As part of International Women's Day 2026, celebrated under the theme "Rights, justice, action for all women and girls" , OAPI deployed, from February 28 to March 8, a series of rich, inclusive and meaningful activities.
These moments of sharing, reflection and celebration have highlighted the voice, aspirations and commitment of the women of the Organization, for the promotion of an inclusive Intellectual Property system while reaffirming OAPI's commitment to the values of equality, dignity and opportunities for all.
Activities to learn, share and grow
The commemorative activities began with an intense, fruitful and convivial program:
🚶🏾♀️ “Walking together towards progress” »
An energizing and committed sporting walk on February 28 in the arteries of the city of Yaoundé in Cameroon, the host country, brought participants together around a clear vision: to move forward together, step by step, towards more equality and justice.
This time of collective effort embodied the determination of women and their allies (men and children) to make progress a shared dynamic, rooted in action and solidarity.
🍽️🍷 "A refined moment, a symbol of valuing expertise and creativity, where the art of setting a table has become a language of expression and respect."
A practical workshop dedicated to the art of table setting followed on March 5th, offering a genuine space for learning and conviviality. Beyond its aesthetic aspect, it revisited the codes of etiquette, elegance, and courtesy, highlighting the importance of these transferable skills in professional, relational, and family environments.
At the helm is a passionate advocate for beauty and elegance, Ms. Jocelyne NOKAM, an event specialist and PI focal point at the Ministry of Scientific Research (MINRESI).
🎙️ "Retirement: a transition to be built, not endured"
At the heart of the program was also a conference and debate on " preparing for and managing retirement ," an enlightening and often sensitive topic in career paths. Led by a panel of experts with complementary profiles—from the institutional, asset management, psychosocial, and human resources fields—
Our speakers included:
- Françoise Julienne MBEMOBA, Retired Executive of the National Social Security Fund of Cameroon (CNPS);
- Alain NONO TCHOUANKAP: Chairman and CEO of MOUELDANO (wealth management and consulting company);
- Aminata DJEBRE, Head of Resources Department at OAPI.
And to guide the discussions, we had Estève DEGLA , Director of Legal Affairs, as moderator.
This meeting highlighted a key reality: retirement is something to be prepared for; it is a proactive action, not something to be endured . Discussions emphasized the need to equip employees institutionally, psychologically, and in terms of wealth management, in order to transform their post-career into a new phase of life marked by dignity, serenity, freedom to pursue projects, and, perhaps, career change.
This approach is fully in line with the demand for social justice and equality conveyed by the theme of International Women's Day 2026, giving everyone, and especially women, the necessary levers to remain actors in their future.
March 8: A celebration reflecting the spirit of the women of OAPI
The highlight of this 41st edition, the celebration of March 8th, gave rise to a festive and unifying atmosphere.
After the performance of the Women's Anthem, speeches by the women's representative Andréa BOKE and the Director General of OAPI, Denis BOHOUSSOU, recalled the importance of the role of women in the dynamics of the Organization and the need to continue actions in favor of equality.
The rest of the day gave way to a beautiful communion around art, culture and entertainment: live orchestra, heritage and contemporary dances, competitions, one-man show, all punctuated by moments of sharing around a convivial meal.
A joyful and symbolic finale, which sealed the culmination of these commemorative activities and strengthened the bonds between colleagues.
An edition imbued with meaning and sustainable commitment
Through this 41st International Women's Day, OAPI reaffirms its commitment to making equality a lived reality on a daily basis, in professional practices as well as in personal trajectories.
This edition strongly reminds us that: rights must be defended, justice must be built, and action belongs to all of us.
These are values that will continue to inspire the OAPI teams, their projects and their future commitments, well beyond March 8.
