As the only African country to have an exhibition stand, Cameroon made its mark at the 36th World Women’s Summit, held from 4 to 6 June 2026 in Turkey. Led by Minister Abena Ondoa (née Obama Marie Thérèse), the national delegation captivated participants with its rich culinary and craft traditions, whilst sharing its innovations in gender-responsive budgeting.
They came with their colours, their know-how, their recipes and their ambition. For three days, from 4 to 6 June 2026, the Cameroonian delegation led by Minister Abena Ondoa (née Obama Marie Thérèse) made a lasting impression at the 36th Global Women’s Summit in Istanbul. As the only African country to have an exhibition stand, Cameroon did not simply participate: it shone, exchanged, forged partnerships and showed the world a face of Africa that dares, creates and builds bridges towards a bold future. « Women: Building Bridges to a Bold Tomorrow » – never has a theme been so fitting.
The adventure began as soon as the summit opened. Even before the inaugural ceremony, a session entitled « Doing Business with Türkiye » immersed participants in Turkish economic opportunities. The large, dynamic Cameroonian delegation was present. After this workshop, the Turkish Minister of Family and Social Services, Mrs. Göktaş, received her Cameroonian counterpart for a meeting. At the heart of the discussions: the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding between the two ministries. Türkiye and Cameroon – two nations learning to combine their strengths in the service of women.
A Cameroonian stand that causes a sensation
As the days passed, one thing became clear. The stand of the Ministry for the Promotion of Women and the Family – actually two spaces – became one of the main attractions of the summit. Participants from all over the world stopped, looked, tasted and marvelled. On display in this Cameroonian showcase: culinary art, of course, with dishes that awakened palates and told stories of the land. But also plastic arts, fashion and design. The creativity of Cameroonian women was proudly exhibited, breaking stereotypes and proving that Africa is no longer merely a continent of raw materials, but also of raw talent and refined know-how.
On the morning of the second day, a networking breakfast was held – that early-morning professional gathering where female leaders, entrepreneurs and experts meet over coffee to build connections. The Cameroonian delegation attended every session. And when it came time to share experiences, Cameroon took the floor. The country presented its remarkable work on gender-responsive budgeting – an innovative practice aimed at integrating gender equality into public budget construction. This experience sparked interest, questions and inspiration. The goal of this meeting was not to formulate normative recommendations, but to allow each country to share its own practices in a spirit of horizontal cooperation. Mission accomplished.
Mental health and Thai gratitude
This 36th Global Women’s Summit also placed mental health at the centre of discussions – a theme long neglected at major feminist gatherings, but now essential. Female leaders are often exposed to chronic stress, the mental load of the double professional and family burden, and burnout. In Istanbul, these issues were discussed without taboo. And Cameroon, through its minister, made its contribution. The event closed beautifully with a dinner hosted by the Turkish Minister of Family and Social Services, followed by the closing ceremony chaired by Mrs. Irene Natividad, President of the Global Women’s Summit. It was at this solemn moment that the long-awaited announcement was made: Thailand was designated as the host country for the 2027 edition. The visibly moved Thai Minister expressed her profound gratitude for the designation, promising a summit that would live up to expectations. In the meantime, Türkiye hands over the baton. And Cameroon leaves with promises of partnerships, increased visibility, and the pride of having flown its country’s colours high.
In the lobby of the Hilton Bomonti Hotel, as the lights went out over Istanbul, one conviction
remained: the women of Cameroon have shown that they are ready to build that bold future. And they never travel alone.
E.S.N
