What does the International Women's Day mean to You?

I hereby seize this opportunity to share with the global World Pulse community my modest contribution towards a meaningful IWD celebration in my area of jurisdiction, the Mifi Division with headquarters in Bafoussam, in the West region of Cameroon. I have been cordinating IWD occasions since the year 2002. It is worth noting that in my country, Cameroon, we are at the 31st edition of the IWD, and curiously, preparations begin as early as the month of January, every new year.
You ask my personal experience on transforming my world on the inside and the outside. First, as a woman, activist and changemaker, the IWD motivates me alot. Every year, as the Day approaches, I look back at the history of the IWD and smile at these unforgotten women who took the bold steps to make claims to their rights. Then, I feel motivated to coach the women that we too must do something remarkable that will impact on the lives of the women. In other words, the IWD to me is a period of couching and lobbying for a more women-friendly environment, to create gender balance.
Second, to me, it is important to mark this occasion, because interestingly it is a celebration that exceptionally brings women together, irrespective of their background and social status. We all sit and plan together, and agree on what actions to take unanimously with one voice. In my opinion, this is the only time women act as one; hence, the influential women set the pace, inspire their folks and in unison our voices sound louder.
Lastly, in Bafoussam, our activities run from Monday, 29th February to Tuesday, 8th March 2016. Our women since Monday, have been involved in the following: - Sporting activities, aerobics/football/handball competitions; workshops on Income Generating Activities, like extraction of avocado oil, making yoghurt and yoghurt cakes, fish roll; powder soap; body lotions, etc; Visits and donations to the female inmates and minors in the Bafoussam Central prison, two Orphanages and a Day Care Centre; Excursion to the Djuitisa Tea Estate and the Mesuem in the neighbouring Menoua Division; Cultural evening to exhibit women's talents; Radio talks and debates on the theme of the year, and a Round table for the public. On Monday 7th, we shalldo a public March along the main streets in town and, on the D-Day, 8th March, we shall all converge on the ceremonial grounds for a grand march past, spiced with speeches, cultural animations, sketches, award of prizes...
I am proud to think out loud that since 2002 I am conducting my train with a capacity of 14 wagons already, mobilising and moving forward with the womenfolk, reflecting on our past struggles and achievements and making plans for future accomplishments.

Marah M N Epie
Tel:(237)677 67 65 92
E-mail:mbine2002@yahoo.fr