Women Working Together Towards a Better Future (Cameroon), by Rebecca Boyce
When I first arrived in Bogo, a village found in the extreme north province of Cameroon, I was shocked to discover that women were not allowed to attend school, or even leave the family compound.
Here, there is a general belief that their sole purpose in life is to marry young, have babies and do all the household chores. Coming from North America, it was very hard for me to accept.
As a CUSO-VSO volunteer, my work consists in supporting local community organizations. A few weeks after my arrival, I got to organise a Volunteer Appreciation Day. I was amazed when some immaculately dressed women started to emerge from some of the most decrepit huts you could imagine. These female leaders bravely created presentations about their organizations, and proudly presented the projects they were working on to both the public and their sisters. The result has been the creation of an amazing network in which women can support one another.
For me, this experience has driven home the fact that women are the same everywhere.
They all have so much love and care to give, but also have their little gossip sessions and spats here and there! I was very impressed by the ability of these women to rise up against all the restrictions placed on them, as well as their ability to see a better future and work hard to make it a reality.
Read Women Fighting HIV/AIDS (China) by Dolores Ladouceur
Read Women Sculpting their Lives (Peru) by Melissa Nigrini
If you like these stories, please help us by clicking the “share” link at the bottom of the 3-Minute Challenge posted on our Facebook page, and also by suggesting the CUSO-VSO Facebook page to your friends and family. If you wish to do more, feel free to make a donation, or apply to volunteer overseas.
