زوفم

Protecting women and girls at risk of gender-based violence during corona-virus pandemic is critical

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 21:50:00 +0000

Understanding the implications and risks of the coronavirus in general and on women and girls and other vulnerable populations, in particular, is amongst some of the steps needed in flattening the curve. Since the outbreak of COVID19, we have witnessed a complete lack of attention on the effects on women's and adolescents' wellbeing. In monitoring the situation as well as following official announcements from W.H.O and our state officials – in particular the Minister of Health, we note with regret that the burden of COVID19 has many times felt on women and girls yet remains the less reported. Women are the ones serving as caregivers - at their homes, in the communities or hospitals in their roles as nurses. They are the ones most exposed at risk of getting coronavirus virus and equally being victims of violence during such times of crisis. The reason a careful analysis of the impacts of COVID19 is critical in informing the policies in combating coronavirus.

In other to keep abreast, we subscribed to regularly receive updates on the current state of COVID19 in the country and the different precautionary measures to stay safe. Some of which we have shared across our different contacts and listserv. Added to that we have initiated free online webinars that bring in experts across different sectors including from the medical field to share important safety tips and advice on how to stay safe during such hard times. All these seek to complement the laudable initiatives from all the stakeholders working restlessly, especially the government through the Ministry of Health in ensuring that the health and wellbeing of the people are safeguarded and secured.

However, while the coronavirus might be a threat to global public health, it is important to realize that for women and girls, the threat is in multiple forms; As it further exposes women and adolescent girls to gender-based violence notably domestic and sexual violence, including intimate partners’ violence (IPV).

Worldwide 1 in 3 women suffer from some form of intimate partner violence and in Cameroon statistics suggest that 1 in 2 women have been physically or sexually abused by an intimate partner. While data remains a huge challenge around IPV because of many barriers including the culture of silence, cultural norms that impede on access to justice and imagine this is in a non-crisis or humanitarian settings. With COVID19, and all the lock-downs and shutdowns of offices, schools, parks, shops as well as mobility restriction and the many other restrictive measures put in place to curb the rapid spread of COVID19, there is a high tendency that many cases of gender-based violence would be experienced especially as many of these shutdowns cases didn’t have to go through a sort of proper transitional processes, with sufficient education, information, and counseling to psychologically prepare for this sudden twist and shift in lifestyles. And thus not only exposing women and her entire family at risk of getting infected by COVID19 but also victims of domestic and sexual violence.

As a feminist organization working for and with young people to address gender-based violence as well as building leadership and development capacities, we call on all stakeholders during such crisis moment to see that policies and measures that seek to combat coronavirus in Cameroon must be holistic and comprehensive as it must provide the relevant support to women and girls at risk of violence during this crisis moment.

Research shows that the side effects of violence against women and girls especially IPV range from depression, HIV/AIDS infections, unwanted pregnancies, severe physical harms or even end up being deadly. And we cannot emphasize enough the implications of COVID19 on women and girls including the internally displaced persons as well as host communities and families, many of whom are living under the most unhygienic and unsafe conditions with little access to proper quality medical support, sanitation, potable water, and other essential services.

While this is such a crucial moment that meets Cameroon, more than ever, we must not forget that gender-based violence remains a national emergency that must equally be addressed especially now. This is because the rapidly changing preventive and reactive measures considered by the state to manage the spread of the coronavirus, which includes but not limited to self-isolation, and home staying will offer welcome tools for domestic violence to further escalate, and equal increase women reproductive and caregiving role. Therefore, such measures must be accompanied by gender-responsive support for victims and survivors of violence.

In such unprecedented times, we also call on all to be cautious, calm and follow the guidelines provided by the health professional and experts including that from the World Health Organization (W.H.O). However, to also recognize that in difficult times like these, information is always generic and doesn’t necessarily underscore gendered implications especially the impact on women and girls including nursing mothers.

At Women for a Change (Wfac), we equally urge the government and policymakers, in particular, to take concrete steps to ensure the protection of women and girls from gender-based violence is integral to government’s COVID-19 preventions and control measures. We call on all relevant stakeholders, most importantly, gender organizations, women’s rights activists, and financial partners to increase support to women, girls and most vulnerable throughout this crisis period.

Lastly, Wfac also commits to continue to share with all the right information and relevant resources to help you all – especially women and girls stay safe and together let’s beat COVID19.

....

stay connected with me on twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/zofem (@ZoFem)

https://www.instagram.com/zofem

Why I marched on January 21, 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 23:00:00 +0000

Wfac Staff showing their feminist power. Pic taken by IWHC

Exactly 22 years, four months ago, when the fourth International conference was held in Beijing, China in September 1995. One which has been described by activists, humanitarians and academia as a groundbreaking action towards advancing women rights as human rights, a phrase coined by Senator Hillary Clinton.

Why I march...

I marched for myself, my safety and voice for change
I march because I am tired of hearing promises in meetings and events and very little actions are made in bringing these promises to fruition.

I march for the millions of women and girls who live under the worst form of dictatorship and tyranny and are unable to freely exercise their constitutional and democratic rights to freedom of expression and choice.

I march because I know it is time to be visible and let the whole world know that they are failing in advancing and ensuring the fullest respect of women’s rights.

I march because I was not present in July 1848 during the Seneca Falls in New York, said to be the first ever women’s convention as well as the Women's conference in Beijing in 1995, nor Mexico Conference in 1975.

I march because it is my human and democratic rights to march against injustice.

I march because at the moment, my government is legalising and normalising State-sponsored violence, policing of women's body as well as the imprisonment of people for speaking truth to power and social injustice.

And lastly but not the least, I marched for the millions of women and thousands of women's human rights defenders who continue to receive death threats, jail sentences and being killed for speaking out against patriarchy as well as challenging tyranny and dictatorial regimes.

The Power in a Protest

There is power in protest, especially a protest that seeks to advance a just cause
It was a great feeling to participate in such a global protest - though my march was mostly virtual. Still, I could feel the physical energy of the over 3.5 millions women, estimated by the organisers to have joined the protest from the various global cities, communities and neighbourhoods.

The Protest that Changed the Global Sisterhood Discourse

While I know after this protest, there is going to be lots of conversation among feminist activists and researchers on the whole notion of global sisterhood.

Personally, following the march live on social media as well as CNN, it somewhat made me to rethink my position around global sisterhood - whether or not there can be a global sisterhood. While, my answers to this is usually argued in “Yes” and “No”. I must say that yesterday women’s march brought to mind a new perspective.

WOMEN'S MARCH is a Freedom march
Yes - we all marched out the gender injustice dust and inequality mud off our feets and body. Yes, we shook the world once again like 1995. Seemed like after Beijing, world leaders were almost forgetting their commitments. But our numbers of yesterday is clear indication of where we stand as an institution. Reports estimated that Beijing 1995 had over 3000 women participants. Unlike 1995, the year Jan 2017, the struggle saw over 3 million. For sure the message is clear that over the years, government officials have relaxed.

No More time for relaxation - until all women are free
I am sure by now, world leaders would all begin to rethink as well as revisiting their commitments on women's issues, most importantly about women's sexual and reproductive choices and decisions.
May governments hence be aware that we will no longer keep quiet - until every single woman in any part of the world is free.

Governments and leaders with the power to influence change, also know that besides closed-door meetings and conferences, we shall continue to hold global public massive marches for anyone who dares disvalues and disrespect women and their rights.
For - I will continue to march because I believe in the power of WOMEN.

originally posted this article on WorldPulse.com

“This Made Me Courageous” Girls Find Their Voices in Cameroon

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 13:03:00 +0000

Victorine, is from a small, farming village in northwest Cameroon. Few girls there go to school, and those who do are usually pulled out before they graduate and are married off before they turn 18. But Victorine has different plans for her future. She wants to be a lawyer.

Victorine is part of a club run by Women for a Change Cameroon, an organization that empowers girls and young women. The club was started three years ago so that girls—and some boys—could get information about their sexual and reproductive health and rights. Victorine has been a part of the club from the beginning and is now one of its leaders. IWHC staff recently visited the club and saw firsthand the impact these initiatives are having on the lives of girls and young women. They advised the club’s leaders and facilitators on their comprehensive sexuality education lessons.

For many of the girls, participating in the Women for a Change club and workshop is the first time they hear about human rights, especially their right to control what happens with their own body and their sexuality and reproduction. “Women for a Change has built me up and taught me almost everything I know today about my right as a girl,” said Victorine.

They learn not only about biology and the basics of sex education, but also about harmful gender norms that may threaten their health and safety. During a discussion of the attitudes of men and boys in her community, Victorine asserted, “We have to change their mentality.” Not only is child marriage common in this region, but other forms of violence against women and girls are as well. When one participant commented that a girl should be careful about what she wears, to avoid harassment and abuse by men, Victorine objected. “It is not what women wear that causes rape. Even women who are covered are attacked.”

Importantly, Victorine and other girls are learning to speak up and out. They are learning to question the status quo. One participant declared, “Women and girls should not be confined to the bedroom or the kitchen!” Some have dreams, like Victorine, to continue school and go to university. They are gaining confidence by participating in club, and the boys now respect their rights more.

The effects are felt beyond the club. Victorine goes out into surrounding communities to sensitize them to the rights of girls. Sometimes she is speaking to crowds made up of mostly men and boys, but she is not afraid. No doubt, she is winning over some of them. But her main audience is the other girls and young women.

She has a message for them: “I want them to know they have a voice.”

First published by the International Women’s Health Coalition

Laquintinie Incident: Time for Quality Health Care for ALL.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 16:35:00 +0000

UN Women

Can someone tell the Cameroon government that they have completely missed the point.

It is one thing to quickly blame a helpless woman for trying to deliver a dying sister’s twins but another to accept the blame as an institution for failing to protect women, ensuring their complete safety, and also that they can access quality health care and services.

