34th edition of International Women Day celebration

Official kick-off sets the pace at UDs

Dschang,UDs/SIC-/05/03/19.The 34^th edition of the International Women Day started in full gear at the University of Dschang under the national theme ‘Crusade against inequalities: Committing to the new impetus’. This occasion saw the women at UDs gathered at the University auditorium to launch their week’s activities at 2.00pm. The ceremony which had as salient point speeches and the traditional handing over of the women day fabric was presided over by Prof. Metou Brusil VR/RECOME/UDs who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Roger Nanfosso. To set the ball rolling, the coordinator of the Women Day activities, Prof. Wansi Sylvie DAAF/UDs in her welcome address thanked the Deputy Vice-chancellor for her presence at the ceremony despite her tight schedule. She admonished the great work carried out by the VC at ensuring that the women had a sound preparation for their activities and most importantly eradicating all forms of discrimination at UDs. The coordinator on behalf of the women promised the university administration, the women’s massive participation so as to join their counterparts worldwide in the fight against discrimination and inequalities. The women responded unanimously through the song ‘We are together, we are one’ which showed their determination to work hand in glove with each other and also with men. This ushered in a new phase of presentation of bureau members for the non-academic female staff elected on February 21^st 2019 in prelude of the Women day activities. The eight bureau members in the position of President, Vice president, Secretary and vice, treasurer, financial secretary and two discipline mistresses were presented.

The joy of the Representative of the VC Prof Metou Brusil was not hidden when she took up the floor. Talking as the representative of the VC and also as a woman, Prof. Metou expressed satisfaction at the level of preparation of the activities. She acknowledged the fact that women have generally succeeded at some levels but not in all reason why the constant and permanent struggle for the wellbeing of women should continue. The Deputy Vice- Chancellor shed some light on the significance of March 8^th to women and explained was that the IWD was a day of commemoration symbolizing the emancipation of women. She appreciated the work carried out by Organizations to narrow the gap of inequalities between women and men but equally enjoined women to fight against discrimination and stereotypes still meted on women in other areas worldwide. After the brilliant word from the Deputy Vice-chancellor, the official handing over of the women day fabric took place. The coordinator of the Women’s activities thanked the University administration for ensuring that the women got their loin cloth as early as the 18^th of February 2019 and also for the financial means deployed for the different commissions for the women day’s activities. The chosen design and the green colour of the fabric chosen for the academic and non-academic female staff was then presented and officially handed over by Prof Metou to the Presidents of the said female University associations. With all put on deck by the University for the good functioning of the 8^th March activities, there is no doubt that UDs women are out for a great celebration during the 2019 edition of their day/GC