Born in Njinikom, Boyo Division, Fuam Mary Assumpta Toh has lived a life defined by hard work, and leadership. Over the course of more than 35 years, she has impacted her community as a mother, teacher, mentor, and trailblazing leader in her local credit union, breaking barriers in male-dominated spaces. Her journey from a young girl in a farming and small trading family to a community leader serves as an inspiring story of triumph over adversity.
Early life and struggles
As the first of nine children, Fuam shouldered great responsibilities from a young age. Raised in a traditional farming and traders family, she was familiar with hardship.
“I was given in marriage at 13,” Fuam recalls, reflecting on the cultural norms of her time because education was not an option for girls. However, the marriage did not last, and she returned to her family in Njinikom, where her aunt, Mrs. Winifred Achang, played a pivotal role in redirecting her life towards education.
“My aunt was my greatest inspiration. She encouraged me to continue my education. Initially, I enrolled in a typing school, but later joined her in Ndop where she was teaching Domestic Science, which became my field of interest.” She said
It was a difficult journey as Fuam had to juggle her studies with family responsibilities. Despite these challenges, she persevered, obtaining her Ordinary Level qualifications.
The path to teaching and leadership
After completing her training, Fuam became a teacher, where she spent decades shaping the lives of students across Cameroon. Teaching Home Economics was particularly challenging, especially as the subject evolved to require a solid background in sciences such as biology and chemistry.
“Many people thought Home Economics was an arts subject, but today it’s highly scientific. I’m proud to see how the field has grown, with students pursuing it at the master’s and even PhD levels,” she explains.
Despite the professional achievements, Fuam’s life as a teacher wasn’t without personal trials. In the 1990s, during the economic crisis in Cameroon, salaries were drastically reduced, making life especially tough for teachers and civil servants.
“I had to farm alongside teaching to make ends meet. But through it all, I trusted in God’s providence.” she noted
Fuam’s strong work ethic and love for her family set an example for her students and colleagues. In her later years, she ascended to a leadership role that few women had ever attained in her community: the presidency of a credit union, a position traditionally reserved for men.
“I never imagined myself as the president of a credit union, I began in small roles, first as a member of the youth committee, then the women’s committee, before joining the board. When the president passed away, I contested the election and won by a landslide.” she narrated
Challenges and triumphs in leadership
Her time as president was not without its challenges, but Fuam relied on wisdom and collaboration to guide her through difficult decisions.
“I didn’t have any special strategy, but I knew that success required listening to others and making decisions as a team. Whenever there were issues, we brainstormed together and came up with solutions.” Fuam explained.
Her leadership of the credit union has left a lasting impact on her community, particularly for the women she mentored. Fuam used her position to advocate for women to take on leadership roles traditionally held by men.
“I always tell women: don’t limit yourselves. Leadership is not for men alone. Be honest, be determined, and never let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong.” she noted
This was especially true for her, having overcome multiple societal barriers.
“I stood for election as president of the credit union against three men, and I won with with a landslide. “It showed that people can trust a woman to lead, but we women need to believe in ourselves first.” she shared.
A legacy of mentorship and inspiration
The impact of Fuam Mary Assumpta Toh is deeply felt by those who knew her, especially her students and mentees. Christelle Bay Nfor, her niece and one of her mentees, fondly remembers her as “a loving and caring mother” whose guidance extended far beyond the classroom. Bay highlights how Mrs. Toh was more than just a teacher, describing her as "a builder of dreams" who dedicated herself to shaping the lives of her students, nurturing them into strong, capable individuals. Christelle’s journey to becoming the activist for women’s rights that she is today, she says, was largely influenced by how much she saw her aunt and other women in the community build dreams despite the challenges of patriarchy that they had to deal with every day.
Augustine Toh Chongwain, her younger brother offers a personal reflection on Fuam Mary Assumpta Toh’s role as both an elder sister and a community leader. He recalls how she balanced her responsibilities with grace, always ensuring that her family was taken care of while remaining devoted to her students. “She is not only a pillar in our family but a community leader. As a treated, she loved her students like her own children,” Augustine shares. Her dedication to teaching was unparalleled, and her home became an extension of her classroom, where students often came to seek advice, support, and encouragement. Her love for education was contagious, and her high standards of excellence, both in her personal life and professional work, set a powerful example for everyone around her. Mr Toh describes his sister as the bulldozer of their family and her community.
Toh Jude Ndonyi, youngest brother and Principal of GHS Tabenken, speaks of the values his sister instilled in him, which continue to shape his life. He remembers her as a woman who exemplified "hard work, resilience, and perseverance," values that she not only taught in words but also lived by daily. Mr Toh Jude refers to Ms Toh as Rabbi Rabbae, and refers to her as his first role model, showing him the importance of pushing through challenges and striving for greatness, no matter the obstacles. Jude shares that his sister’s teachings have had a lasting influence on his personal and professional life, inspiring him to be a teacher himself and to remain steadfast in his goals and to always give his best effort. Through her lessons, both in and out of the classroom, Mrs. Toh’s legacy of dedication and love lives on in the lives of those she has touched, especially her family.
Enjoy community life after church service
Legacy and life in retirement
Now in her retirement, Fuam reflects on a life well-lived and the legacy she leaves behind.
“As a teacher, my greatest joy is seeing my students succeed in life." She said adding that many of her former students have gone on to become teachers, nurses, and business leaders, and she takes pride in knowing she helped shape their futures.
However, Fuam’s contributions extend beyond the classroom. Her leadership in the credit union has empowered countless women in her community to step into roles of responsibility and influence.
“I hope more women will rise into administrative and leadership positions, even as ministers. Education is the key, and I tell every young woman to pursue it with determination,” she advised.
While health issues have prevented her from pursuing her original plans of farming in retirement, Fuam remains committed to mentoring the next generation of female leaders.
“We have made progress, but there is still much more to be done. I want to see women in decision-making positions across all sectors of society,” she said with a look firmness
Fuam’s journey is proof to the power of hardworking and determination. From overcoming early marriage and cultural limitations to rising as a leader in her community, she has broken barriers and set an inspiring example for future generations of women in Njinikom and Cameroon in general.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that, with courage and belief in oneself, even the most entrenched barriers can be dismantled. As Fuam Mary Assumpta Toh steps into the next chapter of her life, her legacy as a teacher, leader, and role model continues to inspire all who know her.
“Put on your armor cap and face the world with courage. Be brave, be honest, and never shy away from standing up for yourself. If you work hard and trust in God, nothing is impossible.” she advised young women.