Pascaline

Pascaline Mekati Matoko, the founder of Deaf Rights Cameroon Association, is passionate about promoting the rights and education of girls and women with disabilities.  

Pascaline became hearing impaired at the age of twelve. But although she faced some difficulties and discrimination, this did not stop her from continuing her education. 

“I experienced discrimination at school, at university and at work,” says Pascaline. “I applied several times to take the exam to enter the civil service, but I was discriminated against because people don’t accept applications from people with disabilities; they always look at the disability, especially for deaf people like me. 

At university, Pascaline studied law and received her degree in 2012. 

“After receiving my degree, I decided to create Deaf Rights Cameroon Association (DERICAM),” she says. “The main goal for our association is to promote rights and education for women and girls with disability and to help them learn how to be self-employed.” 

Pascaline is also the president of the Association for the Promotion of Disabled People’s Rights in Cameroon and a member of the Decentralisation Working Group, which promotes local inclusive development. 

“I am responsible for social inclusion and gender equality for people with disabilities in public and political life,” she explains. 

The group meets with community leaders to discuss the importance of including people with disabilities in local development plans.  

“It’s important for people with disabilities to be involved in decision-making in municipalities because it helps ensure accessibility for people with disabilities and bring changes to our lives,” says Pascaline. “People with disabilities in municipal councils can help change many things, particularly to implement laws on the protection of the rights of people with disabilities and make sure communities are accessible for people with disabilities.”  

“I like everything that has to do with defending the rights of people with disabilities,” she continues. “There is a bit less discrimination against people with disabilities today and people with disabilities continue to raise awareness within society, to change beliefs. This is why the Decentralisation Working Group was created, for inclusion to become a reality and to stop discrimination against people with disabilities.” 

Pascaline doesn’t just focus on the rights of people with disabilities – she also has a strong passion to break down barriers and stereotypes relating to women and girls with disabilities. She’s also helping lead the fight for gender equality in Cameroon.  

“There is still a lot to do on the issue of inclusion for disabled women and gender equality,” Pascaline says. “Disabled women are still afraid to participate like everyone else. We must keep working on this so that women are determined to have the courage to make disabled women’s projects successful. In my political party, I am responsible for women’s affairs and also for the inclusion of people with disabilities in political and public life. I have noticed that not many disabled women are interested in politics. 

“I can say that politics isn’t easy,” Pascaline continues, “but you don’t need to be scared because in politics, we can grow together. Disabled women shouldn’t be afraid, they should have courage. It is important for a disabled women to participate so that her voice counts like everyone else’s.