The film In-Visibles shown at the 40th edition of the International Women's Day

Hélène and Michelle watch the film "Invisibles" after the feast on 8 March

Esther Nyacke Ntah

Community Manager and ambassador WWO, French-speaking Africa Zone

"The film "In-visibles" is a label that reminds us of our value as women". These were the words of Michelle Mbono on 08 March 2025 after watching the film by the World Women´s Observatory (WWO). Michelle Mbono and Hélène Goussaki are Cameroon's new ambassadors for the 'Invisibles'. They decided to watch the film "Invisibles" after participating in the march past 08 March 2025.

Every year, Cameroon and the rest of the world celebrate International Women's Rights Day. A day on which the world's women come together to discuss the fulfilment of their rights and their future ambitions.

In Cameroon, the government does not skimp on women's rights issues. This is why, every time International Women's Day is celebrated, a large parade, tinted with the colours of the 8 March waistcloth, is organised along the Boulevard du 20 Mai. As you might expect, the parade aims to promote the various assets of Cameroonian women. Once again this year, the 8 March parade was chaired by Mrs Chantal Biya, First Lady of Cameroon. The active participation of the illustrious Lady of Cameroon in the activities of International Women's Day means that in Cameroon, women's advocacy is taken into account at the highest levels of the Republic. As a prelude to the day's events, Mrs Chantal Biya thanked her husband, President Paul Biya, for his commitment to Cameroonian women. In her speech, she pointed out that "women are not asking for any favours [in Cameroon]. They are simply demanding the right to enjoy all the opportunities that life has to offer just as much as men”.

Cameroonian women draped in their 8 March 2025 outfits march down the Boulevard du 20

Mrs Chantal Biya, 1st Lady of Cameroon, shares the women's joy from the Boulevard du 20 mai grandstand

After the festivities, Mrs Michelle Mbono and Mrs Hélène Goussaki went to the home of Mrs Esther Nyacke, Community Manager of the WWO, to see the film "In-visibles". Although they were impressed by the bravery of the protagonists, such as Mamatou, Eya, Noeline and especially the reflexologist Agnès Soppo, it was more the support that the nuns provide to these vulnerable women that motivated them to become ambassadors for women who are victims of violence. Referring to the traumas suffered by women, Hélène Goussaki pointed out that the fragile nature of women requires that they are provided with appropriate accompaniment after such upheavals. But for a woman who has been harshly treated to be saved, she must first come forward. It was certainly with a view to eradicating the taboo surrounding the issue of female abuse that Cameroonian women expressed their exasperation on one of the banners in the parade square on 08 March: "I denounce violence against women and girls".

Hélène Goussaki: " I am really pleased to have seen the WWO film 'Invisible' on this day when we celebrate women's awareness. More than any other day, March 8th is the day when women must value themselves. The film 'Invisible' that we just saw is a very beautiful film. Through its characters, it teaches that a woman should never lose confidence. She must keep faith to cope with everything she does and seek to move forward, no matter the challenges life imposes on her."

Cameroonian women's 2025 objective: to denounce violence against women and girls

This year, Women's Day 2025 was celebrated under the theme: "For all women and girls, rights, equality and empowerment". A theme which means that work honours all women, especially those who have been flouted. So we hope that during their campaign, our new ambassadors will succeed in bringing abused women out of their silence and encouraging them to empower themselves.

Michelle Mbono: "International Women's Day is a very special day for women. On this great day, a woman must step out of her reserve. She should no longer hide but rather highlight her value. The film 'Invisible' that I just watched reaffirms my belief of promoting women. It shows us that no matter the suffering a woman endures, she must not pity herself. She must fight to overcome the suffering. For her own safety, a woman should have a paid activity and learn not to depend on her man."

Hélène and Michelle commit to the WWO's "Invisibles"