SODECAO Celebrates the 40th Edition of the International Women's Day

Empowering Women, Promoting Diversity

SODECAO enthusiastically celebrated the 40^th edition of the International Women's Day 2025, under the theme "For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment". The festivities, which took place from March 4 to 8, 2025, aimed to promote gender equality, empower women, and foster a culture of diversity and inclusion within the company.

Activities kicked off on Monday, March 4, 2025, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony presided over by the General Manager of SODECAO, marking the opening of the festive week and setting the tone for an exciting week of events.

The celebrations continued on day two with a fitness session, handball tournament, and workshops on liquid soap and balm production.

The third day was dedicated to celebrating Cameroon's rich cultural diversity, during which SODECAO's female staff showcased Cameroon's cultural heritage through traditional dances, cuisine, fashion parades and traditional attire, highlighting the country's four geographic areas: the Grassfields, the Sawa, the Ekang, and the Soudano-Sahelian. The event was a true celebration of Cameroon's rich cultural heritage.

On day four, the women of SODECAO took a fun-filled excursion to Nkoabang, where they enjoyed swimming, karaoke, and shared a meal. This outing was a great bonding experience, fostering teamwork and camaraderie among the women.

The grand finale of the week's celebrations took place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, with a vibrant women's march-past at the 20th May Boulevard, graced by the presence of the First Lady, Mrs. Chantal BIYA. In front of an audience of esteemed guests, including the General Manager and his close collaborators, the women of SODECAO proudly showcased their elegance and solidarity as they marched past.

The day ended with a festive ceremony at the company's headquarters. This phase of the day was marked by the singing of the national anthem and the women's anthem. The Chairperson of the Organizing Committee delivered a keynote address, shedding light on the challenges women face within the organization and making a compelling case for greater recognition and career advancement opportunities for SODECAO's female staff.  

In his address, the General Manager renewed his commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of SODECAO's female staff, affirming his willingness to promote women's rights within the company. He urged them to take ownership of their responsibilities and strive for excellence. This, he noted, would significantly contribute to the company's success. The General Manager then handed over trophies to the winners of competitions organized during this celebration, closing the ceremony in a festive and convivial atmosphere.

By N.J.K