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)
