At conference in Y’de: Minister Nalova, Turkish Ambassador unite to curb violence in schools.

Both officials took the commitment in Yaounde yesterday as the Turkish Embassy in Yaounde and the Ministry of Secondary Education marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with a high-level conference focused on preventing violence in schools. 

The event, held at the Turkish Maarif School campus at Bastos, brought together parents, civil society actors, guidance counsellors, legal experts and activists. Discussions touched on protecting learners and addressing the drivers of violence on school grounds.

Minister Nalova Lyonga set the tone in her opening remarks by urging communities to confront violence both inside and outside learning spaces. 

She introduced her ministry’s “Clean School” philosophy, arguing that schools must promote alternative values that children can observe and internalise.

“Teachers and principals can begin to put in alternative values in schools. Children will see it, and they will behave by those values,” she stated, citing recent incidents proving that violence has intensified within educational institutions. 

The minister recounted an incident where a 14-year-old girl attacked a classmate with scissors after repeated inappropriate contact, as evidence that violence can be perpetrated by anyone. 

She emphasised that effective prevention demands eliminating weapons and strengthening the “Clean School” philosophy, which requires surrounding communities to be free from violence.

Eliminate weapons, eliminate violence

The member of government maintained that eliminating weapons is the most direct route to ending violence in schools. She noted that a person lacking a weapon is inherently less likely to be violent. The minister insisted on the need for teachers to check the bags of students. 

“The presence of weapons in school signifies a failure on the part of teachers who are responsible for ensuring that no such items find their way onto the premises," Prof Nalova Lyonga said, adding that students who perpetrate violence would be expelled and returned to their parents and communities. 

Urges women to drop victim mindset

The minister acknowledged that while United Nations conventions like CEDAW and local group efforts are important, they must be supplemented by prevention and self-education. She stressed that education must be provided to both girls and boys.

“We do not want any woman to see herself as a victim. No woman has a right to be a victim because it all starts from your personal education. My mandate is clear. Be like me, no victim for life. We forbid victimisation,” Prof Nalova Lyonga said.

She also reiterated that the fight against violence must include the actions of women themselves.

“When discussing violence, it is essential to recognise that women are not solely victims because they too can be perpetrators. We too must acknowledge our capacity to be attackers and commit to cleaning up our society,” she underscored.

Türkiye commits to empowerment

The Ambassador of Türkiye to Cameroon, Volkan Öskiper, emphasised that eliminating violence is not merely a gender issue but one of being a respectful person, though women remain more vulnerable. 

The diplomat praised the minister's insights on the subject matter; acknowledging having learned a lot from her address.

Harping on Türkiye’s experience, Volkan Öskiper said violence remains a universal challenge and requires sustained, community-based action rather than one-off initiatives. 

He confirmed that the Turkish Embassy, the Maarif Schools, and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, TİKA, have made women and girl empowerment their primary focus in Cameroon. 

The Ambassador stated that the institutions are "dedicated to supporting” Cameroon’s efforts in every way it can. He said they intentionally seek to integrate this focus into every project they undertake.

Panel discussions, art exhibition

Following the keynote speeches, participants engaged in technical exchanges on school-based violence and explored pathways for legal redress and psychosocial support. 

An art exposition showcased student perspectives on violence against women, while the concluding panel gathered practitioners, counsellors and activists for a session on strengthening safety mechanisms in schools and communities.

Stakeholders agreed that the home remains the foundation of learners’ behaviour and that prevention must begin with parents, supported by educators and community-based groups.

About Int’l day

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed annually on November 25, raises awareness of efforts to end violence against women and girls as part of global commitments to equality, peace and development. 

It was established by Established by the UN General Assembly in 2000. The global theme this year is: “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3637 of Wednesday November 26, 2025