The maiden edition of the Biaka Women’s Conference unfolded in style and in a vibrant atmosphere today March 4th, 2026, at the Biaka Campus. Organized under the theme “Igniting Her Power: Unlocking Potentials and Creating Impact,” the conference brought together more than 300 women drawn from diverse walks of life. Participants included staff and students from the Biaka community, women from different professional sectors including the regional delegates of Women empowerment & family as well as Arts and culture, the Manager of the Buea Mountain Hotel, the President of CHITECHMA University and even petite-traders, all united by a common desire to celebrate womanhood and explore ways to grow, empower one another, and create meaningful impact in their communities.
The day began with the registration of participants, as women from various backgrounds arrived with enthusiasm and anticipation. The energy at the venue reflected the importance of the occasion, an initiative designed to create a platform where women could learn, network, and inspire one another. Following registration, the conference formally opened with a word of prayer, setting a reflective and hopeful tone for the day’s activities. Participants then rose to sing the national anthem, the Biaka anthem and the women anthem, all symbolizing unity, patriotism, and pride in belonging to a community committed to development and empowerment.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Biaka Group, Dr. Francisca Hongla Biaka delivered her welcome address, warmly receiving the guests and participants. In her remarks, she emphasized the significance of the conference as a landmark initiative for women in the Biaka community and beyond. She highlighted that the Biaka Women’s Conference was not a one-time event but the beginning of a tradition aimed at empowering women and amplifying their voices in society. She noted that the theme of the conference reflected the need for women to recognize their inherent strengths, pursue opportunities boldly, and create lasting impact in their respective spheres.
Following the welcome address came the official opening of the conference by the Regional Delegate for Women’s Employment and Family. In her remarks, she commended the Biaka Group for creating a platform that promotes women’s empowerment and encourages dialogue around issues that affect women in society. She stressed the importance of mentorship, skill development, and collaboration in helping women break barriers and thrive in both personal and professional spaces. She concluded by encouraging women to take their seat on the table and also know when to walk away especially in violent situations.
The intellectual highlight of the conference began with the first keynote presentation delivered by Dr. Feh Mary, Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of innovation and cooperation at BUIB, who spoke on the topic “Career Development, Personal Growth, and Mentorship.” Her presentation resonated strongly with the audience as she underscored the importance of continuous learning, discipline, and self-belief in building a successful career. She encouraged young women to seek mentorship and guidance while also positioning themselves as future mentors for the next generation. Dr. Feh Mary emphasized that personal growth is a lifelong journey and urged participants to remain intentional about developing their skills and nurturing their ambitions.
The second keynote address was delivered by Ms. Emily Miki, Founder of the Denis Miki Foundation, who spoke on “Networking, Sisterhood, and Community Building.” She highlighted the power of collaboration among women and how supportive networks can open doors to new opportunities. According to her, women achieve more when they uplift one another and build communities rooted in trust, encouragement, and shared vision. Her talk inspired participants to strengthen bonds among themselves and create meaningful connections that extend beyond the conference.
One of the most engaging segments of the conference was the panel discussion moderated by Ms. Joyce Tatang, which focused on the conference theme. The discussion brought together a distinguished panel of speakers including Dr. Juliette Biaga, director of the Muea health Center, Mrs. Dopgima Stella, coordinator of the women’s empowerment centre in Buea, Mrs. Fotabe Jecinta, midwifery Head of Unit at the Biaka Hospital and Mr. Otto Singe, Secretary General of the Dr Biaka Memorial Foundation. Each panelist shared insightful perspectives drawn from their professional experiences and personal journeys. The conversation explored practical ways women can unlock their potential, overcome societal barriers, and create sustainable impact in their communities. The panelists also emphasized resilience, education, and collaboration as key drivers for women’s advancement.
Adding color and vibrancy to the event were captivating musical performances. The audience was thrilled by a dynamic display from the Ace Folklore gospel artist, Hannah Ewune, whose soulful performance that uplifted the spirit of the gathering and celebrated the Cameroonian cultural heritage. The event further featured inspiring musical renditions by gospel artists Paul MOG and Arah Perez, both of whom academically hail from the rich tapestry of the Biaka University Institute of Buea. Their performances added a unique blend of celebration and inspiration to the conference atmosphere.
As the conference drew to a close, the Biaka Group President and convener’s concluding remarks, expressed gratitude to the speakers, participants, and organizers who contributed to the success of the maiden edition. She expressed optimism that the Biaka Women’s Conference would continue to grow into a major platform for women’s empowerment and leadership. In her words, the event marked the birth of a promising initiative that would bring women together year after year to inspire progress and transformation. She also extended an invitation for participants to reconvene for the 2027 edition of the conference.
The day concluded with an open entrepreneurial exhibition that showcased the creativity and innovation of both Biaka staff and students. Participants proudly displayed their entrepreneurial talents across a variety of sectors including food, clothing, small chops, and natural products. The exhibition not only highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit within the Biaka community but also provided an opportunity for women to promote their businesses and support one another.
The maiden Biaka Women’s Conference ended on a high note, leaving participants inspired, connected, and motivated to continue igniting their power and creating impact in their communities. The success of the event has set the stage for future editions that promise to further strengthen the spirit of empowerment and collaboration among women.