Recently, the Minister of Health; Mr. Mama Fouda, held a press meeting disclaiming the public views on “medical negligence”, rather blaming the deceased 31 year old pregnant, Ms. Monique Koumate, for not attaining ante-natal (maternity) care. The Minister in his press statement also condemned the amateur surgical procedure of the relation of the deceased in attempt to save the twin, in which he described the act as “barbaric and an attack on the dignity of the body of the deceased”.

The Governor of the Littoral region, on the other hand also held a press conference, accusing citizens for propagating false information and that Monique Koumate’s dead is “just an incident like many others”.

“… people die everyday” he added.

One councillor of the Littoral Council, Hilaire Zippang, also condemned the act but contrary to previous political views, he blamed the government delegate for misappropriation and negligence in managing such emergency.

Since the incident that took place on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Laquintinie that resulted to the death of Ms. Monique Koumate and her twins, there have been series of press meetings held by different government officials and authorities - all blaming the public for spreading the news across various social media portals.

Investigations are currently going on. In a blog post of Tuesday, March 15, 2015, by Solomon Amabo, he reported that some 20 lawyers took up the case to court, in which they made a “claim” against the Director of the Laquintinie Hospital Jean II Dissongo for “refusing to assist” (Monique Koumate) and “voluntary homicide.

The truth of it all is that -Women’s issues don't get on the government’s priority lists. Had this been about motionising or writing letter of motions for constitutional amendments that will favour the political regime or elites, it would have become a very important issue and probably there would have been no ‘negligence’. For example, late last year (2015), when the IMF reported that Cameroon topped the chart of most corrupt nations. It was a serious issue - the government responded immediately, critiquing the validity of the report.

“…It is a very pathetic situation. I remember my experience of 1.30am, 10th March 2006 at the Labour room at the Regional hospital in Bamenda how I almost lost my son due to a careless midwife who spent her time insulting me with all the pains…My son was given birth to with some crazy cough because she did not drain the child well. Thank God I had my mouth with me and I gave it to her. I can imagine the torment she got before eventually dying. Pregnant women need help and education” Ms. Feka Parchibell, founder, Hope for Vulnerable and Orphans.

“I'm speaking now on behalf of many women and adolescents in rural Cameroon…who have to either trek for very long distances or take motor bikes in such heavy states to get to a health center to put to birth. I'm thinking of those who have delivered children on their way to the hospital. ..labour itself is stress enough on any woman. Why do we still have to die in the course of it?..” says Christelle Bay, Director of Hope for the Needy Association (Hofna), Cameroon

In my opinion, I strongly feel that the government is missing the point. As usual, they always miss the point when it comes to women’s needs. In same way, they missed the point and we could not achieve most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG ), particularly MDG5. Where instead of maternal mortality rate to drop over the decades, it significantly increased, from 430 (1998) to 782 (2011) (UNFPA 2011).

Ms. Monique Koumate’s death speaks clearly about the many barriers most people, especially marginalised and poor women and girls experience accessing quality health care service. It tells the true story on the ground and the realities around women’s reproductive health and rights. Everyday, the statistics tells us that at least 19 woman in Cameroon die either due to child birth or pregnancy related complications.

All these and the many other forms of injustice on women can all end if only our government could commit wilfully in the investment in women’s reproductive health.

Click here to read Wfac's Press Statement

Wfac strongly condemns the incident that resulted of the death of a pregnant woman at the Laquintinie hospital

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Mar 2016 12:50:00 +0000

MEDIA STATEMENT
Buea, Cameroon - March 13, 2016;

Women for a Change, Cameroon (Wfac) strongly condemns the incident at the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, that resulted to the death of 31-year-old pregnant woman named, Ms. Koumate Monique and her twins.

Maternal health is human rights. No woman should be deprived of this rights. There is no excuse to justify the negligence of medical personal of Laquintinie, who deliberately abandoned a pregnant woman to die because she could not afford to pay for the deposits for delivery.

According to an eye-witness and posts on social media,  Ms. Koumate Monique was refused medical attention “…because she couldn't pay a hospital deposit which often ranges from 50 000 - 250 000 FCFA…as such she was abandoned by the health personnel, and moments later, she died”.

Based on one journalist’s recollections “ ...after confirmed death by the doctor,  it was then that one of her relatives rushed to a nearby pharmacy, bought a razor blade and struggled to save the babies. The twins however died shortly  after because they were not also given medical care”, he explained. 

“ It is insane to think of Ms. Koumate Monique’s death as a mere medical accident. This is a result  of a payment-before-treatment policy, which sometimes encourages lack of providing urgent medical attention to save lives”, said Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh, Executive Director of Women for a Change, Cameroon (Wfac). “this act contributes to the increasing maternal deaths in Cameroon, which now stands at 690 deaths per 100 000 live births”. 

“This is a very disturbing situation, a gross violation of Ms. Koumate Monique’s individual human rights, therefore must not be overlooked” said Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh.

According to a 2015 United Nations and World Health Organisation reports, maternal mortality in the country is one of the highest in the world, and everyday, 20 women in Cameroon die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. 

Based on this incident and the sad death of Ms. Koumate Monique, which in the first place should not have happened, if prompt medical attention was provided,  we at Wfac demand on the Cameroon government through its Ministry of Public Health to;

Reinforce the implementation of the “health care service policy” on emergency health problems and complications from every public health facility as indicated in the “1443A February 29, 2016, Minister of Health Communique”.
Ensure free health care services, drugs and treatments for poor and vulnerable women, especially expecting mothers and those in maternity labour,
Compensate the family of Ms. Koumate Monique for loss of consortium, pain, emotional distress and suffering,
Call on all health units and institutions, public or private, to put patients health and lives first before money.

Wfac also urges global and national civil society, including international development partners to call on the government of Cameroon to intensify its efforts towards the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA). 

Wfac strongly condemns the incident that resulted of the death of a pregnant woman at the Laquintinie hospital

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Mar 2016 12:50:00 +0000

MEDIA STATEMENT
Buea, Cameroon - March 13, 2016;

Women for a Change, Cameroon (Wfac) strongly condemns the incident at the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, that resulted to the death of 31-year-old pregnant woman named, Ms. Koumate Monique and her twins. 

Maternal health is human rights. No woman should be deprived of this rights. There is no excuse to justify the negligence of medical personal of Laquintinie, who deliberately abandoned a pregnant woman to die because she could not afford to pay for the deposits for delivery.

According to an eye-witness and posts on social media,  Ms. Koumate Monique was refused medical attention “…because she couldn't pay a hospital deposit which often ranges from 50 000 - 250 000 FCFA…as such she was abandoned by the health personnel, and moments later, she died”.

Based on one journalist’s recollections “ ...after confirmed death by the doctor,  it was then that one of her relatives rushed to a nearby pharmacy, bought a razor blade and struggled to save the babies. The twins however died shortly  after because they were not also given medical care”, he explained. 

“ It is insane to think of Ms. Koumate Monique’s death as a mere medical accident. This is a result  of a payment-before-treatment policy, which sometimes encourages lack of providing urgent medical attention to save lives”, said Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh, Executive Director of Women for a Change, Cameroon (Wfac). “this act contributes to the increasing maternal deaths in Cameroon, which now stands at 690 deaths per 100 000 live births”.

“This is a very disturbing situation, a gross violation of Ms. Koumate Monique’s individual human rights, therefore must not be overlooked” said Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh.

According to a 2015 United Nations and World Health Organisation reports, maternal mortality in the country is one of the highest in the world, and everyday, 20 women in Cameroon die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. 

Based on this incident and the sad death of Ms. Koumate Monique, which in the first place should not have happened, if prompt medical attention was provided,  we at Wfac demand on the Cameroon government through its Ministry of Public Health to;

Reinforce the implementation of the “health care service policy” on emergency health problems and complications from every public health facility as indicated in the “1443A February 29, 2016, Minister of Health Communique”.
Ensure free health care services, drugs and treatments for poor and vulnerable women, especially expecting mothers and those in maternity labour,
Compensate the family of Ms. Koumate Monique for loss of consortium, pain, emotional distress and suffering,
Call on all health units and institutions, public or private, to put patients health and lives first before money.

Wfac also urges global and national civil society, including international development partners to call on the government of Cameroon to intensify its efforts towards the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA). 

My encounter with male chauvinists

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 09:11:00 +0000

My encounter with male chauvinists: "According to the Transportation law, women are not allowed to sit by the door of a car. Only men are allowed". This is the word of a park guy who wanted to convinced me to give-up my seat in a public car for a man.

In response, I immediately asked him: "..in order words, that means women in this Country aren't allow to drive too?"

"No! No!", he replied. "..women driving is different but in the public transportation, women are not allowed to sit by the door/windows". "This is for their protection"

"Protection, you say", I replied. "...so this man is boarding this bus because he wants to protect all the women in this bus. What a charitable job!".

It was Friday, January 8, 2016 at around 3pm at Tiko bus station (Park) when one man came towards me and arrogantly asked me to leave my seat for him because he is the man and must be the one to sit by the door. When he told me that I should leave my seat for him, I asked him if it was written on the seat that "door / window seats for Man".

Man 1: "hey - you cannot sit by the door because you are a woman while a man should sit in the middle.... shift inside because you cannot put me inside."

Me: "..I think seats are taken according to they who cames first. And if you wanted to sit by the door, maybe you should have come earlier".

He was not the least happy with my reply and decided to look for a different seat behind.

While I thought, I was done with the seat debate, behold, here comes another man, who in his defense told me that it was his rights as a man to sit by the door.

After almost 4-5minutes of him cursing me on how bad and disrespectful I was, how I dare insist on sitting by the door he finally got inside.

As we drove to my destination, I couldn't stop thinking about the irritating experience and how each day, women will have to pull up with such arrogance, discrimination and abuse from men taking public transport. My experience of Friday also made me to reflect on how in the 1990s, women couldn't travel without the consent or permission of their husbands, whereas there was no law or a written text which said that women must take permission from their husbands in order to travel and yet, it was practiced until research by some gender activists revealed that it was not written anywhere.

