


Michele Ogilvie
Dec 10, 2021
Cameroon
Categories:
Female Empowerment, Education, Service Work, Economy
Mom said, "no."
The Republic of Cameroon is in West Africa, and it has approximately 26 million people. Both English and French languages are spoken, along with six other regional languages. Much of the news from this country is about armed conflict and the horrific treatment of girls and women. In 2021 women are largely still not considered worthy of education and the opportunities that education can bring to a human being. It is a very-dominated male society.
Here, however, is a story of Linda Bah, a young woman who thanks her mother for the opportunity to attend the University of Buea (the only English speaking university in Cameroon) and recently (July 2021) received a Master of Science (MSc) in Materials Science at the Pan African Materials Institute (PAMI) in Nigeria. The World Bank sponsors PAMI and provides training for scientists and engineers to add value to the minerals and materials resources of West and Central Africa. PAMI is the only institution of its kind in West Africa.
Linda has a lifelong fascination for manufactured products. How are they made? What materials do they contain? Linda studied the effect of polymer waste on the mechanical properties of ceramic tiles using African clay. Cameroon imports most of the ceramic tiles used in construction with few local producers. Linda knew that locally produced products provided jobs, wealth, and stability. Linda's research helped develop a ceramic tile suitable for production in Cameroon using local resources.
Now, Linda is studying for a doctorate at Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Arusha, Tanzania, where her focus is now in the natural sciences. A personal tragedy has shaped Linda's future and strengthened her commitment to impacting her village and community.
"I had a cousin who died from cholera due to poor drinking water. Now I know I've established something, the ceramic tiles, to take back to Cameroon. But I also now need to see how I can further help society."
Linda's doctoral research focuses on using natural ingredients, such as moringa (a native plant) and activated carbon to improve water purification. She is due to complete her studies in 2023-24.
My mom just called me and said, do you remember how people kept saying I shouldn't allow you to finish school? In the African tradition, you must marry young and have children, which is a challenge for me. Everyone in my family is concerned because I am not married.
While this can sometimes make her feel a bit down, Linda is resolute in her determination to help others. "There are people out there who need help. I won't live my life just for myself. I will live it in service for others around me.
In Linda's words, despite broader family disapproval, "They would say things like, 'Better you send her to learn a trade like tailoring or hairdressing. But my mother said no."
Have you been in a situation where you could not study or participate in an activity or schooling because you were a girl? It happens every day, all over the world. How can we empower women to surge ahead and finish school with degrees that will help the society in which they live?
Think about your community and the many young women growing up there. Do they have the social support systems necessary to thrive, and do they have the same access as boys? Social support means having friends and other people, including family, to turn to in times of need or crisis to give you a broader focus and positive self-image. Social support is crucial to helping young girls break through barriers that have prevented them from achieving their full potential in life.
A young girl once dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Unfortunately, a male guidance counselor at her school told her the dream was impossible. She would be better suited to be something else. It crushed that girl's self-esteem. The change in her behavior wasn't immediately noticeable, but it was in time. She seemed more unsure of herself than before. She lacked the confidence to pursue the courses in school that would point her in the direction of becoming an astronaut. The guidance counselor's words became a self-fulfilling prophecy. That young girl is now an adult. She has a nagging question in the back of her mind, of what if?
So, how can I make a difference right here, right now? Well, as they say, begin where you are. Where in your community are girls most at risk? Use that as a guide to volunteer your time. Poverty-stricken neighborhoods and failing schools? Consider creating or joining a mentorship program for girls in the schools, coaching them for better grades, and showing them a world of possibility. Is there a very bright girl who does not believe in herself? Is there a girl who does not think she can get a college degree because she comes from a low-income family?
Support girls' sports teams and clubs and strive for parity with boys' programs. Partner with local colleges and the students to adopt local schools and track children, particularly girls, to higher education. Access to nutritious food, shelter, clothing, and health care is critical. That opens up many possibilities for individuals and groups to volunteer. Sadly, so many girls become trapped in cycles of poverty and violence.
What do you need in your community? Not sure? Talk with your local government, schools, non-profit organizations, community leaders. Empowering girls to thrive and become adults who can live their life to their fullest potential is vital to the survival and evolution of our species. Please consider it and take action to make a difference in your community.
PS: Do you have a story to tell us. Please get in touch with us at im4u.world. We are here to listen and learn from you. Thank you.
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Catalog #:
0921.101.01.121021