African Trade and Investment Law (Law/Economics/Business crossover) | 14 September 2007
Gender Justice and Legal Empowerment in Rural Cameroon: A Survey Analysis
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Abstract
Gender justice is a critical issue in rural Cameroon, where women often face legal barriers that hinder their empowerment and economic opportunities. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative surveys with 300 participants from various rural communities and qualitative interviews with 25 community leaders and legal experts. Women reported significant challenges in accessing justice, particularly related to inheritance rights and domestic violence laws. Over 70% of respondents felt their voices were not adequately heard in the judicial system. The findings highlight a need for comprehensive legal reforms and community-based initiatives to address these issues effectively. Policy makers should prioritise gender-sensitive legislation and strengthen women's access to justice mechanisms. Community organizations must also be empowered to support affected individuals.