Fight Against Corruption: Crucial Role of Women

Women in Cameroon have been involved in the fight against corruption in diverse ways. Many women are officials and members of government anti-corruption institutions such as the National Anti-corruption Commission (CONAC), Supreme State Audit Office, Special Criminal Court, Audit Bench of the Supreme Court, Anti-corruption Units in both government and private institutions, among others.  Also many women are active leaders and members of   civil society organisations, religious denominations and other fora that help in the fight against corruption in the country.
However, acting under the umbrella of these institutions   and organizations, the direct input of women in the fight against corruption cannot be singled out and quantified. Here comes the importance of the partnership agreement the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF) and the National Anti- corruption (CONAC) signed on March 4, 2024 in Yaounde.
 The agreement that was signed as part of activities within the framework of the celebration marking the 39th edition of the International Women’s Day sets the basis for CONAC and MINPROFF to work together in the fight against corruption in Cameroon.  By the agreement, “MINPROFF and CONAC will commit to collaborate to improve women’s contribution to the anti-corruption drive in Cameroon by mobilising and encouraging women and family associations to integrate the anti-corruption component in their activities,” the press release announcing the partnership agreement signing ceremony stated.  It further states that, “Women and Family Support Associations and Networks will benefit from capacity-building technical support and awareness-raising materials to enable them effectively foster the vision of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul Biya to eradicate corruption in Cameroon.”
On the heels of the agreement signing ceremony, women hit the field as they celebrated this year’s International Women’s Day with anti-corruption messages. Led by the Chairman of CONAC, Reverend Dr. Dieudonne Massi Gams, they took anti-corruption messages to the Littoral Region, precisely in municipalities such as Douala II,  Edea, Puma and Nkongsamba.
Henceforth, women are expected to make their indelible marks in the fight against corruption in Cameroon. As the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Professor Marie Therese Abena Ondoa  said during the agreement signing ceremony, a woman is the mother of humanity. The first education of the children are incumbent on women who have natural links with the children right from the womb. Should women start teaching their children on the “Dos and “Don’ts” of life at a very tender age basing more on moral rectitude, integrity and respect for general and private property, then a generation of corruption-free Cameroonians will likely be coming up. The culture of the fight against corruption has to be inculcated in children at tender ages so that they can grow with, practise and perpetuate the culture.
The crusade against corruption can easily be carried out in women’s associations and networks. The teaching of the virtues of integrity, respect for public property and all that constitutes acts of corruption can be done better in women’s gatherings. Women are noted  for being strict in ensuring the respect of the rules and regulations of their associations and are als...