Women's empowerment ministry rallies stakeholders for inclusive dev't.

The agreement was sealed on Friday, July 18. This was, during a solemn ceremony held in Yaounde.

The document was signed between the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Prof Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa, and the Country Director of Search for Common Ground, Lobe Tatiana. 

According to the document, the partnership sets the stage for enhanced collaboration between the government and civil society in promoting peace, empowering women, and fostering inclusive development across Cameroon, particularly in conflict-affected regions.

Prof Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa, in her address during the signing ceremony, saluted the far-reaching significance of the agreement. 

“This memorandum consolidates synergies for action to prevent conflict, promote tolerance, and make women true actors of lasting peace in our communities,” she said.

She acknowledged the enormity of the challenges ahead, describing the mission as “immense, complex, and demanding”.

She stressed the urgency of developing clear, operational governance tools to guide the implementation of the partnership’s objectives.

“We must build effective frameworks with diligence so that our strategic goals in the advancement of women and families can translate into visible results,” the minister stated.

The minister equally reaffirmed government’s dedication to making this partnership a cornerstone of national policy. 

“This is not a ceremonial agreement; it’s a tool for action, evaluation, and real progress toward women’s rights and sustainable peace,” she continued.

She also reiterated that sustainable peace is unattainable without the meaningful involvement of women, especially in areas experiencing insecurity and social unrest.

To the minister, through the MoU, her ministry and Search for Common Ground commit to joint initiatives in mediation, peace education, and awareness campaigns tailored to women and girls. 

She disclosed that it will include leadership training, community dialogues, and advocacy aimed at giving women a stronger voice in public and civic life.

Organisation hails commitment to change

The Country Director of Search for Common Ground, Lobe Tatiana, welcomed the partnership with optimism and determination. 

“We firmly believe that women are essential pillars of any resilient society. This partnership offers us the opportunity to strengthen their agency in building a more peaceful and inclusive Cameroon,” she said.

Lobe in her remark insisted on the importance of dialogue in resolving conflict: “Conflict is inevitable, but violence is not. If we each commit to dialogue and compromise, we can prevent escalation and build lasting peace”.

The memorandum, she said represents more than a formal agreement but symbolises a collective commitment to reimagining peace through gender inclusion. 

She said it reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of partnerships to drive systemic change in Cameroonian society.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3510 of Monday July 21, 2025