It is high time we begin to challenge some of these stereotypes - no matter how little our efforts may be, we need to put an end to women’s oppression. Inasmuch as I felt relieved by my reaction but I was somewhat unhappy because these men didn't still understand the point and the reasons for my behaviour / reaction. They were all blinded by the fact that as a man, they are the ones to seat by the door/window and this was a right. While l, being a woman, I had no right but to succumb to their perspectives.
The journey for equality in Cameroon is still far and until we take a stronger stand and act boldly against all these injustice at all levels, women and girls in this country will continue to be oppressed.

This is why we need feminism every day.

WfacAt6! Happy Birthday to Wfac for six years of continued work and actions to EndVAWg

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:43:00 +0000

Dear friends, supporters and partners of Wfac Cameroon (Wfac) , it’s hard to believe that Wfac is already 6 years old.

Looking back and counting our accomplishment and impact of our work on the lives of youth especially women and girls, I feel more than proud and humbled at the number of lives touched, empowered and saved.

Since 2009, Wfac has connected around 100 grassroots voices to policy markers, platforms and networks for positive change; supported 20 adolescent girls and boys with life skills and trainings as allies and agents against violence on women and girls! Last but not the least, Wfac has empowered about 50 women and girls on SRHR advocacy and leadership development!

The truth is - all these won’t have been possible if not of the generous support and contributions from supporters and friends like you, including family members, volunteers and staff! I wish to also indicate here that your comments and Likes on our facebook, Twitter/@Wfaccmr and Instagram/@Wfaccmr, has continued to be of great inspiration to all!

To mark our 6th anniversary, below are some highlights on What Women for a Change, Cameroon (Wfac) has done in six years.

Highlights

More than 2000 people informed and voted for the ‘My World’ Survey (2013)
100+ community actions, advocacies, campaigns, leadership trainings and programs for gender justice and the empowerment of women and girls (2009 -2015)
Popularised the post-2015 process and mobilised public participation through the action2015 campaign, reaching out to over 100 000 young people, including top government officials. (2013-2015)
50 young people received intensive trainings and practical capacity building skills on SRHR advocacy (2014-2015)
50 15-year old supported to take ownership of the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals. (2015)
Increased discussions both online and offline around CSE and SRHR, care, services and education
Effective use of social media and SMS for change
October - November 2015, Wfac ED was recommended by the UN agencies to lead the UNCMR4U campaign (both online and offline)
September 2015, Wfac entered a partnership agreement with YES Program Cameroon team.
Wfac co authored an article with UNFPA Cameroon that got featured on UNFPA Global Site

Upcoming events

November 28, Wfac and student of St. Monica University will be holding a public parade to call on the government to adopt a climate just agreement for all. (https://www.facebook.com/events/765612170211181/ )
November 30, Wfac and Stop Street Harassment founder will co-host an e-chat on twitter under the harshtag #Sayfty (http://sayfty.com/)
December 4, Wfac will be holding an Interactive dialogue with UN System / UN Women Cameroon on “Ensuring Gender Equality : Making Education Safe for All!”,as well as an gender fair ( https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rQ6-WpxTa7tcS5mDde6o85Oi40cSC9eiFIvL9qxnkj0/viewform )

WfacAt6! What it means to staff, friends and supporters of Wfac

It has been a wonderful time with Wfac, seeing wfacAt6 has been so inspirational, motivational, and a life changing opportunity and above all impacting in my leadership values that will last forever. Thank you wfac for giving me the skills and making me to know my rights as a woman and as a young girl. I am forever grateful to Wfac! Happy birthday Wfac. The sky is not our limit but just our stating point.
- Lydwina Mesang, Wfac Volunteer.

Community Outreach and Capacity Building are two separable activities. But an Impacting and sustainable organisation is that which incorporates both in its respective scheme of activities/operations. I have seen this trend in Wfac Cameroon, most especially the focus on People Development in both Internal and during Community Outreach activities. This is essential in enabling the achievement of desired impact. Among many others, this is one of the key traits used by Wfac to stay coherent to its objectives and impacting the community.
~ Pekwekoh Leonard, Social Entrepreneur

Dear Women for a Change, Cameroon (Wfac),

Congratulations on your 6th Anniversary and each member directly or indirectly linked to Wfac as a staff, a sponsor, a volunteer should be proud on this occasion. The work you undertake is one that is at the heart of building a society, community and a country for today and the future. I recall a member of Wfac telling me about her experience of interacting with a young girl of 13 years old the same age as my second daughter who has been raped and hospitalised but unfortunately passed away a few days after the Wfac member's visit. This touching story and the pains it brings is what Wfac is working to prevent. ~
Kwabena Asante-Ntiamoah ( ( @Kwabena_AN)
Deputy Representative,UNFPA Cameroon ( @UNFPACameroon)
This message is sent in a private capacity and not that of UNFPA.

Happy 6th anniversary, Wfac

Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh (@ZoFem), Founder & Executive Director Women for a Change, Cameroon (Wfac) (@Wfaccmr)

This was originally published by Women for a Change Cameroon (Wfac) on 26 November 2015 at 22:58

Violence survivors find compassion, care at Cameroon's Listening Centre

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:31:00 +0000

The Listening Centre refers violence survivors to a local health centre for medical care. Here, women wait to be seen at a health centre in Cameroon. © UNFPA Cameroon

YAOUNDE/BATOURI, Cameroon – How does one comfort the family of an abused adolescent girl, or assist a pregnant survivor of sexual assault? In Batouri, in eastern Cameroon, these difficult tasks are the responsibility of two Catholic priests, Abbe Onto Victor and Gregoire Assiene, who have created a centre to support survivors of gender-based violence.

The Women’s Centre for Information, Listening, and Psychosocial and Legal Assistance – often simply called the Listening Centre – is managed by a dedicated team of seven catholic priests.

“The doctrine of the church talks of dignity for all,” said Mr. Assiene, 60, adding, "No one has to experience such cruelty of humankind."

Violence tragically common

Violence against women and girls is tragically commonplace in much of Cameroon.

According to the most recent general population and housing census, among women aged 14 to 49, at least 34 per cent had experienced physical violence, 8 per cent had experienced sexual violence, and 21 per cent had experienced both.

The Listening Centre was established three years ago in the Diocese of Batour, and each month it handles at least 15 cases, said Mr. Victor.

Women are referred to medical professionals or the justice system, depending on the nature of their case. They also receive counselling, clinical care and other assistance.

The care available has also expanded to include support for pregnant adolescents and women suffering from maternal health complications – such as obstetric fistula, a traumatic injury that can occur during childbirth.

Raising the level of care

UNFPA began supporting the Listening Centre in 2014. During the course of the year, UNFPA helping to train 55 centre workers, all based in different communities in Batouri. Many of them are now in charge of efforts to end violence against women and to assist survivors.

Before UNFPA partnered with the Listening Centre, “we, at the Centre, didn't use to offer psychosocial support and counselling,” said Mr. Assiene. “Cases of violence received at our centre were referred to the police or social affairs.”

All that has changed, he noted.

“We get to have a psychologist visit the centre twice every month to offer support and services to clients.”

Centre staff have also learned about the needs of survivors and how to address them sensitively.

Reinforcing care skills

Last month, in partnership with UN Women and the Government of Japan, UNFPA held a two-day training for 35 community members, health and legal experts, and civil society workers. Listening Centre staff were among the attendees at the workshop, which covered counselling skills, medical referrals and other crucial support for survivors.

“The purpose of the training was to reinforce participants’ capacities,” said Angelique Dikoume, a UNFPA gender specialist.

Other attendees included staff from groups that support orphans and at-risk young people.

Secondary school teacher Christine Mayina, said the skills will help her better assist the vulnerable youth she works with. “I feel very empowered, and more equipped,” she said.

– Olive Bonga and Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh (@ZoFem)

This is article was originally published on October 22 at UNFPA Global page via
- See more at: http://www.unfpa.org/news/violence-survivors-find-compassion-care-cameroons-listening-centre#sthash.SyOcoZ1J.dpuf

Finance Our Future : Young Woman's Reflections from the FfD3 in Addis, Ethiopia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 09:28:00 +0000

Women for a Change Cameroon

Published by Wfac Team, August 27, 2015

One can’t talk of development without talking about gender justice and financing,Nancy Makeoh (@MakeohMafor), Wfac Cameroon (@Wfaccmr) Community Outreach Manager shares her reflections from FfD3 in Addis, Ethiopia.

Its over a month since I returned from Ethiopia from the FfD3 summit where I was privileged to represent Wfac Cameroon (@Wfaccmr), thanks to the nomination and sponsorship of Femnet.

The Third Financing for Development (FfD3) took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, July 13-16, 2015. Prior to the summit, I was had the privilege to attend a couple of important side events and meetings, while also working with the Women’s Working Group on Financing for Development (WWG on FfD) to ensure that the FfD3 recognises the need to invest in women’s and girls’ human rights, health, education and leadership.

The FfD3 summit was quite timely especially now when world leaders will soon adopt a global development agenda. It is therefore of extreme importance to address responsive financing for development: for one can’t talk of development without talking about gender justice and financing.

The topics discussed at the summit were cross-cutting, though of global and local importance. Some of the key items that were discussed include though not limited to;

Tax justice and domestic resource mobilization
Private finance
International public finance
Debt, trade, systematic issues and technology
Data, follow-up and review

Of all the discussions, I got very much interested in tax justice and domestic resource mobilization. This was a learning session for me especially to see how politicised tax discourses were been addressed at the global level and what the United Nations thinks about it and also how resources will be allocated to facilitate the achievement of the sustainable development goals to make it a success.

