Cameroon Government Accused of Failing Women Amidst Rising Violence

Cameroon's government stands accused of failing to uphold its commitments to combat violence against women and girls, according to a recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). Fifteen years after pledging to halve the prevalence of such violence by 2026, the government has fallen significantly short of its goals. Instead of decreasing, violence against women and girls has reportedly intensified in all its forms. The report highlights that women in Cameroon continue to endure physical, economic, and psychological abuse in both private and public spheres. Furthermore, their control over vital resources, including land, housing, and income, remains severely limited. Researchers noted that husbands, intimate partners, and male relatives are frequently the perpetrators of this violence. The report, titled 'I Live in Permanent Insecurity,' details the ongoing struggles faced by women in the country.