The Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF), Prof. Marie Therese Abena Ondoa, has called on stakeholders to join government efforts to curb the rising cases of femicide, infanticide, parricide and filicide within families in Cameroon.
Speaking during a press conference in Yaounde on Thursday, May 7, 2026, Minister Abena Ondoa stressed that families remain the primary environment for protection, socialisation and fulfilment. The press briefing was organised ahead of the celebration of the 2026 International Day of Families, commemorated annually on May 15. The day will be observed this year under the theme: “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing.”
Against the backdrop of growing economic, social and gender disparities, the minister lamented that many families are facing increasing challenges that weaken their ability to provide adequate care, protection and opportunities for the full development of children.
She noted that poverty, unemployment, unequal access to education and healthcare, as well as discrimination within families, continue to negatively affect children’s physical, cognitive, emotional and social development, exposing them to neglect, violence and exclusion.
“More concerning is the rise of extreme forms of intra-family violence, including infanticide, filicide, parricide and femicide within the family sphere,” she said.
Minister Abena Ondoa, however, reiterated government’s commitment to addressing these challenges.
“At the national level, several actions have been undertaken, including the strengthening of the legal and institutional framework for child protection, the implementation of strategic frameworks such as the National Gender Policy, the Programme for the Promotion of Peace, Living Together and Social Cohesion within Families and Communities, the Positive Parenting Programme, the Assistance Strategy for Families in Poverty, Distress and Humanitarian Contexts, as well as the Multisectoral Action Plan to Combat Child Marriage,” she explained.
The minister further disclosed that a National Family Policy intended to serve as a reference framework for actions relating to family welfare has already been formulated and technically validated.
She also reminded the public of the existence of the toll-free helpline 116, established as part of social protection mechanisms for vulnerable families.
Despite these initiatives, Minister Abena Ondoa stressed that government efforts alone are insufficient without the active involvement of all stakeholders, describing this year’s theme as a call to action.
“The theme invites governments, institutions, civil society organisations, communities and families themselves to intensify efforts aimed at promoting equitable access to basic social services, strengthening family capacities, encouraging positive parenting, and combating all forms of violence, abuse and discrimination affecting children and women,” she stated.
As Cameroon prepares to join the international community in commemorating the 2026 International Day of Families, the minister reminded citizens that every contribution counts toward building stable, inclusive and resilient families capable of ensuring the wellbeing of every child.