“We all pay tax - directly or indirectly; whether or not we have a formal and/or informal job, employed and/or unemployed. The only difference amongst tax payers is how equitable are their tax benefits”, says Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo Wondieh, WFAC Executive Director during the FfD3 campaign for Action2015

“The issue of tax justice did not start today”, says one participant at the FfD3, it has been there even before the first and second international conference on the financing for development (FfD) that were held in Monterrey and Doha 2002 and 2008 respectively.

As a young woman whose future, education and health, strongly rely on the decision world leaders will make this September 2015, it was important to watch political leaders and business tycoons playing with words about financing our future. Nonetheless, I feel empowered and more informed around development financing, tax justice and domestic resource mobilization. Just listening to great minds share their wisdom and expertise on how our future can be far more better for all if each one of us plan and invest wisely. The discussion also broadened my scope and understanding around challenges women face because of tax injustice, and the advantages of tax justices most importantly on women considering the fact that, women most often are the ones involve in doing small businesses and are been asked to pay high taxes. Another key issue which I feel is worth noting from the meeting was taxation challenges faced at regional level, how the allocation of domestic resources can improve gender equality and women economic empowerment.

The FfD3 concluded with an the adoption of an Addis Abeba Action Agenda on financing the post-2015 sustainable development agenda over the next 15 years and beyond.

The experience in Addis was very enriching and I left the summit with more stronger sense and hope that we can all do it. All that needed is just the will to make financing development agenda work for women and girls health and education.

Strategic Investment in youth power is key to economic growth and development in Cameroon.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 22:05:00 +0000

Young people hold the future and denying them their rights to a meaningful civic engagement especially in deciding on matters that directly affects their lives and future is not only a violation to their human rights but has a strong negative impact to national growth and development. It is also imperative to say that it is a failure from the government to ensure and promote democratic practices and enhancement of the future leaders and workforce.

Research estimates that 64% of Cameroon’s population are young people under 30 years. This is an essential workforce to drive economic growth and development. However, in most national debates, young people’s voices are hardly ever heard and counted. This includes policies, decisions and laws that directly impacts and influence their lives and development.

To commemorate the International Youth Day 2015, Women for a Change (Wfac), Cameroon in collaboration with Hope for the Needy Association (hofna), Cameroon, Iam15 Action/2015 Youth Ambassadors will hold a two-day Interactive and Inter-generational Solidarity Meeting to celebrate youth activism, participation and engagement in the post-2015 agenda and its discourse in Cameroon. The meeting will be held with young people between the ages of 15-35 years, under the theme, “Youth Power.It’s down to Us!”

For the last two years or more, Wfac has been engaged in the post-2015 development process, from the Africa Regional Conferences in Addis, Ethiopia, to the intergovernmental negotiations in New York, U.S.A to ensure that the voices of women and youth is heard in this fora.

Wfac has held over 50 community actions initiatives, including campaigns at the grassroots, advocacy meetings, inter-generational dialogues, all geared towards advancing youth participation and involvement in the post-2015 agneda. It has also worked with diverse groups and individuals, including 15 year old students, school dropout, young professionals, women and youth groups in mobilising, organising and popularising the post-2015 process, ensuring that young people voices, especially those of adolescent girls are heard and counted in this global agenda.

To strategically give a voice to young people in Cameroon, in June 2013, Wfac conducted for the first time in Fako Division, in th Southwest Region, the “My World Survey”, reaching out to about 1500 young people, women and men under 35 years with the questionnaires, encouraging them to add their voices by voting for their most priorities in the ‘my world’ survey.

In 2014, Wfac led a series of robust national campaigns and advocacy meetings with some 22 youth leaders and activists representing 10 youth-led and women-led organisations across the country, calling on the Government of Cameroon and policy makers to position and prioritise human rights issues at the core of the post-2015 sustainable development agenda.

For this year of 2015, all Wfac members have been extremely active and busy with limited rest this is coupled by the fact that we are just a small team of three - nevertheless, our team size did not hinder our effective engagement to seize this pivotal moment to influence change, and ensure we choose the future we want for the world and for that matter Cameroon by 2030!

As an active member of the Action2015 campaign, as well as the Coordinator for the National Coalition of Action2015 Cameroon, it’s been a great honour for Wfac and I to work with the youth in this country, especially the 15 year old ambassadors, youth champions, CSOs such as Hofna - to advocate for government’s support for an inclusive and ambitious evidence-based post-2015 development agenda. Centred to all our work is that urge to meaningfully engage and participate in designing the future we want for ourselves and our future.

Today, August 12, as we celebrate our activism, participation and involvement in the post-2015 process, let’s continue to build on more momentum, as well as using our Youth Power to galvanize and with positive pressure for an integrated and inclusive approach in designing and implementing the national action plan of the global sustainable development agenda over the next 15 years and putting the advancement and development of young people at the forefront.

Today is just the beginning of a long walk for a just and safe world for all, women, and men!

The Cameroon We Want by 2030

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 15:21:00 +0000

The ‪CameroonWeWant‬ by 2030 through the eyes of young people.‪ The Africa We Want‬ ‪#‎FFd3‬ ‪Finance Our Future‬

During the celebration of the National Day on May20, a team from Women for a Change Cameroon and Hope for the Needy Association (hofna) Cameroon, went out in the streets, schools and communities and asked young Cameroonians to tell us about their vision for Cameroon. Over 300 young people were interviewed as part of the first VAF animation documentary on the ‪#‎Post2015‬ in ‪#‎Cameroon‬.

Their responds covered a wide range of topics, including promotion of climate justice, peace, security, development financing, equal opportunity for all, quality education, employment and descent job; ensuring access quality and affordable health care services, care and facilities; eradicating extreme hunger/poverty; the fight against corruption, climate change, gender inequality /injustice, economic development and youth under/unemployment....

click below to watch video or click on this link / Video

Preaching the Gospel of Gender Equality to the People of Mudeka, Wfac's Team write

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 13:17:00 +0000

"Living in this little creek has made people forget and abandoned us", says the V.P of GBHS #Mudeka, "we need this education for empowerment and development"

On June 19, Michel and Nancy of WFAC visited Mudeka for their usual community outreach and educational talks to youth and women's groups. Unlike the usual speaking to women, the visit this time had participation from men, youth, boys and elder, as well as women who had previously attended the May workshop along with some new faces who joined them for a first time.

Michel Bélanger-Roy, WFAC’s legal intern, opened the floor by talking about marriage and the law in Cameroon. The workshop was designed to inform married women of their rights and responsibilities. As Michel and Nancy stressed out, marriage can often protect women in vulnerable positions, but it is essential for women to know their rights in order to enforce them. He also pointed out that it is important to distinguish a marriage that is recognized by law, one that is not, and one that is only recognized by customary law. However, as he explained, whatever the situation you are in, there are many different ways to protect yourself from uncertainty. Some examples were given, such as registering property in your name, drafting a will or making a living together agreement.

Nancy Makeoh, WFAC’s community outreach coordinator, took over and gave a presentation on gender equality. After discussing the differences between gender and sex, she pointed out the many ways in which gender inequalities persist today in Cameroon, and the consequences of these inequalities on our lives. Drawing from various perspectives, she insisted on the many advantages of attaining gender equality for women and for society as a whole. Thus, she presented the social and economic advantages, and talked about the role of stereotypes in the evolution of gender equality. She also emphasized the role of education in achieving gender equality. Finally participants were invited to be part of the change themselves by teaching others around them on the advantages of gender equality.

This introduced Michel’s presentation about the importance of education. By various examples, Michel discussed with participants how education was closely linked to equality, employment, politics, economy, health and safety. Participants talked about their heroes and realized how education had played an important role in their accomplishments. Finally, Michel narrowed the topic down to the education of girls, and showed how education was a key to improve their lives, but also those of their families and communities.

The workshop ended with a discussion about the struggles of poor families to provide a good education to their children. A group picture was taken to immortalize this rewarding afternoon with the inspiring women of Mudeka.

For more info about Wfac's activities / Community Outreach, contact: wfacbuea@ymail.com or click here

Mudeka women for gender equality

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 13:59:00 +0000

On May 30, Women for a Change Cameroon visited Mudeka for a workshop dedicated to gender equality. During these two hours, 20 women of all ages discussed gender issues in the shade of a large tree right in front of the local chief’s palace.

Michel Bélanger-Roy, a Canadian law student currently doing an internship with WFAC, opened the floor by talking about the gap in between laws and day-to-day life; as well as highlighting on some articles in the constitution of Cameroon that guarantees equality between men and women.

Nancy Makeoh, WFAC’s community outreach coordinator, continued the conversation by introducing the participants to Action/2015. The attendees were interested to learn about the transition from MDGs to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how there is on-going campaign for action around gender equality and justice.

The participants also added their voice calling for greater efforts in all domains, especially gender equality and women’s health and bodily autonomy.

May28 Campaign "My Body, My Rights" - Intl Women's Health Day

Mudeka Young Women demand from governments NO MORE WORDS. TAKE ACTION!

Voices of 15 year old on the Future They Want for Cameroon

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 May 2015 14:14:00 +0000

Young people speak out on the future they want for Cameroon and how they are ready to commit towards its realisation.

Wednesday, May 20, the Iam15 Ambassadors would join millions of youth across the country to celebrates the 43rd edition of Cameroon's National Day. This ceremony usually brings and gathers millions of young people, children, youth-led organisations, individuals, students and youth leaders across the country including rural communities to commemorate the creation of unitary country in 1972.

In the lead up to May 20th, Women for a Change Cameroon visited two schools across the southwest region, to discuss with the campaign ‘Iam15’ ambassadors for the citizen action/2015 program on the post2015 development agenda. Over 45 students attended the events.

Key issued discussed were; the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the responsibilities of the government and young Cameroonians to attain them.

Asked about their message to the government, the students were clear: they want to remind government officials that the date to adopt the SDGs is fast approaching. Therefore, the need to act fast and ambitious.

