The Cameroon Debate Circuit, in collaboration with the Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB), successfully organized a two-day High School Girls Debate Championship under the theme “7 Minutes for Girls.” The championship, which brought together at least seven girls from eleven schools, served as a platform to empower young female voices in critical thinking, public speaking, and structured argumentation.
Day one of the championship kicked off with an intensive training session on the British Parliamentary form of debate. The training, facilitated by seasoned debaters adjudicators and trainers, provided the participants with the necessary tools to structure their arguments, analyze motions critically, and engage in constructive rebuttals. The girls showed great enthusiasm as they actively participated in the drills, honing their skills in anticipation of the competition.
Following the training, the championship was formally declared open by the Registrar of BUIB, who represented the Vice-Chancellor. In her opening remarks, Dr. Visimih Veronica commended the Cameroon Debate Circuit team for their efforts in promoting gender-inclusive intellectual competitions and encouraged the young girls to seize the opportunity to refine their debating skills. Her words of encouragement set a tone of determination and enthusiasm among the participants. Representing the Ministry of Secondary Education was Mme. Epie who emphasized on the role educating the girl child and reminded the girls of the greater objective of empowering girls with knowledge through the right platforms and stages.
Shortly after the opening ceremony, the students were paired into teams and sent to their designated debate venues. Each debate round was adjudicated by trained judges drawn from the Women’s Empowerment Centre, alongside school staff members who accompanied the participants. The debates were intense, with the young debaters passionately arguing for and against motions on pressing societal issues. The competition showcased their analytical skills, eloquence, and confidence as they engaged in intellectual battles for supremacy.
Day two commenced with continuous training on public speaking and advanced debating techniques. The trainers focused on voice modulation, persuasive delivery, and handling cross-examinations effectively. These additional lessons proved invaluable as the participants prepared for the next rounds of the championship.
The day progressed with open debating sessions, where students were given the liberty to debate outside the formal competition structure. This segment fostered a spirit of intellectual camaraderie as the girls exchanged ideas, challenged viewpoints, and learned from each other in a less pressured environment.
As the competition reached its climax, the semi-final ran on the motion “This House Regrets the Rise of Women to Power”. The final rounds took center stage where the top performing teams advanced, and the tension in the debate halls heightened. The debators argued on the motion that “The Ownership of Lands by Women as well as Female Succession is Prohibited”. After rigorous intellectual battles, the students from Saker Baptist College emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional debating skills, teamwork, and resilience. Their victory was met with loud applauds, as they had outshone their peers in well-reasoned arguments and compelling presentations.
The championship concluded with an award ceremony, where participants were honored with medals for their efforts and commitment to the competition. Prizes were handed over by Dr. Feh Mary, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Cooperation and Innovation, who represented the Vice-Chancellor. In her closing remarks, she lauded the participants for their remarkable performance and encouraged them to continue harnessing their public speaking skills for future endeavors.
The High School Girls Debate Championship was not only a competition but also a transformative experience that empowered young girls to express themselves confidently and engage meaningfully in societal discourse. As the participants departed, they carried with them valuable lessons, newfound confidence, and the determination to become the next generation of influential female voices in Cameroon and beyond.