The last preparatory meeting for the 31^st edition in the Centre Region took place in Yaounde on March 3, 2016. 

As the countdown to the celebration of the International Women’s Day on March 8, 2016, continues, preparations have intensified in the country. The last preparatory meeting for celebrations in the Centre Region took place at the Centre Regional Delegation for Women’s Empowerment and the Family in Yaounde, yesterday, March 3, 2016.

The Coordinator of the Organising Committee of the Women’s Day celebrations, Calice Abessolo Asseko, talked on cardinal issues women have to watch out for in order to make the day a success. He called on the women to march as responsible citizens. Women were also warned against singing anti-patriotic songs, marching with other flags except the national flag, advertising, quarrelling, fighting, carrying religious objects and handbags. Instead, they were told to put on low-heel and comfortable shoes and obey the advice of guides at the May 20 Avenue, among others.

Also, the participants were warned not to carry any messages apart from the 180 that have already been received by the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family. Women are also expected to put on only the Women’s Day fabric. If any woman cannot afford the 2016 fabric, she can use that of a previous year. The innovation this year will be a special square of women from the Diaspora who have arrived in their numbers to take part in the march past.