Some of Iam15 Ambassadors however had specific inquiries, though no limited to: “Women must hold top / strategic positions in government offices in order to develop the country”, stated a student from Summerset Bilingual College, while her colleague insisted “to preserve the forest and fight climate change”. Ayamba Schnyder, from Mudeka’s Government Bilingual High School, asked for “a combat to bribery and corruption”.

Youths Speaking for Youth

The Students also addressed a message to their fellow young Cameroonians. “The youth should contribute to the action 2015 to better the future, by spreading the objectives to those who are not aware”, said one. Many emphasized the importance of education: “We need to study hard to become leaders of tomorrow”, summarized a student from Mudeka; “ young people have a major role to play in developing Cameroon. Let’s take responsibility for it.”

In addition, Wfac further asked the students what they would tell the minister of youth affairs in Cameroon if given the opportunity to speak with him. “I would tell him about difficulties that youths are facing, like poverty which arises from lack of education” said a student in one of the colleges, HIBMAT - Buea. Employment opportunities were a concern that several youths would stress. Enang Joseph Nathaniel, from Mudeka’s Action 2015 Club, suggested: “I would ask the minister to use the Internet to engage with young people across the country.”

Finally, students reflected on the role that young people could play to make Cameroon an emerging country by 2035. The diversity of ideas was matched only by their enthusiasm. “Fight poverty in all of its forms, combat climate change, fight gender inequalities and improve agricultural practices”, suggested one, while another added that “youths should carry out developmental projects in the communities.”

This piece an excerpt from Women for a Change, Cameroon (Wfac) Voice Africa's Future documentary series. Compiled by Michel -Roy, McGill Law Student volunteering at Wfac

Don’t Ignore the Voices of Young People on SRHR in the Post-2015 Agenda

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 16:24:00 +0000

We cannot continue to talk about sustainable development without considering the needs and aspirations of girls, youth and women who constitute over 65% of the world’s population.

From April 12 to 17 of this year, I attended the 48th session of the Commission on population and Development(CPD48) at the United Nations' New York headquarters, New York.

It was a week of rich discussions and deliberations around fundamental issues like promoting gender equality, youth empowerment, peace, education, security, health, environment, global partnership and sustainable development, and among others.

I had the opportunity to meet and interact with heads of delegations and governments and together we exchanged views as well as looked at

key issues affecting girls, women and youth and their lives, especially when it comes to ensuring their access to accurate and quality information, services and education that will allow them to make responsible decisions and informed choices on their health specifically and their future as a whole.

On April 17, The Permanent Mission of Zambia to the United Nations, Aids Accountability International (AAI) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) hosted an African Youth Task Force Initiative panel on “Realising the Future We Want:The State of African Youth” in which I had the privileged of speaking on the panel and talk about my work at the grassroots with young people and how this has helped popularize SDGs, the post-2015 process in Cameroon as well as garner government’s support around key priorities.

Additionally, key highlights on the presentation included the recent activity I organised - an Intergenerational dialogue on a youth friendly post2015, action2015 nation campaign, local / national advocacy and mobilisation of an inclusive post2015 agenda.

I also highlighted the importance of development vision and actions taking into consideration women and youth rights and involving them in creating and delivering the agenda.

As I reflect on my experiences at CPD48, I recall one panelist's words. where he said:"Though SRHR is just an acronym, the message is simple! it means having basic rights over your own body."

Unlike the panelist's view, some member states, especially from Africa dubbed ‘Africa Group’ were constantly in opposition to defending human rights especially sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

The ‘African Group’ which supposedly is an Africa States Coalition was speaking not within national capacities and / or in line with most African countries’ progressive policies. The influence from the African group impede individual African nations from speaking into their national capacities.

The ‘African Group’ is supposedly an Africa States Coalition that often speaks for Africa / africans. In as much a coalition movement can bring development, so too can it impede development. It is worth noting that the Africa group does not speak in any country’s national capacity. Often its opinions does not align with most African countries’ progressive policies. Their influence however prevents individual African nations from speaking on their own behalf.

The group also overlooks progressive views on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and also waters down regional agreements like the Addis Declaration (2013), Maputo Protocol and other regional treaties and national frameworks that promotes human rights language, including the respect and protection of individual sexual and reproductive health and rights.

What saddens me is the fact that Africa group continue to ignores and rejects languages on SRHR, when over 39 000 of girls as young as 9, 12 and / or 14year-old, majority from Africa have their SRHR deprived and denied through forced, early marriages, and / or trafficked into sex slavery and child labor.

In Cameroon, an estimated 53% of women have experienced some form of violence before reaching 18 years. Also by age 18, 25.2% are either pregnant or already mothers.Adolescent girls account for at least 90% of unsafe abortion each year and this remains the leading cause to increasing maternal mortality in Cameroon. 61% of women of reproductive age have unmet need for contraceptives and a range of modern methods (The 2004 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS))

These statistics reveal actual reality/ conditions on the ground. They show that young people are leading in new cases of HIV/AIDS, disease, unemployment, and insecurity. Women of all ages are incapable of exercising and enjoying SRHR."

Yet, there is so much political talk on building a sustainable future!

It is therefore imperative that in designing the future that we want, the rights of women and young people must be prioritized at local, regional, national, and global levels, and special emphasis must be put on sexual rights and reproductive health and rights.

Let's not make the same mistake of 2000!

------

Further Information

Click here to watch my four minutes Presentation Video or copy and paste the link on a new browser: https://www.facebook.com/WFACCameroon/videos/vb.156289507746061/893050647403273/?type=2&theater

Click here to read and/or download the Presentation SLIDES

Thanks to the generous contribution of Mandela Washington Fellowship Speaker Travel Grant program supported by USAID - US Agency for International Developmentand IREX.

WFAC response to the SG Synthesis Report

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 16:26:00 +0000

Women for a Change, Cameroon (WFAC) would like to express its sincerest appreciation and support to the United Nations Secretary General synthesis report on the post 2015 Agenda: The Road to Dignity by 2030: Ending Poverty, Transforming All Lives and Protecting the Planet

WFAC welcomes the SG synthesis report and most importantly the six essential elements for delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
WFAC believe that these 6 elements form the core of the universal human rights and development principles; it is critical in realising the future we want, post-Millenium Development Goals.

WFAC appreciates that the SG acknowledges the immense contributions of multiple stakeholders, including members of civil society organisations in mobilising a transformative post2015 development process as well as the recognition of young people as the torchbearers for the realisation of a Sustainable Development Agenda. The ‘leave no one behind’ approach, which involves young people, opens new avenues for building a mutual partnership between youth and leaders but also deconstructs structural inequalities based on class, age and gender, etc.

Also, we welcome the remarks made in the report regarding unfinished MDGs business and hope that the SDGs will correct this. We would especially like to see concrete timeframes allocated to end all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly harmful traditional and cultural practices like Child, Early and Forced Marriages, Breast Ironing, Beading and FGM/C by 2030. To this list of essential changes should be added the creation of services designed to address young people’s, and adolescent girl’s unmet sexual and reproductive health needs - including access to contraceptives and comprehensive sexuality education and information.

The Post2015 agenda offers an impetus for meaningful change to all, including those living in the most remote places. As a grassroots organisation, we are very delighted to be part of this process and will keep raising our voices and those of the many women and girls whose rights continue to be abused and violated by the law, community and institutions.

Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo Wondieh

Director, Women for a Change, Cameroon (WFAC)

wfacbuea@ymail.com

-------

Note: On 4 December, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon informally presented an advance, unedited version of his synthesis report on the post-2015 development agenda to UN Member States. "The Road to Dignity by 2030: Ending Poverty, Transforming All Lives and Protecting the Planet" outlines a vision for Member States to consider carrying forward in negotiations leading up to the UN Special Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2015 that will adopt the post-2015 development agenda.

Read the advanced unedited version of the report is available via http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/

Read the Secretary-General's statement about the report via http://www.un.org/sg/statements/

Watch a video of the Secretary-General's briefing about the report here

Read NGOs and the major groups official responses to the SG Synthesis report via http://bit.ly/Submit-CSO-Response-SG-Synthesis

Links to all submissions will be published live as they are received via http://bit.ly/CSO-Responses-Received-SG-Synthesis "

Member States overlook Agreed Language on Women’s Rights at Beijing+20

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 15:34:00 +0000

I have always wondered whether when it comes to [inter/governmental ] negotiations on military spending, do member states overlook agreed language in the same way as they do on women’s rights and gender equality.

For several decades, state authorities have compromised, overlooked and marginalised women’s issues. They give more precedence to military expenses, economy, bilateral / multilateral trade agencies and infrastructural development and little attention to gender responsive actions. Most states have failed to realised that for growth to be attained, efforts must be made to address the gender gaps.

In 1995, 189 head of governments, including African heads agreed in Beijing to take action towards promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE). It’s almost 20 years! and little progress has been made towards achieving gender equality across the globe, Africa in particular. Violence against women and girls remain high. Young women and girls still lack access to quality and healthy comprehensive sexuality information, education, services and care.

November 17 -19, 2014, at the ninth Africa Regional Conference on Women (Beijing+20) in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia - in the attendance of around 23 Gender Ministers, 170 CSOs and 135 experts, we were all reminded by UN Women and partners that, in none of the 12 critical areas of concern of the Beijing Declaration, there has been a critical mass of progress and achievement. Thus the need for restrengthening engagement for gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE); accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action, as well as fostering comprehensive, transformational sustainable development goals.

Not just UN Women and partners reiterated on the need for advancing GEWE, some Member states also emphasised on the need for strong commitment to ensure the promotion and achievement of GEWE. And to view GEWE as a development agenda. Sad to say, why this has been the conversation for decades, member states adhering to agreed language on women’s rights at some of the deliberations remains an issue.

