DOUALA, Cameroon

For International Women’s Day, a human rights lawyer and a digital entrepreneur, both active in the central African nation of Cameroon, shared their journeys to success and how they persevered despite numerous obstacles in a society where sexism persists.

Danielle Akini, a computer analyst and developer who runs a company that trains thousands of children to code inside Africa and abroad, told Anadolu Agency that she faced gender discrimination at the beginning of her career.

"That discrimination came mainly from men,” she said. “For them, this environment was dedicated to men, and they thought that a woman was not capable of doing anything in the field of technology."

But this did not prevent her from evolving with passion and determination, she said.

"I was passionate about what I was doing, and I believed in my dreams. Today I have gone beyond those dreams and I am generating employment. I feel fulfilled in what I do," she said.

She believes women are good leaders and said she had received confirmation of this from her male colleagues.

"Men today tell us that we are more interesting in this field than men because we can handle several things at once. We are more stable," said Akini.

Pioneering jurist

For the septuagenarian first female lawyer in the Cameroonian Bar Association, the course has been different.

Alice NKom, 75, took up her position when there were even very few men in the field, and said all of her colleagues found her courageous.

"It was a dangerous and risky route but I didn't find any obstacles. I always knew that when I went there I had to behave and be successful so that women could be inspired and encouraged," she remembered.

"No one stopped me from doing what I wanted to do. On the contrary, I have always had justice in my veins.”

When she sat down to take the bar exam, she said: “There were no women and almost no men from here, but rather expatriates. They were surprised to see me choose this liberal path in public service that many did not dare. It was not about men or women.”

Women's Day and equality in Cameroon

Today, these two internationally recognized and appreciated women want to inspire others to greater feats. They take every opportunity, such as today, March 8 International Women's Day, to highlight the power of women in an egalitarian society.

"This is a great opportunity for us to showcase our abilities and skills. Even if there is still a lot of awareness needed to be done on the role of this day," said Danielle.

Nkom said she feels "more than ever” as a mother, a Cameroonian citizen, more committed and with increased duties as a message bearer and consoler.

"Faced with the overflow of tears and blood in the country, I have a greater sense of femininity, of humanism as only women can have," said the activist.

She acknowledged the day as proof women have won a part of their struggle for rights.

"The struggle is far from being won, but we can see definite progress, such as more educated and empowered women," Nkom said.

No one should be sidelined because of differences, she said.

On the situation of equality in Cameroon, the lawyer said the country is evolving according to an unequal management mode.

"Everything is done on an unequal basis here, and yet our very Constitution begins with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established on freedom, equality, and non-discrimination,” she said.

“The situation of women's rights in this country is not at all commendable."

The nation’s leadership should promote equality within the government and yet they do not, she argued.

As a result, the whole system follows this example and does not feel obliged to respect equality, she said, but added that she believes women can help improve things.

In particular, they must lead by example and take advantage of opportunities offered by the current era to achieve what they want.

Akini said that women must have confidence in themselves, fight for equality and rights by having a vision, and know where they are going.

They also need to work on their careers and make sure they are competent without using femininity as an excuse to do less than men, she added.