Give to gain justice: The hidden scars of domestic violence

In Cameroon, where traditions often overshadow rights, countless women are dying in Silence.

Gertrude, a young woman with dreams, married the man she loved. Or so she thought. Behind closed doors, he was a different person. The beatings started soon after their first child was born. "You’re lucky I didn’t leave you," he'd say, slamming the door.

The abuse escalated. Gertrude lost count of the bruises, the broken promises, the nights spent crying in silence. She stayed for the children, for the fear of societal judgment, for the lack of support.

One night, the beating was fatal 🌟. Gertrude died, leaving behind four children and a grieving mum. The community whispered, "She was a good woman, but maybe she wasn’t submissive enough."

Who’s to blame? Our weak legal system that fails to protect? The lack of a supportive network for survivors? Societal stigmatization of divorced women and single mothers? Or the perpetrators who think they own women?

Gertrude isn’t alone. Countless Cameroonian women face domestic violence, silenced by fear, shame, and societal pressure. Many die. Many more suffer in silence.

Gertrude's story is a haunting echo of countless women silenced by domestic violence 🌟. With feminicides soaring – a grim reminder that women are dying at the hands of those who vowed to protect them – Gertrude's fate is a stark warning.

What was Gertrude's crime? She lived with a husband who beat her, died at his hands, and left behind four children and a grieving mum. She covered up the shame and continued enduring, like millions of women in Cameroon who dare not speak up, who dare not leave, who die under pain, hiding the scars of domestic violence. How did she fault?

At the level of my foundation, i educate women not to bargain their liberty because of societal pressure. I give the following practical guides to women :

- Silence kills. Speak up, speak out.

- Support survivors. Don’t judge.

- Laws need teeth. Protect women.

- Society, stop glorifying silence.

- Leaving is not weakness

- At the very first sign of violence, quit.

Call to Action:

- if you’re experiencing violence: Reach out. Call a trusted friend, a helpline (like Cameroon’s 1510), or a shelter home at the various women empowerment centres.

- Support survivors: Listen without judgment. Offer resources or childcare.

- Demand change: Push for stricter laws, better enforcement, and women’s rights education.

- Break the stigma: Talk about domestic violence openly.

- Volunteer or donate: Support local organizations like Association des Femmes Juristes du Cameroun (AFJC) aiding survivors.

As we celebrate the international day of women, let's amplify our voices, let's give to gain more women free from domestic violence. These are some Ways to Support Women Like Gertrude:

- Mentorship: Offer skills training or career guidance.

- Safe spaces: Create community centers for women to share experiences.

- Awareness campaigns: Partner with local groups to educate on women’s rights.

- Legal aid: Help survivors access justice.

Gertrude’s story ends here, but yours doesn’t have to. Be the voice. Be the change.

Happy women's day