At this year’s Beijing+20 Regional Review, member states made an issue out of the section 3 of the draft declaration on Beijing+20 review on “Women’s Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, and HIV/AIDs”. While this is not a new language, it sounded like a new issue for member states.

SomeCameroon Delegation at Beijing20. pic taken by Bob . M.

In an attempt to further understand why this behaviour is common in almost all intergovernmental negotiations focused on GEWE that I have attended; I approached some of the Gender ministers, including those in opposition of the section. In our conversation, I was interested to understand why the opposition and what is their proposed solution. Recognising the fact that some of these language already exists in some of the treaties and conventions, their countries is already a signatory - e.g Maputo Protocol, Beijing Declaration & Platform of Action, Abuja Declaration and ICPD PoA…

Central Africa Republic (C.A.R): The wordings in the french version is different from the english document. Some of it are vague. it is vital to use matching words so to avoid discrepancies and also not contradict previous agreed language or declaration. Note that the fact that this Beijing+20 is a review and follow-up of the previous one, the deliberation seeks to ameliorate, correct, modify and close existing gaps so as to attain and achieve the platform’s objective.

Zambia: Agreed language must be contextualised. It must be the same across documents, be it ICPD PoA, Beijing Declaration..If needs arise to use new language, or to paraphrased agreed language it should be clear and precise.

Ghana: The first thing to look at in such spaces is whether there has been progress made on previous proposed or agreed language. It is also important to look whether countries did enforced what they had agreed to. With that backdrop, it enables us review, revise our position for future implementation. It is also important to remember that nothing prevents a country from adding on an issue of critical concern, particularly emerging issues and threats that needs immediate address. E.g the Ebola Crisis is an emerging issue and though it was not mentioned in the BPfA in 1995, it cant be ignore today! Moreover, this review, revision and deliberation is to enable us all come to terms with the practical realities and ensure that it is fully implemented. it should be applicable and achievable.

Swaziland: consistency with the language. Often in most of these spaces, delegates rotate as government changes and usually there is no proper handover to inform & briefed the persons representing the country on some of these regional/global conversation. The reason you will find the same country in two separate occasions making contradictory statements on the same issue.

As an advice, representatives of member states must endeavour to gain broad understanding around key thematic areas, and also research around those issues to know what has previously been agreed to by their country [predecessors].

Sudan: A lot of member states are confused. Some have little or no clue on what they had previously agreed to. But to help and facilitate participation, it is important that in clauses on agreed language, reference be made to those articles so that member states are aware that it is not a new language but an already agreed language

Note, some countries also change their delegates and usually these new delegates are not briefed on what has been previously agreed. And when they get in some of these spaces, they speak from a personal position and not the national position.

Gambia: No idea why members states reject issues which they have already committed to.

Madagascar: The used of unmatched terminology. The english version is clear but the translation is poor and rarely relates to the content or subject of debate.

Namibia: The understanding of issues in the Africa continent is completely different from that of global spaces. The way things are framed and phrased in spaces like this [e.g ECA] is not the same like in the CSW and other UN Meetings in New York.

re-wording remains a problem. The flow of words is critical for engaging government and stakeholders.

NIGER: Political environment changes as well as personal opinion too can influence on the country’s position.

Burkina Faso: The position and interest of government can change within any given period of time and that also impact their negotiations. For instance, at this stage, Burkina Faso is more concern about addressing insecurity and political violence and this can shift our position on many issues.

Cameroon: Typos, wrong phrasing and poor translation from english to french is one of the biggest impediment and reason for opposition. The Cameroon delegation is very ok with the declaration - we don't have any problem with promoting girls and women SRHR information, services and care. In fact, we think this declaration is one of the best so far in the region.

Listening to all 11 Ministers, the one thing I noted is that everyone of them had at least an excuse. And I hope they realise that now is no time for making excuses. There should be no excuse for not achieving gender equality and women's empowerment (GEWE) in 20 years or more. For advancing GEWE is not about whether a country is french or english. GEWE is an essential human rights and must be fully attained. In summary, my take-home is that women and girls issues, particularly around around their health is still overlooked. States will continue to make excuses and justify their gender insensitive action and we must not allow that to repeat again in the next 15 or 20 so years. They must adhere and fully implement these agreement. GEWE must be realised!

———— ———————————————

Access the full Africa CSO position statement on Beijing+20 here.

Access the press release: Governments must re-dedicate themselves to women and girls' rights commitments here.

The forum began on November 14th, with the CSO meetings which lasted for 3 days. Followed by the Experts and Ministerial meetings on November 17 - 19th, 2014.

The conference ended with the adoption of a declaration on Beijing+20.

All about the 9th African regional review on #Beijing20 is online:

Both English and French versions of the CSOs Statement are available on Femnet Secretariat website. Click here for English and French.

Equal Say, Share & Control: The Africa We Want

Voix égale, Part égale et Contrôle égal: L’Afrique Que Nous Voulons

Speeches, news and other presentations and publications from the Inter-Ministerial meeting that took place from 17-19 is also available here:

http://www.uneca.org/beijing-plus-20 (English)

http://www.uneca.org/fr/beijing-plus-20 (French)

Press Releases following the Inter-Ministerial meeting:

African ministers recommit to implementing Beijing Platform for Action

Les ministres africains renouvèlent leur engagement de mettre en œuvre le Programme d'action de Beijing

3 Global Events that offer hope for better future: The ICPDbeyond2014, Post2015 and Beijing+20

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 19:03:00 +0000

The year 2014 & 2015 is a defining moment for lasting change across the globe, and particularly for young people and women.

In 1995, the fourth conference on women took place in Beijing which led to the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a global commitment to achieving equality, development and empowerment for women. The document was signed by 189 governments. It is estimated that over 30 000 participants from all walks of life, including activists, civil society members, public and private stakeholders attended the conference.

Like the Beijing, the ICPD PoA was also another landmark moment in development history and as well as on the promotion of women’s reproductive health and rights. Though the ICPD was held a year earlier, in 1994 in Cairo. 179 countries signed a forward-looking, 20-year Programme of Action (PoA) to promote development and improve human lives.

Five years after Beijing, the MDGs (soon be SDGs) was born with the aim to completely eradicate by the year 2015, extreme poverty and foster human development. Both agenda (ICPD PoA, Beijing & MDGs) outlined great strategies and approaches towards achieving sustainable development; providing unique opportunities to accelerate and advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.

In overall, reports have suggested that there have been some significant strides towards the realisation of some of these goals - and in Africa, countries like Kenya, Rwanda have shown significant progress towards reducing maternal mortality and promoting equality between men and women. Even at that much is yet to be realised. Findings show that youth and young women are still disproportionately affected and are constantly faced with systemic and / or structural forms of discrimination and violence.

For example, in most parts of the world, Cameroon in particular, young people continue to lack decent jobs and are unable to access quality health care services and information. Violence against women and girls is still prevalent across all sectors, with research suggesting that 1 in 3 women have experienced at least one form of violence. And in Cameroon at least 60% of women have experienced violence before the age of 15.

Though some of these statistics aren't encouraging and hopeful the least. However, what I know for sure is these statistics can drop - to zero. These statistics can drop given that government officials and leaders keep to the commitments and promises in these declarations. And the year 2014-2015, gives every country that opportunity to critical review its level of commitment and progress; failure and challenges in the implementation of these agenda. And as world leaders review their implementation and renegotiate their commitments, I am hopeful for better good outcomes.

In cumulation, seeing the participation and presence of young people and girls at some of these spaces offer more hope for better future. For I know that their voices and contributions will help shape the next development agenda, as well as in developing a more inclusive agenda.

There is no doubt the last decades has taught us all great lessons, the greatest of all being - the benefits of inclusiveness. And as the slogan goes: “Nothing about us without us”. In order words, it is clear that we can't achieved sustainable development, if the people aren't part of the discussion and / or taking key role in the discussion: a notion that has been clearly posited throughout the review processes in the ICPD, Beijing+20 and MDGs. With that I am hopeful for a better future!

BEING AFRICAN AND A YOUNG WOMAN, WHAT TO SAY FOR IT?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 22:07:00 +0000

Catherine Nyambura at UNGA speaking on ACCPD

I am African and a young woman, these identities for some reason need to be emphasized, why is that? Catherine Nyambura reflects on what it means being an African Young Woman on this day - African Youth Day

Our society a few years ago would have me explain what am doing, thinking and I can just take the stage (in this case - this virtual stage) to dare air my opinion.
But I am happy to be alive at a time when some African Countries such as Rwanda top the 10 in Gender Gap and my country Kenya making strides all the way from number 78 to 42, this is to be celebrated but there are countries in Africa still doing badly in terms of closing the gender gap and achieving gender equality, we must harmonize our efforts and ensure daughters of Africa everywhere have something to celebrate.

I now get to the point where I will call Africa out on their bluff, currently we have 91.5million women and girls living with the consequences of Female Genital Mutilation, an archaic practice that endangers girls lives and is usually a precursor of early child marriage that curtails girls education. I for example would not be so ably expressing myself had I not stepped into a classroom and granted the basic requirements to keep me in that class and ensure I excel , such basic requirements included sanitary towels and as a young girls growing up on the MDG poverty ceiling of families living below 1dollar a day, these were not easy to come by.

Onto the topic of the day, It is Africa Youth Day with the theme to build on young women’s potential, as a young African woman I feel the need to speak as to how I would like to see our potential built. Young women are currently disproportionately affected by the high unemployment rates on the continents and for those who are employed they are prey to sexual violence and harassment and unequal pay, the historical gender gaps haven’t been closed and we have some field still widely dominated by young men which should eventually be equalized. Now I know that we have the perception that Africa is rising, but are we all rising or we are rising and leaving some behind, and these some left behind being young women and girls, participation in political leadership is still a touchy subject, we can rise but upto a certain point. No??

