Courtesy of The Express News; by Amos Muang Nsah
For over three years, Miss Tchakounte Vidale Gradia has endured a harrowing ordeal, marked by violence, trauma, and abandonment.
The source of her suffering?
A father (identity withheld) who has relentlessly pressured her to marry a man nearly twice her age—a 50-year-old stranger—due to financial debts he incurred. This distressing situation has led Vidale to seek refuge and support from Hope Foundation, a Yaoundé-based organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable individuals, particularly young women.
In a recent interview, Vidale recounted her painful experiences. “My father has not taken care of me at all; he abandoned me,” she stated, highlighting the neglect she faced at home. The pressure to marry someone she does not love, someone she has never met, has compounded her suffering. “He arranged a marriage for me and has been forcing me into it since 2023,” she explained, revealing the emotional turmoil that has accompanied her father’s demands.
The relationship between Vidale and her father has deteriorated to the point where he no longer supports her education or basic needs. “I was managing on my own, with a little support from my mother and until I recently came across Hope Foundation,” she shared. This organization has played a pivotal role in her life, providing financial assistance for her education and personal needs, as well as empowering her through seminars that educate her about her rights as a young woman.
As of now, the 22 year old University of Yaounde I student is yet to believe herself the way the father is maltreating her. At one moment she felt committing suicide until she got into contact with Hope Foundation.
Prince Ejede Epie, the CEO of Hope Foundation, expressed his concern for Vidale’s situation, describing it as “pathetic.” He emphasized the injustice of a father treating his daughter as a commodity to settle debts. “Can you imagine a father neglecting his child because she refuses to be exchanged for money?” he questioned, underscoring the gravity of the issue. Epie’s organization has stepped in to support Vidale, ensuring she can continue her education and pursue her dreams.
Hope Foundation, established in 2019, aims to reach out to the poor and needy, with a particular focus on empowering young women who often face abuse and neglect. Epie noted that while some parents believe marriage does not hinder education, the circumstances surrounding forced marriages are vastly different. “What type of marriage? Was the child getting married to someone they met and loved? The answer is no,” he stated, reinforcing the need for societal change regarding such practices.
For those who find themselves in similar situations, Vidale has a message of hope: “If you are going through the same situation as I am, I encourage you a lot because it is not easy. Come to Hope Foundation. It is a great organization; they have been helping me so much, and I cannot thank them enough.”
As Hope Foundation continues its mission to support individuals like Vidale, Epie calls for greater awareness and assistance from government entities and other organizations. Despite the challenges they face, including a lack of government support, the foundation remains committed to empowering young women and advocating for their rights.
The story of Miss Tchakounte Vidale Gradia is a poignant reminder of the struggles many young women face in Cameroon in the fight against forced marriage and societal expectations. With the support of organizations like Hope Foundation, there is hope for a brighter future, one where young women can pursue their education and dreams free from coercion and violence. But unfortunately, there are many of these young women who have fled the country because of this ill, to better their futures free from any entanglement.