It is no doubt that the very nucleus of every society is the family. The stability of any society therefore depends on its family welfare policies with a strong mother – child – father bond strong. This has been a strong value of the Cameroonian family support system with mother playing the traditional role of bridging the discussion gap between father and children.
Globalization has come with the practice of one man to one woman, divorce / separation and contract marriages which is fast gaining grounds and practiced in Cameroon. The number of children growing in non-family circles is constantly on the increase in Cameroon. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is no doubt responsible but the effects of these practices that weaken the traditional family support chain in Cameroon cannot be neglected. Feminine emancipation too is pushing more women out of the traditional nursing activities and also contributing to weaken the bond within the family.
Young minds growing under these conditions might be very difficult to control once they get to adulthood. The number of street children and youths involved in crimes is constantly increasing. About 70% of juvenile convicts in Cameroon come from families without adequate father – mother – children bond.
As a child focus organisation working for child protection Global Welfare Association – GLOWA is very touched by the rate of family and consequently society disintegration in Cameroon. The mother child bond is not only a force but a resource. The rising gender consciousness and economic empowerment is threatening the very stability upon which peace depends. The challenges that we have as leaders of tomorrow is to examine critically the job description of women to consider the very important responsibilities she has in the family and society. I am afraid we are gradually establishing another crisis for the world as women gradually abandon the very important role they play to stabilise the family and society.

JAMILS RICHARD ACHUNJI ANGUASEH
Program Director
Global Welfare Association – GLOWA Cameroon