For us to build potential of any individual, they have to be healthy so it is time that Africa invested in women’s health seriously having committed to a 15% investment on health in the Abuja declaration but not there quite yet.To reap any demographic dividend from the 70% of our population ( adolescents and youth including young women) health and education are just those things we have to keep working at.

I will end with call for African youths to celebrate today because the fact we even have an African Youth Day shows that we have started the journey towards the right direction. Next step is to realize that youth are not homogenous and tackle their issues as such, like the young women’s focus on this year’s theme.

Possibilities are endless!

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This is a guest blog post by Catherine Nyambura, Kenyan SRHR activists and youth leader. She has over 6years of experience working with girls and young women on issues around sexuality education and rights. Catherine Nyambura is a member of the African Youth Task Force on Post2015. She is also the deputy director of Dadelion Kenya, a Swedish-Kenyan non-profit grassroots organisation based in Nakuru

This post was originally shared on "Rural Reporters"

click here to Watch Catherine podcast delivered during UNGA69

Follow Catherine on Twitter: @catherinenyamb1

A WEEK AT THE UN MEETING WITH AFRICAN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 13:58:00 +0000

pic source: AAI

Meeting with some African Permanent Representatives (PRs) to the United Nations (UN) in New York (NY) was quite empowering and enriching. As a youth leader, having been involved with the post2015 process for over 20 months and having also been working at grassroots with young people for community good; I found our experience as youth task force, meeting with PRs in NY very relevant and timely. Especially as, very soon world leaders will be negotiating the adoption of the next development goals, and also since most at times there are hardly such opportunities for grassroots activists like myself to engage and share lessons with our leaders, particularly those in NY.

A couple of days before my departure for NY, I had this weird thought; a very discouraging and mixed feeling on whether the PRs would want to meet us. Behold, I was astonished when I finally met with some of them: their warmth reception and encouraging words was very touching. I was also moved when they promised sharing their expertise, exchanging relevant information as well as keeping us informed on the post2015 review process.

As I reflect on my experience, I remember the meeting with Benin PR H.E Ambassador Jean-Francis R. ZINSOU, how he spoke so passionately about African youth and why he strongly supports a standalone goal on youth in the post2015, as well as the prioritisation of investment in young people’s health. At that moment, I recall it was an ‘aha’ for me. Also when the PRs of Liberia, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana and South Africa, all reiterated on the need for youth active engagement and prioritisation throughout the post2015. Above all were their emphasis on issues around accountability, financing and implementation strategy for the SDGs. The fact that they saw the need and acknowledged that youth role is extremely important in the setting up of the next 15 years development plan, so far was the best thing I needed to hear. And also the fact that in their remarks, they also identify the link and support for universal access to comprehensive sexuality education and services for youth and adolescents in the SDGs.

In cumulation, I felt proud and deeply honoured to have being part of such a diverse and amazing group of young people, committed in promoting change. And thanks to Ford Foundation , AAI and partners for all the support.

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Follow everything about the African Youth Task Force (AYTF) activities on twitter under the harsh tags: #AYTF , #AYTF2015 & Post2015

The 12 AYTF

Forced into Marriage at 14

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 16:57:00 +0000

“I refuse to walk in my mum’s shoes” says Mister , 14 year old child bride to WFAC concerning how she was forced to marry a man who is 3 times her age

“It all started when I left the city and travelled to the village to spend the summer holidays with my grand mum”, Ms. Mister narrates her struggle, fighting against marrying a 35 year-old man. August 2013, Mister recalls, her mum joking about her meeting her husband in the village. A conversation, she never took so seriously until months later when she realised that her mum’s primary intention of sending her to the village was to marry her off.

Mister’s mum is a single mother, a child bride survivor. Mister’s mum was married off to an old man when she was still a minor, in exchange for some sort of traditional rites. Mister’s mum suffered abuse, neglect and violence in her marriage. At around 20, she escaped the abusive marriage. But as per tradition, the consequences are that she can only re-marry, if her ‘arranged’ husband accepts to liberate her. Mister’s mum is not the only woman who has been a victim of harmful traditional practices in Bafanji, North West region of Cameroon. Like Mister’s mum, there many more whose tales remain untold.

Informed by her mum’s experience, Mister refused to walk in her mum’s shoes. She says; “I was only 14, and I had been promoted to the next class (form two)”“If anyone had whispered to me that at this age I will be talking about marriage. I would have asked them to re-think” It was weeks before school resumes and all Mister wanted was to begin the new school year; to learn new things. As well as get the chance to live with her great grand mum, who remains the eldest in the family.

She was just weeks old in village, when she started hearing rumors of one man wanting to get married to her cousin. Mister was astonished and couldn't believe why a 35-year or more would be attracted to a 14 year-old girl. “I found it absurd!” she says: “I couldn't understand how someone would actually think of marrying a 14 year-old. I also couldn't understand even why a parent would allow their daughter marry someone that old.” “In my mind, I knew it was wrong and had wished my opinion would matter but little did I know the whole marriage arrangement was not actually about my cousin but me”, she said with such a heavy emotion.“My mum went on to arrange my wedding without my knowledge” “I felt lied and cheated”, said Mister with strong emphasis.

One day, Mister recounts, my mother visited me in the village and out of curiosity, I asked about my cousin and how things were going on with the wedding. “I got no response”, she remarked!

“Days after my mum had left, this man visited my granny, he came with gifts, shared to everyone and gave mine too! I received the gifts and never used them. I kept them. No one, including my mum knew I have been keeping his gifts” “I did this because I was taught that if someone you don't like gives you something and you don't want to be rude by returning the gift, you take it and keep it - who knows, someday, you might find a way of returning the gift”.

After a while, Mister decided to inform her mum about it as well as to seek assistance on how to approach the uncomfortable gift-giving situation. Unfortunately, the response she got was nothing she expected. “My mum told me that it was nothing” Mister recounts; “that he is just a good man who wants to show his kind gesture”. 14 year-old Mister knew for sure, something wasn't going right. While she thought the man was trying to win her support for her cousin. Mister had no idea, that the supposed cousin would end up being her. “Though, I wasn't convinced somehow I believed my mother,” she says, “I know my mother knows so many people and I remember her telling me she made so many friends when she was young. I also thought maybe the man wanted to win my support for my cousin”. Within that period, as Mister would recall, her mum would visit her almost twice in a month. The visits was just so too frequent, she says; until finally the truth came out! “I was shocked!” she say; “ …I can’t remember everything but all I recall is how my mum started telling me things like,… the man is a good man and that I will not regret marrying the man….”

“I never loved the idea of getting married, worse to that man”, says Mister angrily. “..I refused and told my mother that I do not want to get married but that I want to go to school. Mister explains: ‘I really wanted to continue with my education, and make her proud”.

“I tried to convince my mum to understand. No matter, how I tried to explain my passion for education, my mum will not understand, she kept reminding me of how I have to struggle to score a pass, and how schooling is for those who get good grades so it will be best if I get married. And if I want to continue my education, I can do that while in my husband’s home”.

All these was happening within the month of September – November 2013. And during that period, many schools had begun writing the second sequential test for the term exams. While some students were working hard to excel in their studies, Mister was waging war with her mum. Fighting for her future and life. “It was a big distraction to me”, Mister recalls, “I could not concentrate on my studies the way I had planned”

“Finally , I accepted to marry after mum had threatened to disown me”, She recollected, “Mum assured me that it was for the best as well as my future and that I should understand her health situation, she will soon die, and she doesn't want me to suffer”.

“… and that with this man, my future is secure and safe, he is a good man, he is going to take good care of me and my younger sister and so we will be fine…” I felt so sorry for my mum, knowing fully that her health is not improving. I didn't want her to go through much pain.

So I accepted the proposal. Though everyone was against it but my mum never welcomed any one’s opinion. January 2014, in the middle of the academic term, I was removed from school and taken to the capital city, Yaoundé, to meet my husband.

Few months after the wedding, he wanted me to get pregnant. And I made him to understand that - the whole marriage is against my wish and if he wants me to give him kids, he better wait for 2025 because until then shall I be ready to give birth.

“Every night, this man and I would fight, quarrel and argue. The entire neighborhood knew us - because we will argue and shout at the top of our voices” says Mister; there are days when he would hit me and let me spend the night outside.

There are times, he will insult me and say: ‘I was not well trained to manage a house. I do not want to have children because I was not responsible enough to be a wife” When he said things like that I was happy because I knew that sooner or later he is going to send me packing and that was what I wanted.

Just four month after our wedding, April 2014, he asked me to live his house after beating me several times. I called my mum and explained the situation. She was angry and decided to personally come pick me up. I was happy to live the house so that I can continue with my studies.

2 weeks after, she says. "I was shocked to hear my mum saying that I have to return to my husband - that ‘there is no marriage without a problem. And that the man and his family have apologized. I felt offended and disappointed". But finaly she returned, with heavy heart, she recollects.

While there, Mister decided to take her life in her hands, as she recounts: “I refused to do anything. I knew nothing I do or say will liberate me - so, its better I just sit and see what life brings each day” Each day, Mister narrates; “I woke up and just sat… There are days, I took my bath late in the evening. There are also those very bad days that I refused to speak to any one… And because of that there are times I was starved because I didn't wash plates, or clean the house"

This continued for a couple of months, Mister explains, “It was not long, I was asked to back and leave”. “I felt liberated”, she giggles; ‘Finally, I left!”

Now am back, she says, to live with my mother, unmarried and I do not ever dream of getting married in such a way again and to such a man - NEVER! My plan is go back to school. I also believe that my mother too has learned her lesson and will never support such an idea. I have huge dreams and I won’t allow anyone - no man to obstruct those dreams.

--------------------
This article is the 9th in the KnowHerStory Series. It also forms part of WFAC's documentary series that seeks to highlight and amplify the voices of Child Brides.
The bride was interviewed by Nancy Makeoh, WFAC's Community Outreach Manger and toegther we developed the story.

