MINPROFF-CONAC at the Signature Table
Women play a vital role in society, and their involvement in the fight against corruption is crucial. As the keepers of tradition and the first educators of children, women are uniquely positioned to lead by example and advocate for justice. It is against this backdrop that the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (CONAC) have joined forces in a historic partnership to fight against corruption in Cameroon. The agreement was formalized at a signing ceremony held on Monday, March 4th. This marks a significant step towards promoting integrity and empowering women in the country.
MINPROFF, the government body responsible for promoting women's rights and protecting the family, acknowledged the danger that corruption poses to the wellbeing of women and the unity of family. To tackle such issues, CONAC, an independent public structure dedicated to the fight against corruption, is collaborating with MINPROFF, to combat this pervasive issue.
The partnership between MINPROFF and CONAC holds immense importance given the negative impact of corruption on both the country's development and family welfare. According to a presentation by the Head of the Prevention and Communication Division at CONAC, Irene Morikang Tche, women constitute over 50 percent of the population and therefore play a crucial role in all sectors of society. She believes that, by actively involving women in the fight against corruption, they can become a powerful force for change and serve as educators, moral agents, mobilizers, and advisers.
The president of CONAC, Rev. Dr. Dieudonné Massi Gams believes that, with women in the picture, combatting corruption is more achievable. ‘‘As we used to say, educating a man is educating only one person but educating a woman is educating a nation and the world.’’ He said. ‘‘We believe the contribution of women for the fight against corruption is very important. That is why, this partnership with MINPROFF is very necessary. We are glad the minister has joined forces with us in this fight.’’ He added.
International agreements such as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People's Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, recognize the significant contributions women make to the wellbeing of families and the progress of society. The MINPROFF-CONAC partnership aligns with these agreements, aiming to address corruption specifically within the Women and Family sub-sector.
The partnership outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration, emphasizing preventive measures and eradication strategies against corruption. It includes awareness-raising activities, capacity building initiatives, and educational programs to promote ethics and integrity among women and within families.
Under the agreement, MINPROFF commits to integrating anti-corruption aspects into its activities. The ministry will encourage associations working on women's empowerment and family issues to incorporate an "anti-corruption" component into their programs. Promoting ethics and integrity within the Women and Family sub-sector will be a priority, and MINPROFF will keep CONAC informed of its anti-corruption initiatives.
To Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa, the minister of Women’s Empowerment and Family Protection, the family is the basis of the society. She called on Cameroonians to integrating the fight against corruption through our various activities, at every level of the society. According to her, ‘‘educating the child is going to play a vital role in the fight against corruption, as children today will be the leaders of tomorrow… We are not only going to do sensitization within the family as the only tool. We will use our many women networks at the central, divisional, sub-divisional and even council levels.’’ Through these associations, she aims to sensitize the population on the topic of corruption.
CONAC, on the other hand, will provide capacity building programs for members of associations dealing with women and families. It will supply awareness-raising materials and propose measures to prevent and regulate corruption within these communities. Regular updates on anti-corruption actions taken in the sector will be provided to MINPROFF.
The expected outcome of this timely partnership is a significant boost in the fight against corruption in Cameroon. Through education, sensitization, denunciation, and the promotion of integrity, the partnership aims to create a society that resists corruption and upholds justice and peace. Ultimately, this will contribute to the country's overall development and progress.
By Sa'ah Siona Ikei,
Creative Storyteller.
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