To promote, protect rights of widows, orphans: ONACAM, women’s empowerment ministry seal deal.

The Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Prof Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa, signed for her ministry while the Director General of ONACAM, Retired Colonel Alfred Fuller, put pen on paper for his organisation.

According to the agreement booklet, the partnership is for three years and renewable. The ministry, through the deal, commits to where possible, provide academic and holiday internship to young orphans under the care of ONACAM.

The ministry as per the same agreement is expected to accompany ONACAM in the protection and promotion of the rights of widows and orphans. 

It will also provide technical follow-up and offer free training to young widows and orphans at its centres nationwide.

ONACAM on the other hand is expected to provide statistics of its members and target population, carry out in collaboration with the Ministry social and sensitization activities. Both parties agreed that the activities will touch on the rights of widows and orphans.

Enter Director General of ONACAM

ONACAM boss, Retired Colonel Alfred Fuller, expressed gratitude to the member of government for endorsing the deal. 

Fuller praised the minister’s interest in issues concerning the community of veterans, and well-being of the widows and orphans of deceased military personnel.

He emphasised the need to improve the well-being and health of widows, who often face vulnerability, abuse, and mistreatment.

Minister pledges support 

Prof Abena Ondoa said the deal shows government’s commitment to protecting orphans, widows and other vulnerable groups.

The agreement, she said, will provide a collaborative framework to improve the well-being of widows and minor orphans of veterans, ex-servicemen and war victims.

The agreement, she added, is a huge initiative that requires significant human, material and financial resources, as well as the pooling of efforts. 

“It is therefore important to forge partnerships with all the stakeholders working in our area of intervention, particularly ONACAM,” Minister Abena Ondoa stated.

About the plight of widows, the minister said government is aware of the “profound grief you have been experiencing, the pain of loss and the challenges” they have been facing since the loss of their husbands.

With the support of the civil society, financial partners and other orgnisations, she said government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the respect of fundamental human rights.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3465 of Thursday June 05, 2025