Gender based Violence : Breaking The Silence!

A conference which brought together diverse groups of political leaders, diplomats, creatives, and medical experts under the theme; “Verbal violence and the violence of silence” has underscored a shared commitment to addressing the hidden forms of violence affecting women. The event which took place in Douala on November 23 was organised by Honorable Fotsing Nourane and the 237 solidarity association was part of 2025 global campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The conference was aimed at creating a space for understanding and addressing non-physical forms of violence. Hon. Fotsing emphasized the importance of acknowledging this often-overlooked issue, stating, “Some wounds leave no bruises but destroy entire lives”. She shared her own experiences with daily verbal attacks, particularly on social media, emphasizing the psychological toll such abuse can take.
The event featured five multi-sectoral panels, where participants from various fields, including politics and literature, discussed the pervasive impacts of verbal and psychological abuse. Hon. Marlyse Douala Manga Bell recounted her struggles with legitimacy, facing discrimination for not being a “daughter of the village.” She called for a re-evaluation of traditional norms, insisting that communities should evolve to support women’s empowerment.
Acclaimed author Djaili Ahmadou Amal warned of the rising incidents of femicide and domestic violence. “A slap is one too many. An insult is already ...