The 40th Edition of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration was a vibrant and empowering one for the women of the Biaka community. With the global theme “For all women and girls: rights, equality and empowerment”, the Biaka women joined thousands of other women from various backgrounds in a series of activities that highlighted their strength, resilience, and unity.
The celebrations kicked off on March 1st, 2025, at Alcef Park in Limbe, where the Biaka women met with other women from different professions, institutions, and communities for a fun-filled day of games and socialization. The park was filled with excitement as women engaged in friendly competitions in dodgeball, hopscotch(tabala), swimming, and the traditional game of seven stones. In the course of the games, Biaka Group’s Ms. Ebane Ngozi and Ms. Josiane distinguished themselves by winning the 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively in the dodgeball competition.
Laughter and cheers filled the air as teams strategized and played their hearts out. The dodgeball competition was particularly intense, with teams displaying both skill and teamwork. The swimming event also drew much attention, as participants challenged each other in friendly races, showcasing their athleticism. Beyond the games, women took time to network, share experiences, and celebrate one another, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and empowerment.
On March 8, the official 2025 International Women’s Day, the Biaka women, alongside other women from professional bodies, institutions, traditional and cultural groups, converged at the Independence Square at Clerks Quarters, Buea, for the annual march parade. The event, presided over by the Governor of the South West Region, was a spectacle of unity and strength.
Dressed in their official IWD fabric, the Biaka women marched with pride, their colorful outfits symbolizing their commitment to gender equality and empowerment. Various women leaders took turns addressing the crowd, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, equal opportunities, and the need for continuous advocacy for women’s rights. The Governor, in his keynote speech, praised the contributions of women in different sectors and encouraged them to keep pushing boundaries.
After the parade, the Biaka women retreated to the Biaka Complex for a special celebration organized exclusively for them. The atmosphere was joyous as they gathered to mark the function together. The event at the Biaka Complex began with an opening prayer, setting the tone for an afternoon of appreciation and merriment. The Vice-Chancellor of Biaka University Institute of Buea then took the stage to deliver a welcome address, acknowledging the remarkable efforts of the women in various fields and their significant contributions to the growth of not only the institution but also individual lives, families, and the entire community at large.
A particularly touching moment of the celebration was when the Biaka women collectively presented a gift to their Board-chair, president and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mrs Francisca Hongla Biaka, as a token of appreciation for her unwavering support and unique leadership qualities. The gesture was met with heartfelt gratitude, symbolizing the deep respect and unity within the Biaka community.
Following the formal proceedings, the atmosphere transitioned into one of pure fun and excitement. Women engaged in different games, reliving the playful spirit of their youth. Some male colleagues also joined the celebration, standing in solidarity with the women and showing their support for gender inclusivity.
The day culminated in a refreshment session, where everyone enjoyed delicious food and drinks while continuing to share stories and experiences as they danced to different jams and tunes. The Biaka women left the celebration feeling empowered, appreciated, and motivated to keep making a difference in their respective roles.
The 2025 International Women’s Day celebration was more than just an event; it was a reaffirmation of the strength, resilience, and unity of the Biaka women. Through sports, socialization, and recognition of achievements, the day served as a powerful reminder of the vital role women play in society. As the day’s festivities drew to an end, one thing was clear: the Biaka women had not only celebrated but had also inspired one another to continue striving for excellence and inclusion in all spheres of life.