Source: Cameroon Tribune
First Lady, Mrs Chantal Biya joined scores of women at the 20th May Boulevard to mark Unity Day Celebration.

Women from all walks of life, particularly those in the Defence Forces, yesterday May 20 displayed their strength in meeting challenges for an emerging Cameroon during a mast past at the 20th May Boulevard which saw them marched with guns as if to say "what a man can do; a woman can do and even better".

On hand to encourage these women, was Cameroon's First Lady, Mrs Chantal Biya, whose arrival at the ceremonial ground some ten minutes before the parade began gave a special touch and decor to the event.

Women participating in the Armed Forces, civilian march past as well as those amongst political parties made their presence felt in a unique manner as they marched past the 20th May Avenue in an aesthetic and colourful manner. The First Lady of the country encouragingly applauded not only for the female kids but especially when she saw women heading squadrons of female personnel from the different corps in the Armed Forces.

Women marching with the Presidential Guard to those amongst the Combined Arms Services Military Academy (EMIA), the National Gendarmerie and Army as well as those in the Police corps, Penitentiary Administration, Customs, Ex-servicemen and even schools all proved that they have come of age and the hitherto back stage place they had, has given way to a prominent presence and active participation in events of great magnitude. Their massive presence and spectacular display at the 20th May Boulevard yesterday lent credence to this.

Attracting attention was a special squadron of female personnel of the National Gendarmerie in their light blue uniform and a detachment of female personnel of the National Police who marched past drawing applause from the audience. To the rhythm of the bands of the Presidential Guard, the National Gendarmerie, the Army, and the National Police, senior female officers in the Defence Forces headed battalions of female personnel either in their official or combat attires. In the civilian march past, females from various primary and secondary schools in Yaounde also made their presence felt at the ceremonial ground.

• Cameroon