To boost social security: Official drums increase of women in decision-making.

This was on September 18. The project was executed under the theme: “Women’s Inclusion For New Security, SHE WINS”. 

The delegate represented the Minister of Women Empowerment and the Family, Prof Marie Therese Abena Ondoa, at the meeting. 

Also  present were the Country Representative of Search For Common Ground, Tatiana Lobe; the Africa Regional Director of Search For Common Ground, Francis Diakanda and the Chief of Political and Economic Section of the US Embassy in Yaounde, Christen Machack.

There were also participants from 15 women-led organisation, US partners as well as other officials from the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family.

The minister’s representative underscored the place of women in conflict resolution and community decision-making. 

Thanks to the project, she said women have been strengthened to shape policies at community levels for the common good.

“This is not just about advocacy. It is more about women’s capacity to influence policies and decisions that shape their lives and the community,” she said.

According to the delegate, thanks to the scheme, the dignity of several women has been restored and they are now contributing to decision-making processes.

Efforts of local women

Ekoh also saluted the contributions of women through various organisations. She further underscored that the contribution of women has established foundations to serve future generations.

The minister’s envoy said the implementation of the project marks a new era but insisted on the need for stakeholders to continue to push for more women in decision-making.

Place of gov’t, community support

She equally used the opportunity to hail the government for its continuous support in creating an enabling environment for women. 

She noted that the role of the government in mobilising resources and human capital which were critical in ensuring the success of the WINS programme. 

The efforts of the local communities and leaders, Ekoh also said, was instrumental in the project.

Significant progress 

The Country Representative of Search For Common Ground, Tatiana Lobe, sounded positive that the project has made huge progress through resilience.

Lobe thanked those who took part in the exercise for their “unwavering commitment to fostering peace and security in your communities”.

She further remarked that: “Through this project, we see the empowerment of women leaders who are now better equipped to advocate for their rights and contribute to the peace-building process”.

Lobe also declared that the project has empowered women to be agents of change and assume leadership roles.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3234 of Thursday September 19, 2024