The civilian and military personnel of the Ministry of Defence under the responsibility of the Directorate of Administrative and Regulatory Affairs of the Ministry of Defence were involved in week long activities in prelude of the commemoration of women’s day among which was the open-door day. It was an opportunity for the women to showcase their skills and savoir faire out of the military milieu as well as to establish informal mentoring relationships, serve as inspirational role models, sensitize women and focus on their wellbeing.

It is in this light that, on Wednesday March 5, 2024, an open-door day was organized at the esplanade of the Officer’s Mess in Yaounde. Going through the various stands, it was visible that, the women of the social services of the Ministry of Defence put all hands-on deck to showcase their talents. The social services of the Presidential guard, the Firefighter’s Corps, the Headquarters’ Brigade, the National Gendarmerie, the 101 Airforce base, the Defence Headquarters and the Directorate of Military Health answered present for the exposition. Items such as handmade caps, bed sheets, blinds, liquid soap, antiseptic soap, cocoa seeds, shea butter and portraits made by the women were displayed. As concerns gastronomy, all the traditional dishes of Cameroon were on display.

As a reminder, International Women’s Day is commemorated yearly on March 8. Countries around the world celebrate women’s achievements and seek to promote gender equality.