Cameroon: Hermine Ndam Njoya’s Bid Relights Debate on Women and Political Leadership

By Neh Elad and Tome Pearl

BUEA, Cameroon – With barely a month to go to Cameroon’s presidential election, the spotlight is not only on the candidates but also on the wider conversation around women’s role in politics. While progress has been made over the years, female representation in political leadership remains low and many wonder if the tide is finally beginning to turn.

According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, women currently hold just over 30% of seats in Cameroon's National Assembly, a figure that, while improved, still reflects deep gender imbalances. In local councils and regional bodies, the presence of women is often limited to support roles rather than decision-making positions.

Ndam Njoya, daughter of the late Adamou Ndam Njoya, respected politician and leader of the Union Démocratique du Cameroun (UDC), is no stranger to politics. Her entry into the presidential race comes at a time when calls for greater female representation are growing louder, both from within Cameroon and from international observers who have long noted the deep gender imbalance in the country’s political landscape.

Prominent female figures such as Edith Kahbang Walla, the first woman to run for president in Cameroon in 2011, and Celestine Ketcha Courtes, current Minister of Housing and Urban Development, have paved the way. Their voices have helped shape the political narrative, even as cultural norms, systemic bias, and lack of support continue to discourage many women, especially young girls, from envisioning a future in politics. Still, such examples are rare and often highlight just how much of an uphill battle women face in the political space.

The symbolism of having a woman’s name on the presidential ballot in 2025 cannot be overstated. It sends the message that political leadership is not reserved for men. Yet the question remains: do young Cameroonian girls feel inspired enough to lead?

Ruth-Faith Nanyongo, a young woman based in Buea, says she doesn’t see herself becoming a political leader, but strongly admires women who have taken that bold step. “There are many admirable women in politics I look up to,” she said. “Angela Merkel, Jacinda Ardern, and Kamala Harris they've shown strong leadership, empathy, and real dedication to public service."

Ruth-faith believes that encouraging girls to lead depends on the environment they grow up in. “Some schools and communities do a good job promoting female leadership, but others still have work to do. Girls need equal opportunities and support to build leadership skills.”

She also pointed out the barriers women continue to face in politics, from gender bias and criticism to limited access to networks and resources. If given the chance to lead, she says she would focus on improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure, especially for underserved communities.

Enanga, a resident of Sandpit, also highlighted the real barriers women face: "Discrimination, lack of financial support, and sometimes harassment. Balancing family responsibilities with political life is also a challenge."

Indeed, the structural and cultural barriers are deeply entrenched. From patriarchal norms that discourage women from pursuing public life to political parties that rarely place women in winnable positions, the road to power is littered with obstacles.

If given the chance to lead, Enanga said she would focus on education: “I would make sure schools have enough resources, qualified teachers, and a safe learning environment.”

The 2025 presidential election may not be the one where a woman claims the presidency, but the long-term significance lies in normalising women's presence at the highest level of competition.

International organisations, including the United Nations and the African Union, have consistently urged Cameroon to take stronger steps toward gender parity in leadership. These calls align with the African Union's Agenda 2063, which emphasises inclusive governance as central to the continent's transformation.

With talks underway between some opposition candidates, Ndam Njoya’s presence ensures that conversations around women and political leadership will remain in the spotlight. Whether or not she is selected as the flag bearer of the opposition coalition is yet to be seen.