From strategy to implementation? Assessing gender equality in electoral governance and women's political participation in Cameroon

This study explores the advancement of gender equality in electoral governance and women’s political representation in Cameroon through intersectional and feminist theoretical lenses. It emphasises the intersection between provisions in laws and regulations and their actual application. How does Cameroon effectively implement the legal framework on gender equality in its electoral governance? Employing a qualitative investigation of secondary data sources, the paper critiques power dynamics that spread gender inequality and investigates Cameroon’s policy and practical alignment with international norms such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The findings assert that while legal mechanisms exist, societal and institutional factors continue to obstruct progress toward gender parity in governance in Cameroon. This paper underscores the need for more vigorouspolicy review and grassroots strategies to promote a broad political landscape. The study highlights the significance of connecting the divide between policy and practice to foster gender equality in Cameroon, providing recommendations for stakeholders to ease women’s political partaking and representation.