Cameroon’s Girls: Here Comes The Time To Demand Your Rights!

In a historic gathering that signifies a transformative step forward for gender equality, over 1,000 girls aged 10-24 converged in the Cameroonian capital, Yaounde on Friday, November 28, 2025 for the first National Forum on Girls’ Rights. Organized with the patronage of the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, MINPROFF. And strongly backed by the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, UNWOMEN… The event showcased the voices of Cameroon’s young girls.

Cross-cutting Consultations
The Forum was rooted in the Girls’ Movement launched by UNICEF in April 2025, stemming from nationwide consultations with 5,600 girls. Their collective voices eventually shaped a comprehensive Manifesto on Girls’ Rights, which was presented to government through Prof. Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family. It calls for an end to violence, harmful practices, and barriers to education; while urging the adoption of a National Action Plan.

Not Asking For Permission
“This Forum proves that when girls’ voices are heard, an entire country moves forward. Cameroon’s girls are not asking for permission to exist; they are claiming the place that is rightfully theirs,” emphasized Nadine Perrault, UNICEF Representative for Cameroon. The importance of girls’ leadership was underscored by Minister Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa, who stated; “Girls’ leadership is no longer an aspiration; it is a reality we must consolidate. The National Forum is a decisive step to firmly embed their rights in public policies.”

New Agenda For Change
The event, characterized by moments of innovation and dialogue, aimed not only to listen, but also to act. Young participants voiced their dreams, aspirations, and the challenges they face. Haoua, a young girl from the North Region, confirmed the urgency of their movement: “The Forum is our space to say what we want and to build together a Cameroon that respects our rights. Our dreams matter, our voices matter,” she declared passionately.

Addressing Rights Violations
The girls’ rights whitepaper encapsulates six key recommendations targeting health, education, gender equality, and spaces for participation. Specifically, there are calls to end discrimination and provide access to health services sensitive to girls’ unique needs. The ceremonial handing over of the document to the Minister, observers say, indicates an official commitment by Cameroon’s girls to voice their demands.
Aïssatou Ismaïla, a member of Agape UNICEF, Maroua in the Far North Region articulated the dire situation many girls face: “The rights of children are violated, and we came to ensure they are respect...