MINPROFF Cameroon: Projet Loi Violences Faites Aux Femmes Sent to Presidency

• MINPROFF Minister Pr. Abena Ondoa met with EU Ambassador Véronika Boskovic Pohar on October 7, 2026, to discuss women's and children's protection.
• A MINPROFF-developed draft bill against violence targeting women and girls is currently at the Presidency and may be submitted to Parliament in November 2026.
• This legislative initiative is part of Cameroon's efforts to combat a wave of femicides, with over 60 women officially reported dead from domestic violence since early 2026.
• Discussions also covered strengthening EU-MINPROFF cooperation and preparations for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

For legal professionals in Cameroon, the progress of the MINPROFF-led draft bill against violence against women and girls warrants close attention.

On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, a significant meeting took place in Cameroon concerning the protection of vulnerable populations. Pr. Abena Ondoa, who serves as the Minister of Women's Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF), hosted Véronika Boskovic Pohar, the European Union Ambassador to Cameroon. Their discussions centered on critical issues including the status of women, the safeguarding of families, and ensuring respect for children's fundamental rights within the nation.

A primary focus of the diplomatic exchange was the ongoing efforts to combat violence targeting women and girls. The EU Ambassador specifically expressed interest in a proposed legislative text, a draft bill against violence against women and girls, which has been developed under the leadership of MINPROFF. This legislative initiative is a key component of the government's broader strategy to address the alarming prevalence of femicides across the country.

Minister Ondoa provided an update on the progress of this crucial legislative proposal, confirming that the draft bill is currently under review at the Presidency of the Republic. She indicated that there is an expectation for the bill to be presented to Parliament in November of the same year, 2026. This potential submission marks a critical step towards establishing a more robust legal framework for the protection of women and girls in Cameroon.

The MINPROFF-led initiative, often referred to as the "Cameroun projet loi violences faites aux femmes," represents a concerted effort to strengthen legal protections. Its development is directly linked to the urgent need to address the rising tide of gender-based violence, including "féminicides Cameroun," which has prompted calls for more decisive legal action. The proposed "loi contre violences basées genre Cameroun" aims to introduce new provisions to safeguard individuals from various forms of abuse.

Beyond the specific legislative agenda, the meeting also served to reinforce the collaborative ties between the European Union and MINPROFF. Both parties explored avenues for enhanced cooperation, particularly in advancing the "droits des femmes Cameroun législation" and ensuring the comprehensive "protection femmes enfants Cameroun." This ongoing partnership underscores a shared commitment to human rights and gender equality.

Further discussions during the meeting touched upon the preparations for the upcoming "16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence" campaign. Participants identified potential areas where the European Union could offer support and intervention, highlighting the international community's role in bolstering local efforts to combat gender-based violence. The engagement between the "MINPROFF ambassadrice UE Cameroun" signifies a united front against these societal challenges.

The urgency surrounding these legislative and cooperative efforts is underscored by the current situation in Cameroon, which is grappling with a significant increase in femicides. Official government figures reveal a stark reality: more than 60 women have tragically lost their lives since the beginning of 2026 due to violence perpetrated by their spouses, ex-spouses, or close relatives. This alarming statistic provides a somber backdrop to the discussions and the push for new legal instruments.

For legal professionals in Cameroon, the progress of the MINPROFF-led draft bill against violence against women and girls warrants close attention. Its potential submission to Parliament in November could introduce significant new legal obligations and protections impacting family law, criminal law, and corporate social responsibility. The proposed legislation is poised to reshape the legal landscape, offering enhanced safeguards and potentially altering the framework for prosecuting gender-based crimes, thereby reinforcing the "droits des femmes Cameroun législation" and the overall "protection femmes enfants Cameroun."

Legal professionals in Cameroon should closely monitor the progress of the MINPROFF-led draft bill against violence against women and girls, as its potential submission to Parliament in November could introduce significant new legal obligations and protections impacting family law, criminal law, and corporate social responsibility.

Source: Original reporting via Actu Cameroun