Women from villages impacted by the Sanbrado Mines Corporation (SOMISA) gold project recently celebrated International Women’s Day with a series of community events and discussions focused on crucial themes for their development. This celebration, which took place on March 9 and 10, 2024, was made possible thanks to the financial support of SOMISA, and saw the participation of women from different villages facing the challenges of the mining project.

Faced with the precarious security context, SOMISA opted for a decentralized approach this year, allowing women from each village to organize around a community meal and debate the topics of their choice. The villages of Mankarga Traditionnel, Pousghin, Pilaka, Roulghin, Silmiougou, Sanbrado, Douré, Lollé and Mankarga Peulh all took part in this celebration, each emphasizing themes such as hygiene, children’s education, income-generating activities, and social cohesion.

SOMISA Senior Community Relations Coordinator and Gender Focal Point, Christelle Foméni, hig
hlighted the importance of maintaining strong links between the mining company and local communities. ‘We want to actively participate in cultural activities to strengthen social cohesion between SOMISA and the communities ,’ she said. For her, women’s empowerment is essential, and SOMISA works with them to ensure they can continue to thrive even after leaving the mine.

Village representatives expressed their gratitude to SOMISA for its continued support. Bibata Sédogo de Pousghin encouraged women to focus on children’s education as a way to promote sustainable development. Likewise, Céline Yaméogo from the village of Silmiougou was delighted with the holding of this day. According to her, the women of the village discussed the theme of hygiene and to put words into action, they cleaned the village chief’s courtyard, the school and places of worship.

Madeleine Tiendrébéogo from Pilaka highlighted the income-generating activities supported by SOMISA, such as weaving, dyeing and sewing, which have enabled wom
en to gain financial autonomy. The provincial directors in charge of the promotion of women and youth also expressed their support for these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community entrepreneurship for local development.

For the provincial director in charge of the advancement of women in Ganzourgou, Patrick Paré, the actions carried out by SOMISA correspond to the government’s objectives in terms of the socioeconomic advancement of women. He praised the diversity of activities organized and the commitment of women to contribute to their own development.

As for the provincial director in charge of youth in Ganzourgou, Sayouba P. Ouédraogo, he highlighted the crucial role of women in local development and called for strengthening cooperation between communities to maximize the impact of these initiatives.

The celebration of International Women’s Day in the villages impacted by SOMISA highlighted the potential of women to drive positive change in their communities despite the challenges faced. T
his collaboration between the mining company and local populations demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development and the empowerment of women in the locality.

Source: Burkina Information Agency

By Eratus Ndueh

Millions of Muslim faithful in Cameroon have begun observing the Holy month of Ramadan all over the national territory. The month of Ramadan is of immense significance to Muslims all over the world. It is a period of intense spiritual devotion and self-reflection.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and it’s considered the holiest month for Muslims as it commemorates the revelation of the Quran, Islam’s holy book.

‘Ramadan is the month in which one of the five pillars of Islam in fasting is usually accomplished. it was during the month of Ramadan that the Quran was revealed to prophet Mohammad,’ explained Aladji Mohammed Aboubakar the chief Imam of the Buea Central Mosque.

Also, ‘fasting has been prescribed by Allah during Ramadan. it’s essential and significant as it embodies all aspects of the Muslim person.’ He added.

It is more broadly interpreted as the obligation to refrain between dawn and dusk from food, drink, sexual activity, and all forms of immoral behavio
r, including impure or unkind thoughts.

Moreover, the month of Ramadan is a unique moment as it comes with a lot of benefits. One of them is the possibility of getting his/her sins forgiven by Allah.

‘The month of Ramadan comes with lots of enthusiasm, people are highly spiritual as they expect to have their sins forgiven. During this period we will have some exceptional prayers which are observed only in the month of Ramadan. Imams always lead the prayers and those who are knowledgeable in the recitation of the Quran know as nightly prayers,’ expounded the chief Imam of Buea.

Apart from prayers, the month of Ramadan is also rich in lesson sharing as it teaches Muslims to follow the footsteps of the prophet Mohammad who taught and practiced generosity.

According to the Imam, after the sunset prayer, Muslims gather in their homes or mosques to break their fast with a meal called if?ar that is often shared with friends and extended families. The if?ar usually begins with dates, as was the custom of Muhammad
.

At the end of the Ramadan fast Muslims celebrate what is known as Eid al-Fitr, the ‘Feast of Fast-Breaking,’ which is one of the two major religious holidays of the Muslim calendar.

Source: Cameroon News Agency