Online African Women Conference: From Adaptation in Russia to Issues of Health and Spirituality -By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

Women, generally, are fighting for their own empowerment in society. Gender equality dominates their activities, flexing their femine muscles for higher positions, with men, in diverse professional aspects including politics and entrepreneurial spheres of activity.

Such consistent struggle was backed by a collective declaration, worldwide observing March 8 as International Women’s Day. Until today, March 8, commemorating women’s fight for equality and liberation along with the women’s rights movement. In addition, March 8 celebration focus on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

On the eve of March 8, the Cameroonian Diaspora (Diaspocam) and the “African Business Club” together with Russian women’s organisations, held a special online conference under theme: “How to Succeed as a Woman in Russia”, which brought together over hundred participants from different regions including Africa.

The discussion was dedicated to the challenges of adaptation, career prospects, health, and spiritual security of fast-growing number of young African women living in the Russian Federation. The conference, was moderated by Louis Gouend, a specialist in business communications between Russia and Africa, President of the African Business Club, and expert of the Council of Russia-Africa Cooperation under the State Duma, lower chamber of Russian legislators.

Louis Gouend congratulated the women participants, while extending to them good health, wisdom, and new achievements. The main goal of the conference was to create a space of trust and exchange views on the full spectrum women’s multidisciplinary approach to questions.

On adaptation and legislation: Alina Andrukh, Director of the International Department, spoke on the topic “Global Adaptation of Foreign Citizens in Russia.” She thoroughly examined educational trajectories for women, employment opportunities, and new legislative realities that foreign women need to consider when building a career in the Russian Federation.

The speaker further placed special emphasis on how to avoid getting into trouble, complying with Russian laws, and protecting one’s rights.

Health Without Barriers and Support Centers: One of the most anticipated speeches was given by Ekaterina Glok, a midwife by profession. In her presentation on “The Health of an African Woman in Russia,” she touched upon the delicate topics of reproductive and sexual health. The expert gave practical advice on how to overcome the language barrier and shyness when visiting a gynecologist, and explained the specifics of the Russian healthcare system for foreign patients.

Ekaterina, however, reminded the women of the importance of regular medical check-ups: visiting a doctor, at least, once a year is necessary even in the absence of complaints. She informed the participants about the existence of support centers for women and single mothers, where they can turn to in difficult life situations. Additionally, the speaker announced her upcoming working missions in the Republic of Cameroon, planned for May 2026, and gave many practical tips on maintaining women’s health.

Social and Cultural Challenges – Warning About Dangers: An important block of questions concerning safety and conscious motherhood was highlighted by Mme Zima épouse Ndong Toung Celestine Charlotte, Cultural Advisor at the Embassy of Cameroon. She made a frank conversation, warning over the girls’ scammers and dishonest individuals offering attractive working conditions, behind which often lie indecent earnings and dangerous situations.

The Advisor reminded that for those who came to Russia to study, education should remain their main priority. She urged lady-students to be vigilant, not to give in to dubious offers, and to postpone questions of pregnancy and starting a family to a later period, after completing their studies. She touched upon the legal and moral aspects of unwanted pregnancy, calling on the girls to engage in conscious life planning.

Economic Independence and Earning Opportunities: Luciana Tchami, a member of the executive bureau of Diaspocam, a non-profit social organisation, presented a report on “Women’s Capabilities: Professions and Part-Time Jobs for Young Women in Russia.” She gave examples of successful strategies for earning money and building a career within the conditions of the Russian labor market that are accessible to foreign students and young professionals.

The speaker detailed specific areas of work: young women can take short-term training courses and work in beauty salons (manicure, pedicure); many cafes and restaurants offer convenient part-time jobs. Luciana also mentioned specialized websites with attractive conditions for job seekers and opportunities for remote work: becoming a freelancer and helping with tasks online, for online stores, and in other areas.

Spiritual Support: A Reminder of a Woman’s Value. The conference concluded with Pastor Gustave Mbeng, responsible for charity at Diaspocam. His prayer-speech was dedicated to women’s rights and spiritual awakening. As a pastor, Mbeng reminded the participants that woman is the last and most ideal creation of God, perfect in all parameters of the universe. He emphasized that woman is more beautiful and harmonious than man, and urged the girls to take care of themselves and not to distance themselves from God, so that there would be fewer difficulties and questions in life.

Pastor Gustave further paid special attention to the theme of preserving life. He took a stand against abortion, reminding that every child is a creation of God, and in the eyes of the Almighty, there is no such concept as abortion. If pregnancy does occur, it is important to preserve the child’s life and trust in God’s providence.

Technical organization, moderation translation and coordination of the conference were provided by Iness Zengue Abeng, President of the Association of International Students “Russia-Africa,” and Belle- Grâce Euphrasie, Dean, who acted as interpreter during the online event.

Conclusion and Future Plans: At the end, Louis Gouend extended gratitude to all participants, speakers, and presenters for the warm and trusting atmosphere.

The conference was held in an open dialogue format on the”Yandex Telemost” platform, which allowed women from different parts of Russia to ask questions live and receive moral support. Following the meeting, the organizers decided to hold such online gathering, including organizing a series of meetings not only for women but also for foreigners living in Russia.

The topics of future conferences will aim at education, open discussions, and debate on issues important for Africans in the Russian Federation: knowing one’s rights, being able to avoid unpleasant situations, behaving correctly in difficult life circumstances, and preserving cultural and spiritual identity.

Until now, prejudice and reactionary attitudes have denied full-fledged civic rights to millions of women, who are considered as workers, mothers, family partners, and citizens world-wide. Nevertheless, International Women’s Day, with its chequered history, is a public holiday in several countries. The United Nations observes the holiday in connection with a particular issue, campaign, or theme in women’s rights across the world.