MINPROFF, Plan Int'l partner to promote women, girls' rights.

Minister Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa signed for MINPROFF while the Country Director of Plan International Cameroon, Mohamed Ibrahima Bah, signed for the humanitarian organisation.

Both Prof Abena Ondoa and Ibrahima Bah used the event to reaffirm their institution’s commitment to work to improve the living conditions of women and girls throughout the country.

The officials said the partnership provides for the implementation of a set of multi-sectoral programmes among them: awareness-raising and education through campaigns on gender equality and human rights. They said the exercises will be carried out in urban and rural areas, particularly through schools, community media, and public spaces.

It was said MINPROFF and Plan International through the agreement, will also combat Gender-based Violence, GBV. 

This, officials noted, will be through prevention and response mechanisms which will be deployed to protect women and girls who are victims of violence.

The deal also provides for the establishment of listening centres, training of local actors, and improved psychosocial and legal support.

Thanks to the agreement, authorities of both institutions said there will also be support for women entrepreneurship, access to finance, and vocational training to strengthen women’s financial independence and participation in public and economic life.

Minister Abena Ondoa during the event insisted on the need for collective effort to build a Cameroon where every citizen has the opportunity to live without discrimination or violence. 

She praised the commitment of Plan International Cameroon especially its expertise in child protection, gender equality, and humanitarian response.

Prof Abena Ondoa said the partnership is consistent with national policies, such as the National Development Strategy, 2020-2030, SND30, and Cameroon’s international commitments.

She noted that through the agreement, MINPROFF and Plan International Cameroon are committed to charting a new course for thousands of women and girls. 

“This is not a simple administrative protocol, but rather an alliance for social transformation,” she remarked.

The goal, she said, is to build an inclusive society where young girls can dream without limits, pursue education freely, become entrepreneurs, and leaders in their communities.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3470 of Wednesday June 11, 2025