Gender Justice and Legal Empowerment in Rural Cameroon Women: A Mixed Methods Inquiry

Rural areas in Cameroon are characterized by significant gender disparities in legal empowerment, particularly affecting women's access to justice and economic opportunities. This mixed methods study combines quantitative survey data from 500 rural women in Cameroon with qualitative interviews of 20 village leaders to explore perceptions and experiences related to gender justice and legal empowerment. The findings indicate that while over 80% of respondents report improved access to land rights documentation, only half have successfully utilised these documents to resolve disputes or secure financial benefits. Despite progress in formal policy frameworks, practical barriers persist in translating legal entitlements into actionable outcomes for rural women. Policy makers should focus on enhancing community-level support structures and awareness campaigns to bridge the gap between formal laws and effective implementation. gender justice, legal empowerment, Cameroon, mixed methods study