Cameroon's Failing Promises to End Gender-Based Violence Leave Women in Peril in the Northwest
In Cameroon's North West region, women continue to suffer from high rates of gender-based violence, despite government promises to address the issue. A recent report by Human Rights Watch found that discriminatory laws and lack of investment in public services have enabled abuse, leaving women and their families in peril.
Abuse Continues Unabated in North West Cameroon
According to a report by Human Rights Watch, released in February 2019, the North West region of Cameroon has seen a significant increase in cases of gender-based violence. Between January 2017 and March 2018, the organization documented 134 cases of rape and other forms of sexual violence in the region. The report also found that many of these cases went unreported due to fear of retaliation or lack of trust in the justice system.
Discriminatory Laws Enable Abuse
The Human Rights Watch report highlights the role of discriminatory laws in enabling gender-based violence in Cameroon. The organization found that the country's penal code and civil code contain provisions that discriminate against women and girls, including laws that allow for forced marriage and marital rape. These laws are often used to justify violence against women and girls, and to deny them access to justice.
“The government of Cameroon needs to take concrete actions to address the root causes of gender-based violence, including discriminatory laws and lack of investment in public services. Women and girls have the right to live free from violence and abuse, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure their safety and well-being.”
What We Don't Know Yet
While the Human Rights Watch report provides valuable insights into the situation of gender-based violence in Cameroon, there are still many questions that remain unanswered. For example, what are the specific policies and programs that the government plans to implement to address the issue, and how will they be funded? What support will be provided to victims of gender-based violence, and how will they be protected from further abuse?
What to Watch
In the coming weeks and months, there are several key developments to watch in relation to gender-based violence in Cameroon. The government has announced plans to launch a national strategy to address the issue, which is expected to be revealed in the next few months. Additionally, the Human Rights Watch report is expected to be discussed at the upcoming African Union Summit, where leaders will be urged to take concrete actions to address gender-based violence.
Cameroon has a higher rate of female entrepreneurs than many other countries in the region, despite the high rates of gender-based violence.
The situation of gender-based violence in Cameroon is complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and sustained response from the government, civil society, and local communities. By working together, we can create a safer and more just society for women and girls in Cameroon and beyond.
