Women of the Ministry of Transport discussed ways of overcoming obstacles to gender equality on Friday, March 4, 2016.

A round table discussion on the theme, “Gender equality and women’s empowerment: Meeting the challenges and overcoming the obstacles,” held in Yaounde on March 4, 2016. Organised by the Ministry of Transport, the meeting brought together top officials, partner ministries, representatives of women’s associations, the civil society and other guests.

The moderator of the round table, Natalie Nguimbat, who is also Technical Adviser Number Two in the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, said gender equality does not mean that the woman should override the man, instead equality in rights and giving the same opportunities to men and women in order to forge ahead towards emergence by 2036. One of the speakers, Eben Ebai Nina, said women need to know their rights. She stressed the need for a revisit of old traditions, combat all vices against women and encourage a greater representation of women in decision-making.

The women discussed some aspects of tradition that can be maintained and others that are obstacles to gender equality and how to overcome them. Participants brainstormed on themes such as, “Woman and climate change,” “Woman, tradition and liberty,” “Woman, administrative career and domestic life,” and “Peace and security and violence against women.” Meanwhile, female staff of the Ministry of Transport will today, March 7, 2016, organise a food fair in Yaounde.