A Women’s Day Tribute to Cameroonian Female Bloggers

While Cameroonian male bloggers focus almost exclusively on politics, Cameroonian female bloggers generally shy away from la chose politique to focus on culture – no surprise here, given that many of them are dedicated “cultural entrepreneurs”.  Here is a sample of some of the most popular blogs maintained by Cameroonian women in no particular order.

Here is a quick look at some Cameroonian women on the blogosphere on this International Women's Day.

My African Father
This is the blog of poet Viola Allo aka "Bamendababe": "I am a Cameroonian bushfaller who has really gotten lost in America. I am slowly finding my way back to Cameroon with words and making myself at home here, in America, this place that promises elusive dreams to so many. I dedicate this blog to my Cameroonian father."

DULCE CAMER
Run by a group of dynamic Cameroonian women, it focuses on “Info and Gossip on all the Craziest, Sexiest, Coolest, Trendiest, Most Fabulous Cameroonians out there doing their thang…”

Kamer Stories 
A blog by “a young, modern Cameroonian who loves 'Pays' to bits and … seek[s] to showcase notable Cameroonians doing their thing all over the world.”

Allo For the Soul 
Model, actress and musician Andy Allo (La sœur de l'autre) chronicles the joys and pains of recording her debut album which comes out next month. You can sample her songs on myspace. 

Mabi's World
CRTV Journalist Mabi Azefor Fominyen is the only invidual the pack who blogs from Cameroon. she blogs about leadership, gender, women, family, parenting, media; culture, fashion, design and cuisine.

http://banyangigirl.blogspot.com/
Her blog intro says it all: "Yes, you guessed right. I eat Fufu and Eru (Well make that Garry) morning, afternoon, evening, Of course I'm Banyangi!...But wait who am I kidding, I cry to Star Spangled Banner, I eat a big 'ol Turkey, Baby Back Ribs, I’m as American as apple pie But deep down somewhere in the mashed potatoes filled crevices of my innards, Cameroon lives on....I think."

Enanga's POV
Maintained by Rosemary Ekosso, one of the early Cameroonian female bloggers. This blog, unlike the others, has a political slant. Ekosso is a translator and court interpreter who now  works in Cambodia after stints at the International Tribunals in Arusha (Tanzania) and The Hague (Netherlands).

The Pink Post   
The blog of Menoosha Susungi, a singer, songwriter and media designer. "This corner is dedicated to exchanging views and points about just anything from the daily struggle in the music industry or soja sauce to the reason why Scottish men boycotted trousers or why Fela Kuti (whom I love as a musician) was slightly sexist." More on her at her website. 

Batuo's World
The blog of actress, poet and filmmaker, Joyce Ashuntantang. "Batuo's World captures my world (including the unseen corners) in whatever way suits my imagination!"

Un autre regard
The only French language blog on this list. It focuses on culture in general, and music in particular.

Comments

[Dr. J]

You write "While Cameroonian male bloggers focus almost exclusively on politics, Cameroonian female bloggers generally shy away from la chose politique". I do not think the word "shy" is appropriate here. Personally, I do not "shy" away from politics, but I have "chosen" not to make it a focus on my blog though I may touch on it every now and then.

[Alhadji]

Is it not possible for a person to choose to "shy away" i.e. "refrain from" doing something? Sounds like the same thing...

[Alhadji]

whatever the case, thanks Dibussi for the list. These women are definitely "pretty young things"!

[Wonja]

Apart from R E Ekosso's blog which I find interesting , I have not visited any other blog in this list, partly coz I didn't know them. Thanks for presenting them. I suspect the blogs of Mabi Azefor Fominyem (is she married to George?)and Dr Joyce Ashuntatang are going to be 'enjoyable' as these are very intelligent women in their fields. I hope I'm gonna find time to also visit the others.

[Neba-Fuh]

Thanks for this list of blogs. Can't wait to check them out.

[Malaika]

Hi Dibussi,
Thank you for speaking about my french speaking blog here. I'm amazed and grateful. Thanks again !
Regards
Malaïka

[cynthia]

Thank you for featuring Dulce Camer on your list...our aim is to uncover the many talents that Cameroon holds and to bring this to light by way of interviews, press releases, vidoes, pictures etc etc
We hope that by focusing on its talents, Cameroon will gradually get the wider recognition that it deserves....Cameroon Obosso!
Thanks again

[bonor]

Menoosha, Fela was not "slightly sexist". As much as I love his music, he was the epitome of sexist. You could put his picture next to the word in the dictionary and forget the words. Are you the daughter of THE Dr Susungi?

[Pen 2 Net]

There should be more Cameroonian ladies willing to blog than the list portrays. However, most of them are scared not of content but technical know-how.
If you are one of them, you can join www.pen2net.com and have Uncle Che set up a free blog for you and take care of all the technical details you can't handle.