Alarming Gender-Based violence statistics: Françoise Puene Foundation commits to build centre to aid victims.

The Françoise Puene Foundation will be supported in this endeavour by Hortense Fuller, a Cameroonian living in the diaspora. An agreement to this effect was signed recently in Yaounde.

Senator Puene expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration and encouraged other Cameroonians and individuals of goodwill to follow this example, noting the limitations of government efforts alone.

According to the Senator, the Foundation has recorded approximately thirty deaths resulting from domestic violence over the past five months. 

Senator Puene described the situation as alarming, calling for attention from all social actors, including magistrates, to ensure objective justice. 

The lawmaker highlighted what she perceives as a significant issue of injustice concerning violence against women in Cameroon, stating that women are often told to return home when they report abuse to police stations. 

This, she explained, can lead to further suffering and tragic outcomes. The Senator also highlighted the importance of systematically reporting violence, encouraging women to speak out against abuse.

Hortense Fuller, on her part, stated that her decision to support women is based on an understanding of their experiences, particularly regarding domestic violence. 

She noted that the new Centre of Hope will serve not only as a shelter but also as a place for victims to heal, rebuild, and begin new lives with greater resilience.

It should be noted that Senator Françoise Puene has been actively advocating joint efforts to end gender-based violence in the country. 

The signing of this partnership follows the Senator's ongoing efforts since the launch of her Foundation, notably the recent major conference on gender-based violence that the organisation held in Yaounde.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3505 of Wednesday July 16, 2025