CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1    BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY 

The protection of women in Cameroon and world has evolved over time, with women facing many challenges in the country. In the 19^thcentury African women play a role in the society including politics, trade and agriculture. However, the expansion of the long- distance trade and political centralization let to new in equality of women. In the 20^th century colonial role and the establishment of post -colonial nationhood let to the integration   of women in to a capitalist political economy. This let to new socio-economic inequality .Cameroon has signed international commitment to promote gender equality including the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW). And Beijing declaration and platform for action.  In 2018 Cameroon adopted a National action plan on women, peace and security. This addresses violence that affects women and provides recommendation for and National initiative. Cameroonian law prohibits the marriage of girls under 15 years and boys less than 18 years. But UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) estimates 13% of Cameroonian girls are married before the age of 15 years.                        

Cameroon has taken steps to protect women under its law, includes ratifying human rights treaties, Cameroon has ratified several human rights treaties that protect equality in the right to work.                                

 Enacting the Labor code, the labor code of 1992 protects female workers as common workers, giving them the same rights as male workers. These rights include the right to annual leave, Weekly rest and the right to join trade union.  Including gender equality provisions in the constitution: The preamble of the constitution of Cameroon states that all citizens have equal rights and obligations regardless of sex. Establishing structures to promote women, Cameroon has established structures at the central, intermediary, and  community levels to promote  women.   However, some say that women in Cameroon still face marginalization and discrimination. For example, women are often considered stateless and unfit to own land under most customs. The civil code and commercial code also don’t fully recognize women’s right to property other than land.                                                                                                    

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Despite the existence of various laws and international conventions aimed at protecting the rights of women and children, Cameroon continues to grapple with significant challenges in ensuring their safety, well-being, and dignity.  Women in Cameroon face numerous forms of violence, abuse, and exploitation, including domestic violence, sexual assault, child marriage, and human trafficking.

1.3    RESEARCH QUESTION

1.3.1    GENERAL RESEARCH QUETION

How effective is the concept of the protection of women in Cameroon.

1.3.2    SPECIFIC RESEARCH QUESTIONS

-What is the concept of the protection of women in Cameroon?

-What is the institutional frame works regulating the protection of women in Cameroon.

-What are the difficulties encountered by the officials in the in the implementation of the protection of women in Cameroon.

-What measures can be taken for the implementation of the protection of women  in Cameroon.                                                                                                                              

1.4    RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

1.4.1 GENERAL RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

To critically examine the effectiveness of Cameroonian laws and policies in protecting the rights and welfare of women, with a view to identifying gaps, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.

1.4.2    SPECIFIC RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

-To analyze the existing legal frame works in Cameroon for the protection of women, including relevant laws, policies, and international conventions.

-To identify gaps and challenges in the implementation of laws and policies related to the protection of women in Cameroon.

-To examine the role of institutions in protecting women in Cameroon.

-To propose recommendations for strengthening the protection of women under Cameroonian law.