Blanche Bailly coaches women to overcome societal stereotypes with hard work

Cameroonian Afro-pop sensation, Blanche Bailly, has hailed women who are overcoming negative societal stereotypes to become independent and successful their careers.

In a social media post that came barely one week to the commemoration of the International Women’s Day, Bailly decried the habit of people downgrading women’s hardwork and success.

“It’s hard enough to be a woman let alone a successful woman,” said the 28-year-old.

“People will downplay your success and find every excuse for why you are where you are, without mentioning your talent, work ethic, discipline & consistency.

“Ironically, men run with these narratives, far from the truth – in order to instigate other women being inspired by you, in order to gain from their own personal hidden agendas. Our society has molded the belief that women should be dependent on a man, therefore anything that a woman has/acquires comes from a MAN=SEX,” she added.

Blanche Bailly, herself, has been a victim of negative societal stereotyping, which often insinuates that her flourishing career and opulent lifestyle are a result of engaging in transactional sex, commonly referred to as “selling pepper.”

The songstress expressed her disappointment with these accusations, particularly in the face of the myriad challenges women already encountered in Cameroon.

“As an artist and entrepreneur who has worked independently since the start of my career, I too am a victim of the constant slander,” she said.

Blanch Bailly encouraged women to “let any negative slander fuel you to work”.

Successful women in Cameroon are not only burdened by such stereotyping but also by the country’s patriarchal conditioning, which prioritizes men’s success.

Women are also victims of all sorts of gender-based violence, which has been aggravated over the last few years by armed conflicts in the country’s three Regions.

These challenges, added to poverty, offer women very limited chances for success. Those who manage to break through are often thought to have exchanged their bodies sexually for fame.

However, Blanche Bailly says this is false.

The Afro-pop sensation also addressed the phenomenon of women, sometimes out of envy or insecurity, subscribing to these stereotypes.

She underscored the importance of women supporting one another and breaking free from societal norms that perpetuate harmful narratives about women’s achievements.

Her encouragement is particularly important as it comes just days to the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8.

This year, the United Nations is emphasizing increased financing and investment in women to bridge the gender gap in society.

Blanch Bailly is among Cameroonian women who are increasingly standing up for themselves in a society where their success is usually scorned.

Blanche Bailly is a product of two cultures – the Western and African cultures, which she has experienced.

The singer was born Bailly Larinette Tatah in Kumba, South West Region of Cameroon, in August 1995.

After her primary and secondary school, she moved with her parents to France, and then to the UK before returning to Cameroon to start her music career.

She rose to fame in 2016 with her hit single “Kam We Stay,” which garnered widespread acclaim in Cameroon and earned her recognition on platforms like BBC’s Focus on Africa.

Over the years, she has continued to make significant contributions to the Cameroonian entertainment scene, collaborating with renowned artists and solidifying her position as a prominent figure in Afro-pop music.

©Mimi Mefo Info