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Abstract
This study intends to compare the variation in perception of rural and urban women on violence against women while verifying its influence upon their sexual and reproductive health. This investigation was carried out on account of a general observation that the meaning of violence against women is poorly understood as it is neglected in most parts of Cameroon whilst sex education is still considered a taboo. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, interview guides, records, observations and meetings. A total of 118 responses were obtained from participants of the workshop (n=10), urban (n=65) and rural (n=43) areas. Survey findings revealed low (10%, 12/118) parents-to-child sex education. City parents forbid children from keeping late as an indirect parents-to-child sex education. Conversely, rural children with less parental control, feel despised without sex partner(s). Ignorance on Gender Based Violence/Violence against Women was higher in rural (87%) relative to urban (13%) areas with women/girls being most vulnerable. This suggests that women/girls were exposed to Sexually Transmitted Infections and unwanted pregnancies, especially in rural areas where awareness on family planning and birth control is inadequate. As such, the non-negotiable health rights of women are jeopardized with serious consequences on the attainment of the then Millennium- , today called, Sustainable Development Goals, resulting in extra-poverty burden. Women are violated throughout life-time by “who?” “men”, thus, men’s role to end Violence against Women is urgent. Capacity building and awareness raising programs by Non Governmental Organisations cannot be neglected.