Women's Day parade in Cameroon

Women's Day Parade in Cameroon

  •   Why the Israeli embassy wore the yellow ribbon?
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    WOMEN’S DAY PARADE IN CAMEROON- WHY DID THE ISRAELI EMBASSY WORE THE YELLOW RIBBON?

    International Women's Day, which celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, was marked across the globe with pertinent events, conferences, festivals, and performances.


    In Yaounde, the day was marked in a special parade with thousands of participants wearing unique fabric designed for the day, and in the presence of the first lady of Cameroon Mrs. Chantal Biya.

    Israel has traditionally participated in the parade.  However, in Israel, this year International Women's Day was commemorated but not celebrated. This is why the Israeli team wore a yellow ribbon. The oversized yellow ribbon is a symbol to remind us of the message “Bring Them Home.” It is a sign of support for the hostages still being held in captivity by Hamas since the terrorist organization attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. 134 Israeli hostages are currently being held captive by Hamas, including women and children.

    The events of October 7th raised many questions about the status of women, the relationship between women's issues and political agendas, and most significantly, about global solidarity for female victims.

    On that terrible day, thousands of terrorists invaded more than 30 communities in southern Israel. Hamas had trained them to murder, torture, and kidnap Israelis, and to target women and girls in particular for rape and sexual mutilation.


    Yet astonishingly, across the globe too many relevant parties - including international organizations, supposed human rights groups, academic institutions, and women's groups founded to be a voice for victims of sexual assault - refused to stand up for the Israeli victims.

    In light of these abuses of Israeli women, this year we did not planning to mark International Women's Day as a festive event. Unlike previous years, Israel's many achievements on the road to gender equality will not be celebrated, and the challenges ahead will not be discussed.

    Instead, as has happened every day since the October 7th massacre, on March 8th our thoughts were with our sisters being held captive in Gaza, subjected by the depraved terrorists of Hamas to the most horrible conditions imaginable.

    Our hearts are heavy as young women and mothers are still being held by Hamas. The world must join us as we shout their cry and demand their liberation. It is the responsibility of us all to help bring these women home.

     

     Mrs. Noga Lewenstein

    Chargée d’Affairs ai