FEMINISM should it be embedded in our Cameroon society?

I have realized many Cameroonians, particularly young illiterates [and literates] have never come across that word. Each time I mention the word to people I am not familiar with, their actions make me understand that they are either hearing the word for the first time or have heard it in passing and have not stored it in their minds because it does not have any meaning to them.

When they are told about the basics of feminism, they waste no time to criticize the feminist ideology of women and men being equal undergrounds – that it is against the will of God. We must acknowledge the fact that our society is a little bit behind in terms of knowledge and understanding of feminism, women's rights and human rights.

Most men will agree women are important, but will argue they are important for "the purpose of men".

Men feel like women already have what they need to have; most of them go to school, work and earn some money to support their families. However, some men feel like women do not deserve to achieve anything that will instill in them a feeling of fulfillment and importance because they believe women will not dance to their tune. Other men neglect or do not understand the aspect of psychological oppression and its impact.

Now let's ask ourselves this question: "Is the problem of female marginalization a thing of the body or the mind?"

It is through this question that we will successfully trace the problem, address it, change minds and social attitudes. It is through this question that we will know how to go about telling men feminism is important and be able to explain how important it is to empower women.

Our people should be informed about the benefits of women taking part in decision-making, choosing what they are good at and be allowed the opportunity to do it, etc.