More on WFAC #EndChildMarriage or Child, Early and Forced Marriage Campaign, check out our 'Complete the Sentence Exercise on WFAC Facebook Page. It is a weekly QUIZ that seeks to raise awareness against CEF Practices, why it matters and why it must end.

1/2 CEF QUIZ

2/2 CEF Quiz

Letter to H.E Michel Tommo Monthe, Cameroon Permanent Representative to the United Nations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 21:27:00 +0000

H.E. Michel Tommo Monthe,

Cameroon Head Mission at the United Nations,

New York – United States of America.

CC:

H.E. Joseph Bienvenu Charles Foe-Atangana,

The Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to the United States of America,

Washington DC.

September 10, 2014

Subject: Positioning and Prioritizing Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Post-2015 Development Agenda

Dear Ambassador, Sir,

On behalf of the undersigned Cameroonian youth activists, we present to your high office our position and the outcome document of our pre-consultation pertaining to the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of youths in our dear country Cameroon.
As usual, we count on your leadership to take advantage of the 69th session of the UN’s General Assembly and Special Session on the follow-up to the Program of Action (PoA) of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), to be held on September 22, 2014 to support and promote an investment in healthy and sustainable development for all, particularly young people and adolescents...click here to read the full letter....

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19MOsvi57aJ7uMxMjuSHFpIYBe6ybU4Bw7rR9F2v8ofA/edit?pli=1 [2]

At UNGA 69th, Member States Promise the World Again

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 01:02:00 +0000

September 22 - at the UN headquarters in NY, along with world leaders, I joined colleagues from the CSOs and public / private sectors, at the 69^th session of the UN's General Assembly and Special Session to the follow-up of the ICPD PoA, to listen to member states renew their promises - to invest in girls education, promote their SRHR services and need, as well commit to the further implementation of the ICPD PoA review, including the findings of the Secretary General & regional ICPD review outcomes into the post2015 framework.

This is not the first time, we have listened and heard governments make promises. 20 years ago, 179 member states assembled in Cairo and in a consensus they committed to promote gender equality and women's empowerment, as well as protecting and promoting women’s reproductive health and rights.

SO - what happened to the promise? Research shows that in some regions, substantial progress has been achieved in terms of reducing maternal mortality, teen pregnancy and providing universal access to antenatal care. With these, one might be tempted to rejoice that all is going well. But far from it, much work is still to be done.

“Our work is not finish until every human can fully enjoy their sexuality, and sexual rights”, says Finland President at the 69th UNGASS ICPD PoA follow-up.

VAWg (violence against women and girls) remains one of the leading and greatest hindrance to achieving human rights, experts allude. Over the years, research has shown that globally, at least 1 in 3 women have suffer violence in their life time (W.H.O Report ) and in Africa, Cameroon included, around 45% of women have experienced at least one form of violence (The Guardian). Annually, 14.2 million girls, or approximately 39000 girls are married off every single day; young people continue to lack access to comprehensive sexuality education to enable them make informed choices and healthy decisions about their lives. With all these facts impeding young people's wellbeing, for sure there is nothing to rejoice for.

Like one speaker at the UNGA said: Development cant be achieved without addressing existing multi-forms of inequalities and discrimination within and across regions. In order words, global development can’t occur when VAWg, sex and gender based discrimination remains prevalent. Same too will Africa not achieve the dividend if measures aren't taken to address VAWg, Youth Unemployment and gender equality.

It is worth noting that Africa remains the one continent with least progress towards attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. Interesting at UNGA, many of them made progressive statements, demonstrating their zeal to how they shall commit and promote the achievement of the post-2015 goals.

Excerpts from Country's Statements at the 69th UNGASS

Uganda & Burundi: “We share the views of the Secretary General that in order to eradicate [extreme] poverty and achieve equality, it is important to advance social inclusion and higher level of education”.

Ghana: “Young people are great entrepreneurs and managers. Open data in the hands of young people can effectively drive accountability and transparency / development of a country”

Togo: “We endorse the position of the African Union to the SDGs and urge for step-up efforts and strengthen synergies to achieve the realisation of ICPD PoA”.

Swaziland: “We reaffirms the full commitment of Swazi government to the ICPD PoA and would work tirelessly to ensure that the gaps are addressed”

It was interesting and somewhat encouraging to watched how member states acknowledged in their statements the fact that gender equality and social justice remains a key component to development. And how ensuring equality for all is ensuring respect for the rule of law, enjoyment of basic human rights, as well as advancing social inclusion and also providing quality health care and education for all.

I hope their promises will actually translate into meaningful actions and not just end as mere words.

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- Five Reasons Why Cameroon should take the Post-2015 Important
Gender Equality, Youth Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights #SRHR

- UNFPA

- UNGASS ICPD PoA

- CSO Join Statement

Five reasons why Cameroon should take the post2015 development framework important

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 19:09:00 +0000

Listed below are 5 reasons why I believe Cameroon should prioritize the inclusion of gender equality and youth SRHR in the post2015 development framework

Next week, September 22, 2014, over 193 Member States of the United Nations, members of CSOs, academia, researchers and private sectors will gather at the U.N head office, United Nations, New York for the 69th General Assembly and a special session on the follow-up to the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and recommendations on Sustainable development goals.

As world leaders head to this event, it is important that Cameroonians understand the linkage between post2015 and Cameroon’s Vision 2035 and why it is imperative Cameroon government support among others; young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services, including comprehensive sexuality education; gender equality and investment in youth capacities and leadership.

It is important to note:

1. Post2015 and Vision 2015 agenda are all development-oriented and human rights focused

Both post2015 and vision 2035 are development agendas that addresses key human issues particularly those that seeks to advance gender equality, poverty alleviation, social justice, freedom of choice, youth leadership, women’s economic empowerment and sustainable development.

The statistics tells us that women and young people’s make up around 60% of the country’s population. And without adequate measure to ensure that their human rights is fully protected, respected and promoted, the states will be losing out to reap their contributions to development.

Positioning and prioritising youth issues, which include SRHR into the post2015 implies advancing vision 2035 agenda and in turn achieving international human rights and enabling the youth full participation and contributions to national growth, peace and security. Therefore, it is prudent for the government to take advantage of the post2015 development framework. For its realisation directly affects the enjoyment of everyone.

2. Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Information is a Vision 2035 Goal

SRHR is an intrinsic component of human right. And both are an essential element in fostering sustainable development. Millions of people, especially young people and adolescent girls are vulnerable to domestic and gender-based violence, they continue to lack adequate and reliable access to comprehensive sexuality information and education and most at time exposed to various untreated sexual and reproductive tract infections, which could have been treated and / or prevent at early stage.

Placing prevention and inclusive health care services and reliable information about people’s sexuality at core of the post2015 deliberation is imperative. It also creates a multiple effect: prioritising health, and also ensuring healthy contributions towards advancing the realisation of vision 2035.

3. Investing in the capacities of adolescent and youth as drivers of Cameroon’s Vision2035

Two-third of the country’s population are persons between the ages 14-24 [1]. We have all been told time and again that the key drivers of change in any country are its young people. Sadly in Cameroon, many raw and inert skills has not been fully developed and exploited. Cameroon still depend largely on foreign expertise for development whereas it has reservoirs of untapped knowledge, if exploited would meaningfully contribute to the development of this country.

Cameroon can’t think of becoming an emerging economy without significant contributions of those who constitute over half of its population. Investing in youth is a wise thing to do as a nation. It has a disproportionate impact to the growth and development of that society.

4. Gender equality and women’s rights matters for development

Gender equality must matter at all levels and stages of the post2015 deliberations. There is no doubt however that a society with greater gender equality achieves better health and development for its people.

Improving gender equality means ensuring quality education for all, especially girls, eliminating systemic forms of violence against women and girls, promoting women’s economic empowerment, access to comprehensive sexuality education, youth participation, leadership and contributions to environmental sustainability.

Becoming an emerging nation come 2035 is laying strong gender equality foundations now! And these, Cameroon must support and prioritize in the post2015 development framework.

5. Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance

The Cameroon’s Vision 2035 seeks for an emerging, democratic and united country in diversity by 2035. And one thing is for sure - Democracy comes with government accountability and transparency. The post2015 development framework clearly articulates the need for states’ accountability to the people. As a state, the people must be involved and informed of everything because state’s issues are definitely the people’s concern and it matters.

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It might interest you to note that both frameworks (post2015 & Vision2035) will be expiring almost within the same period. This therefore provides Cameroon a better ground to create impacts, since both programs will be run simultaneously, it’s easier to identify lapses and re-ameliorate for positive change.

زوفم

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Wfac strongly condemns the incident that resulted of the death of a pregnant woman at the Laquintinie hospital

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WfacAt6! Happy Birthday to Wfac for six years of continued work and actions to EndVAWg

Violence survivors find compassion, care at Cameroon's Listening Centre

The Listening Centre refers violence survivors to a local health centre for medical care. Here, women wait to be seen at a health centre in Cameroon. © UNFPA Cameroon

Violence tragically common

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Member States overlook Agreed Language on Women’s Rights at Beijing+20

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BEING AFRICAN AND A YOUNG WOMAN, WHAT TO SAY FOR IT?

A WEEK AT THE UN MEETING WITH AFRICAN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES

Forced into Marriage at 14

Letter to H.E Michel Tommo Monthe, Cameroon Permanent Representative to the United Nations

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19MOsvi57aJ7uMxMjuSHFpIYBe6ybU4Bw7rR9F2v8ofA/edit?pli=1 [2]

At UNGA 69th, Member States Promise the World Again

- Five Reasons Why Cameroon should take the Post-2015 Important Gender Equality, Youth Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights #SRHR

Five reasons why Cameroon should take the post2015 development framework important

- Five Reasons Why Cameroon should take the Post-2015 Important
Gender Equality, Youth Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights #SRHR