The journey towards lasting peace begins at home.

Far North Cameroon: The journey towards lasting peace begins at home.

June 5, 2025

A woman in traditional attire, speaking passionately at an event, advocating for women's empowerment. — Mme Ai BIRI, women leader UNDPCameroon RSF beneficiary FN region

UNDPCameroon

strengthening women in Cameroon’s Far-North Region to advocate for peacebuilding, women's empowerment, and leadership is crucial.

The violence and displacement brought on by the Boko Haram conflict in the recent years have disproportionately affected women. To strengthen their capacity, advocate for peacebuilding, women's empowerment, and leadership. UNDP Cameroon has put in place activities such as training programs, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building workshops. These interventions aim to equip women with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to actively participate in peacebuilding processes.

A woman in a yellow outfit gestures while speaking, another woman listens, in a green room setting. — women empowerment training , UNDPCameroon RSF beneficiary FN region

UNDPCameroon

Women engaged in discussion and writing in a conference setting, dressed in colorful attire. — Women empowerment training - UNDPCameroon RSF, Far North region

UNDPCameroon

In October, 45 women, mostly elected local officials, female parliamentarians, and female chairmen of women's associations, attended a training program for Mayo Sava's women leaders. The facilitators ran seven training modules: Leadership and gender, Self-expression in public, Advocacy concepts, creating alliances, and working with the media. Additionally, the establishment of platforms where women can voice their concerns, share experiences, and contribute to decision-making at local, regional, and national levels.

A woman in traditional dress speaks at a workshop, with a UNDP banner in the background. — Women empowerment training - UNDPCameroon RSF, Far North region

UNDPCameroon

When women are empowered economically, socially, and politically, they become agents of change within their communities. Their increased participation in decision-making processes leads to more inclusive policies that address the underlying causes of conflict and promote social cohesion.

Achieving long-lasting peace requires continuous UNDP's work to empower more women in Cameroon's Far-North Region for leadership, women's empowerment, and peacebuilding. Women are consistently seen as underprivileged. With continuous financial funding, women will be able to obtain the knowledge and skills they need through educational programs, psychosocial support, legal aid, protection from gender-based violence, and vocational training centres. For this never-ending battle to be successful, concerted action is unavoidably necessary.