On Saturday, March 16, 2024, the Salle de la Convivialité at the National Museum in Yaoundé hosted the finals of the national public speaking competition dubbed "Elles parlent".
A women's voice contest.
The social hall of the Yaoundé National Museum was packed to the rafters on Saturday March 16, 2024. Relatives, friends and acquaintances came out to cheer on the 16 finalists in the minimes, juniors and seniors categories. Each contestant had a maximum of three minutes to speak, inspire and convince the jury. In each selection, a topic of reflection was imposed on them. In the case of the minimes, for example, i.e. women aged 18 to 25, they had to identify a social project and demonstrate its importance in all areas of working life. Several criteria, including poise, eloquence, diction, text hierarchy, language level, correct dress and many other qualities, were used to decide between the competitors. The audience in the National Museum's Salle des Convivités were given a blank piece of paper on which to judge each candidate's performance. Young English-speaking women were not left out of this year's competition.
What's more, the competition was held simultaneously in Cameroon's two major cities, Douala and Yaoundé: Douala and Yaoundé. After almost ninety minutes of speeches by the various protagonists, the jury members were able to give their final verdict. For Manuela NKORO, second prize in the junior category and winner of the Prix d'Ebène for the public's choice, it was a wonderful experience: "It was through my friend that I learned about this competition, and today I can't believe I've won two prizes. It's a really big surprise for me. All women should take part in this competition, because it's a great way to discover yourself and it's a wonderful experience". Bernadette NJI, the oldest candidate in the competition, was awarded the combativeness prize by the jury. For her, it was an immense joy: "It was my daughter who entered me in this competition. On the first day, I was sitting down and didn't know what it was all about. I followed how the other women spoke, and from then on I was interested. For Aline ESSONO, president of the BITÕ association and promoter of this activity, this year's huge challenge had to be met: "We usually organize the contest in Yaoundé only. Last year, we organized the competition in Yaoundé and N'DJAMENA. This year, we wanted to organize the competition in Douala and Yaoundé at the same time, and that was a real challenge. ».
Women's public speaking: Breaking the shackles of silence.
The "Elles parlent" national public speaking competition was the brainchild of five women with a passion for public speaking. Initially, it was reserved exclusively for young women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Charlotte DOOH, Vice-President of the BITÕ association, explains: "When we set up this competition, we thought of young girls from poor backgrounds. Every evening, we went out to look for these girls in insecure areas such as the Briqueterie district in Yaoundé. On several occasions, we faced fierce opposition from their parents, for whom they were more useful for the back-to-school itinerant trade. It's all thanks to the mayor of this locality, who supported us when he heard about this activity".
For the association's president, Aline ESSONO, the competition has an educational and ethical purpose: "For us, this competition is a way of giving a voice to Cameroonian women. It's women who educate, and it's women who are the foundation of society. We're working to give a positive voice to women. ».
For Anne NDONDJANG, winner of the senior category, the public speaking competition means she can now dream big: "My mother and I had a very difficult past. Because of this situation, I had forbidden myself to dream big. Thanks to the BITÕ association and to God, I'm very happy today, and I'd like to tell my children not to be discouraged and to believe in themselves. In the next few days, I intend to join this association. ».
This competition is not the only activity for the women of the BITÕ association. Charlotte DOOH explains: "Every two months, we organize a round-table discussion on a subject of interest to women, with the voluntary assistance of professionals from various sectors. Last year, we organized a round-table discussion on sexual assault at the Comptoir des Arts cultural center in the Dragages district. We invited lawyers, a psycho-clinician and two senior members of the police force. It was very enlightening for us ».
Serge Ngouadio
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