The Status of Women in Cameroon ( 1st Step)

An analysis of the legal and socio-economic and political status of women in Cameroon shows the link between the high levels of violence against women in Cameroon and their low status in all aspects of life. Besides the fact that laws relating to women’s legal status reflect social attitudes that affect the human rights of women, such laws often have a direct impact on women’s ability to exercise those rights. The legal context of family life, laws affecting women’s socio-economic status, women’s access to education, the labour market and politics contribute to violence against women and their access to redress and reparation.  
As a result of the ethnic diversity, one can not distinguish the Cameroonian woman in a gender profile. However, all ethnic groups give great importance to local traditions, which widely detrimentally affect the status of women and their enjoyment of human rights. Cameroon inherited two different legal systems; notably French law from the former Oriental Cameroon and British law from the former Occidental Cameroon, which coexist with local customary law. In addition to regional laws, there is a growing body of federal laws. While criminal  procedures remain distinct between East and West Cameroon, criminal law
itself was unified between 1965 and 1967 in one single Penal Code. Women in Cameroon experience high levels of discrimination, which despite Constitutional provisions recognising the human rights of women, is also enshrined in the law. No legal definition of discrimination exists. 
However, civil law offers a more equal standard than customary law, another source of law in Cameroon, which is far more discriminatory against women. The broad persistence of customary law infringes the human rights of women, particularly in the areas of marriage and inheritance laws. Customary law varies depending on the ethnicity of the parties involved and the region.
In cases where the two types of legal systems have equal weight, an individual can choose whether to bring the case before the statutory law courts or customary law courts. The traditional jurisdiction cites custom except when custom is opposed to law and order and good morals.The Supreme Court has sanctioned the primacy of contemporary law over traditional law.
However, due to the importance attached to traditions and customs, laws protecting women are often not respected. The United Nations has on several occasions expressed concern about the lack of progress made by the Government of Cameroon in reforming laws and combating practices that discriminate against women and girls and violate their human rights.



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