The Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians Cameroon (SOGOC) organized a Film Projection Night to conclude the commemorative activities for International Safe Abortion Day.
The medium of film possesses a unique ability to humanize complex issues, bringing to life stories that resonate with real-life experiences.
Group Picture
Among the three films projected last night, one featured the story of a 38-year-old mother who opened up about her experience with abortion at the age of 18, alongside her daughter. The second video, a mini-documentary produced by the ACAC Project of SOGOC, captured the experiences of other women and included insights from a health expert who highlighted the dangers of unsafe abortion, revealing that his clinic receives 3 to 4 cases daily of unsuccessful abortion attempts. The third video, titled “African Voices,” produced by IPAS, served as a call to action for all attendees—healthcare providers, policymakers, lawyers, magistrates, civil society organizations—to take responsibility in curbing maternal mortality.
Prof Emile Mboudou addressing participants
The Film Projection Night brought together hairdressers, businesspersons, student nurses, nurses, lawyers, journalists, and members of the ACAC and Media Network, a representative of the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family Minproff as well as the executive of SOGOC.
Discussions following the screenings provided clarification on the abortion laws in Cameroon, which are restrictive but not illegal. Recommendations were made for SOGOC, via the ACAC Project, to continue advocating for improved abortion access and to extend their outreach efforts to schools, among other initiatives.
This Film Projection Night marked the conclusion of SOGOC’s activities commemorating International Safe Abortion Day, which focused on the 2024 theme #AbortionSolidarity. The campaign began with a two-week online initiative in collaboration with our Media Network to raise awareness about the dangers of unsafe abortion, encourage health providers to offer comprehensive abortion care, and urge policymakers to review existing laws in the country.
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