Solving the Problems through Transforming the Attitudes

Being an ardent member in the civil society and also as a young scholar on gender, violence and youth development, I am often confronted with lots of difficulties in my professional and my personal life. One of which and most critical arises from the conflict of ideologies on masculinity and feminism.

This misconception of maleness as authority and must be in charge of controlling the economy, making socio-political or family decisions, and, feminism as anti-men is tremendously affecting / limiting my potency to bring positive change in the community. The divergent in ideology between men and women in my community is such a big issue and definitely needs constant awareness raising in order to completely eradicate the ignorant behaviors that demean the values of feminism to ‘bad’ or ‘indecent’.

Through group campaigns, community mobilization, workshop trainings, and policy brief (papers), I have been opportune to articulate and share, locally and globally, the stories of the community women orally and in written, challenging the status quo of womanhood and manhood. On the other hand, the presence of scarce resources like learning (resourceful) toolkits, reliable internet connections and the possibility to find the experts who are ready to engage and impact these women with abundant wealth of serviceable knowledge has also reduces my success towards ensuring that women voices are heard.

Overcoming the barriers has not been easy. It is for that reason; I have been very influential in promoting the use of Blogging / New (Social) Media for community good. For instance, recently I created an event page on Facebook and Twitter List for the October 9th presidential Elections, where citizens (women mostly) are encouraged to use this common platform to share their personal stories /experiences throughout the election period, with the world.

This act is so far the first social media initiative that is bringing live streaming on the Cameroon presidential elections, unlike in the past elections where news were obtained from the traditional news media. In this case therefore, Cameroonians shall freely access original stories told by those going through the experience without censorship, editing or adding of a voiceover as commonly done with the TVs, Radios reports.
Personally, I feel so excited about the Live blogging of Cameroon elections because it will not only enhance citizen vigilance and political accountability but also influence many people (women and girls in particular) to turn their empathy into actions for change.

Another very important portal, apart from my blog and other sites, is Pulsewire. I am proud to say, I am a Pulsewireholic. I have contributed both in welcoming and directing newcomers, shared stories on the recent development and experiences on topical issues. I have also participated in (and have led) some of Pulsewire’s Strategic Campaigns and Action (community) Calls. My engagement to Pulsewire has introduced me to remarkable women committed in building change. And above all PulseWire is continually exposing me to valuable resources that have been of immense benefits to my activism and my academics.