In prelude to the celebration of the International Day of Families on May 15, Cameroon’s Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family organized a mass wedding ceremony in Yaounde, bringing together more than a hundred couples in an initiative aimed at strengthening family cohesion, promoting legally recognized unions and supporting social inclusion.https://www.unhcr.org/africa/news/stories/mass-wedding-renews-love-hope-and-dignity-among-couples-cameroon
As part of activities marking the upcoming International Day of Families, Cameroon’s Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF) organized a mass wedding ceremony
in Yaounde on Saturday, bringing together more than a hundred couples in a celebration of family unity and social cohesion.
The event, held at the EPC ADNA parish in collaboration with the Tyrannus Institute, aimed to encourage couples living in informal unions to legalize their marriages and strengthen family stability. Thousands of guests, relatives and well-wishers attended the ceremony, which transformed the church premises into a festive gathering dedicated to the promotion of strong family values.
Presiding over the ceremony, Minister Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa described the family as the “foundation of social cohesion and national development.” She emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting families and promoting legally recognized unions as a way of protecting women, children and household stability.
According to organizers, the initiative sought to reduce some of the financial barriers that often prevent couples from officially marrying. For many participants, the collective ceremony offered an opportunity to regularize long-standing relationships in a dignified and supportive environment.
Beyond the wedding rites, the event also featured a “Grand National Family Banquet,” musical entertainment and counselling sessions for newly married couples. Religious leaders and family experts used the occasion to educate participants on marital responsibilities, communication and the importance of preserving family harmony.
The ceremony forms part of activities leading up to the International Day of Families celebrated annually on May 15. This year’s commemorations in Cameroon focus on strengthening family ties and promoting social inclusion through community-based initiatives.
Several attendees praised the initiative, saying it gives recognition and legitimacy to couples who may not have had the means to organize traditional or civil weddings independently. Some newlyweds expressed gratitude to the government and partners for helping them formalize unions that had existed for years.
However, the initiative also sparked mixed reactions in some circles. While many welcomed the social support provided by the programme, others raised concerns over the possible sidelining of certain customary marriage traditions and family rites usually observed before formal unions.
Despite the debate, the ceremony highlighted the growing role of public institutions and community organizations in supporting families and encouraging responsible partnerships. For the couples who exchanged vows, the day marked not only the legalization of their unions, but also the beginning of a new chapter built on commitment, recognition and shared responsibility.
Ornéla ZANGA
