing Conference. It is now more new that every little achievement of yours has impacted lives in your homes, community, Division, region, Nation, continent and the world at large. 

My dear mothers and sisters, in 2016 when I was attending a wedding in Yaounde, one wise politician, (Sa Majeste Michel Kamse, Mayor of Yaounde III) inspired me alot when he turned to advice a couple at wedding. He said “beauty lies in a smile, kindness, actions and deeds”. Every time I think about millions of women who feed the towns and cities with just a hoe, or whenever I think about those courageous women who stake their lives for humanity, my thoughts alays take me back to what Mahamat Ghandi said.

Dear celebrants, ladies and gentle women. Please permit me contextualize this statement by the Mayor of Yaounde III by adding that the little you have been doing is what is changing the face of humanity and the progress that we have registered. I salute you for your bravery. On this memorable day and the days to come we at The Eye Newspaper will continue to look up to you as the emancipators. From a distant, you stood out of the madding crowd in a world where men claim their position next to God. In fact, this issue whereby in some homes, along streets and in drinking spots we still have men who transform themselves into Mike Tyson to turn their wives to bunching bags should end this year. And those who play the “kabba jerk” should also take note that the jerking of kabbas on women’s day is old fashion way of celebrating. 

This symbiotic letter is to salute millions of women who have moved above the male artificial barriers to becoming Ministers, Directors, Senior Divisional Officers, Parliamentarians, development experts, lawyers, journalists, pastors, shoe menders, builders, mechanics, housewives etc. Apart from the fact some of you are caring mothers in your various homes, you are all nation builders. Above all, you are role models to other young girls. However, since charity begins at home, I would like to use this opportunity to pay respect, appreciation and love to the woman who brought me to this world, my mum, Regina Muchop as she is known by her young girl’s name. Happy Women’s Day Mum and to my to my personal person, my better half, Beri Comfort, I say thumbs up for constantly challenging the blind exercise of power for me to understand that no institution is immune to change. The story of other women who are doing extraordinary things in a very common manner will continue to inspire society. I salute you all, especially Minister Mbah Acha Rose, Prof. Nalova,  Hon. Esther Ngala Ntala, Regina Mundi, Emma Lafon, Edith Kaah Walah, Prof. Uphie Melo Chinje, Caroline Bih Bongwa, Col. Ngah Rose Angeline, Yaah Patience Tamfu, Mafor Yaah Achidi Achu, Mary Awudu Ngayi, Sally Ebot Gentry, Christelle Bay Chongwain, Amy Banda, Enaka Yembe, Mbinglo Kimbi Maureen, Comfort Musa, Nakinti Besumbu Nofuru, Angela Fobi, Oba Rose, Clauddia Nsono, DBG Manka'a Nfor Winifred Laye, Nkenda Margareta, Clemntina Yong, Brandy Kiki, Mpara Faith, Ada Mbah, Noela Lyonga, Kekwi Linda Kanjo, Wanja Cynthia, and million others.  

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)