Culture Dynamics in Men’s Perception of Women in Anglophone Cameroon

The article examines the dynamics of culture as they influence the way women are perceived by men in Anglophone Cameroon. In doing so, the authors analyze data from a sample of 270 men and 60 women in six communities in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon, the only two English-speaking regions of the country. A triangulated method of data collection was used (questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews (IDI). The results of the study show that culture has a considerable influence on the way men in Anglophone Cameroon perceive women. The article argues that culture does not only affect men’s perception of women but it also impinges on women’s socio-economic empowerment and constrains gender equality. Education and sensitization of both sexes from childhood on equal rights is recommended.