Yesterday, November 7, Minister of Women's Empowerment and the Family Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa opened, in Yaounde, discussions on a draft bill to combat gender-based violence. During the discussions, gender-based violence experts will define sexism and sexual violence. This draft bill is due to be adopted by Parliament. But first, experts in the field of gender-based violence (GBV) will have to define sexist and sexual violence. "The discussions opened today mark the starting point of the process that should lead to a law identifying the specific nature of gender-based violence, to reduce this scourge in our country," explained Minister Ondoa.

The Yaounde meeting should result in a plea to Parliament for the adoption of a framework law to prevent, manage, and punish gender-based violence in Cameroon. According to Issa Bitang, senior specialist in social development, "This initiative will provide the government with a solid database for better victim support."

The resulting draft bill is to be submitted for parliament review but Minister Ondoa did not indicate when the bill would be tabled in Parliament, whose budget session opens in three days.

L.A.