Conclusion of Part B 933- The ratification of the Maputo Protocol has contributed in accelerating the progressive transformation of the status of women in Cameroon at the normative, institutional, strategic and operational levels. Indeed, the constitutionally reaffirmed principle of gender equality has positively influenced the normative and institutional framework of which it is now the founding principle. In practice, this has resulted in measures to strengthen women's participation in the management of public affairs, protect women's physical and moral integrity by intensifying the fight against violence, and promote women's economic empowerment as a guarantee of their development and of their health. 934- However, the progress achieved does not overshadow challenges which the State is still aware of. It undertakes to pursue efforts to promote women's rights and consolidate them in order to meet emerging political, economic, legal and socio-cultural challenges. At the political level, these challenges concern the institutional appropriation of gender, particularly through increasing the number of women appointed to positions of responsibility. 935-At the economic level, initiatives geared towards women's access to inputs could be multiplied (access to credit, access to land, access to appropriate techniques and technologies). In addition, it will also be beneficial to adopt a more structured approach to the informal sector wherein most of them operate. 936- Developments in the legal framework will make it possible to discard provisions that are discriminatory against women, and to apply international Human Rights instruments that protect women's rights. 937- At the socio-cultural level, the fight against harmful traditional practices is also concerned. This is the case for early and forced marriages, female genital mutilation, degrading widowhood rites and customs that contribute to female drop-out from school. Recent prevalence rates from the latest Demographic and Health Survey have revealed feminization of HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, it is also important to highlight the insufficient provision of reproductive health services and women shying away from health facilities (maternities) and modern contraceptive techniques due to traditional beliefs. That is why the State will continue its efforts to improve the situation of women in Cameroon, in a spirit of dialogue with the Commission. 155