By Cynthia Mankeh
The Cameroon Human Rights Commission has commended the strides made by government so far in reducing existing gender inequality as well as efforts in promoting policies and plans for women’s adaptability to climate change.
The remarks of the rights commission are contained in a release which was issued by the President, Prof James Mouangue Kobila, on the occasion of the celebration of the 37th edition of the International Women’s Day. Harping on the theme, Prof Mouangue, noted that it was prompt and comes with the need to reduce all forms of discrimination against women and girls as well as strengthen measures aimed at achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The rights commission boss recalled the need to achieve sustainable future, which he added, includes tackling climate change and biodiversity loss in order to protect the ecosystem to preserve natural resources for future generations.He, through the statement, saluted government for instituting compulsory education for all and empowering women with the creation of organisations and associations to fight and defend their rights.
He also lauded government for accompanying rural women to use best agricultural practices as well as provide them with equal access to agro-pastoral projects through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER) as well as the funding of their projects.
The Human Rights Commission boss appreciated efforts of international and private actors including that of the United Nations agencies, Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations, that have accompanied and supported women to adapt to climate change by taking sustainable development initiatives in their local communities with the planting of trees, training in fields like agroforestry, fuel sources and climate monitoring.
“We want to recognise the fight women’s right defenders have been doing against discrimination in all its forms so that women are able to access and control natural resources, participate in decision making and undertaking actions to better mitigate the effects of climate change,” the statement which equally underscored the need for more investment in the education of girls and women, partly read.
“CSO’s should work in collaboration with the government concerning the problems faced by women, this by creating networks for better communication,” it added.It also talked of the need to support the development and implementation of climate resilient development plans and policies that could make indigenous population to master the impact of climate change on their resources.
