LocationsA Woman at the Frontline of Change: Driving Human Rights and Gender-Responsive Security in Cameroon
June 17, 2026
GBV, Human rights Training FN region Cameroon
In the complex and fragile context of the Lake Chad Basin, where security challenges intersect with humanitarian concerns, the integration of human rights into military and law enforcement operations is no longer optional, it is essential. At the forefront of this transformation is the implementation of the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP), which is reshaping how security actors engage with the populations they are mandated to protect in the Cameroon window.
GBV, Human Rights Training FN region Cameroon
This important work is led by Dr Bénédicte Ntongon, a Human Rights and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Specialist with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), whose expertise and leadership are helping to redefine security practices through a rights-based and gender-sensitive lens.
GBV, Human rights Training FN region Cameroon
Through targeted capacity-building sessions, law enforcement personnel and military forces are being equipped with the knowledge and tools to systematically integrate human rights principles into their operations. These trainings go beyond theory, they serve as a practical framework to prevent violations, strengthen accountability, and enhance the overall effectiveness of interventions on the ground. By aligning security practices with international standards, they contribute to building trust between communities and security forces, a cornerstone of sustainable peace.
GBV, Human rights Training FN region Cameroon
Central to this effort is the deliberate integration of gender perspectives. Drawing on her specialization, she emphasizes understanding the differentiated risks faced by women, men, girls, and boys in conflict-affected environments. This approach ensures that security responses are inclusive and responsive, particularly to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Yet beyond the frameworks and methodologies lies a more human story, one of transformation. As Bénédicte Ntongon reflects, each training session reveals a shared commitment among security personnel to do what is right, even if they have not always had the opportunity to fully understand the broader impact of their actions. These sessions create space for reflection, dialogue, and learning by bridging the gap between duty and empathy.
GBV, Human rights Training FN region Cameroon
As a woman operating in a traditionally male-dominated environment, she brings a unique and powerful perspective. Through storytelling, testimonies, and real-life experiences of women and girls in conflict settings, she challenges assumptions and encourages deeper understanding. The result is often subtle yet significant, a more thoughtful question, or a decision to adapt field practices.
These moments of change signal a broader transformation. Gender awareness is becoming more than a concept; it becomes a practical tool for improving how security actors operate and interact with communities.
Over time, these efforts are contributing to the emergence of a more humane, inclusive, and accountable security architecture in Cameroon’s Lake Chad Basin. They reinforce the principle that effective stability cannot be achieved through force alone, but through respect for human dignity and the protection of fundamental rights.
By highlighting this work, UNDP underscores not only the importance of the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy, but also the critical role of women professionals in peacebuilding, training, and technical leadership.
Ultimately, this initiative reflects a broader commitment to security governance that is aligned with international standards while remaining deeply rooted in local realities. It demonstrates that when women lead, when human rights guide action, and when gender is fully integrated, transformation is not only possible but also inevitable.
GBV, Human rights Training FN region Cameroon
GBV, Human rights Training FN region Cameroon
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