Since 2023, at least 219 women and girls have lost their lives in Cameroon in gender-related crimes. This figure, reported by the organization StopFeminicides237, recalls a painful reality for many families across the country.
As the 41st International Women’s Day was being celebrated, these deaths reignited concern among several civil society actors who denounced the persistence of deadly violence against women.
Behind the statistics lie broken stories: mothers, daughters, wives whose lives ended abruptly.
For activists working against this violence, the fight remains difficult. In Cameroon, femicide is still not recognized as a specific offense in legislation.
Perpetrators of these crimes are prosecuted under charges of homicide or murder, without the gender dimension being clearly taken into account.
Within associations and citizen collectives, voices are multiplying to demand that authorities go further in protecting women.
Many hope that a clear legal framework will one day make it possible to better prevent these tragedies and deliver justice to victims.
