Official Launching Ceremony to Protect and Empower Women and Girls Affected by Boko Haram Conflict in Cameroon

The official launching ceremony to implement the project " Protecting and empowering women and girls affected by Boko Haram conflict in Cameroon " took place at UN Women conference room, aimed at introducing the detailed project activities and seeking the partners suggestions and recommendations. The fruitful exchange enabled partners contributions thus, promoting the project ownership and sustainability. The project to be funded with grants from the Catalunya Agency of Cooperation and Development, is to take place in the Far North Region, particularly in the localities of Minawao, Makary, Goulfé and Mozogos, is expected to last for some 12 months.

After emphasising UNWOMEN's support for the vulnerable women victims of the crisis, Hind Jalal, UN Women Representative a.i appreciated the Government of Catalonia (Spain) “for the generous financial contribution and partnership, which enables the project to take-off “ This grant for the project demonstrates the commitment of the Government of Catalonia to gender equality and women's empowerment, as the champion of UN Women's LEAP (Leadership, Access, Empowerment and Protection in Crisis) programs implemented in more than 35 countries with focus on promoting women’s leadership, livelihoods and protection from violence in humanitarian and protracted crisis contexts. Women and girls have been disproportionately affected by the protracted crises and instability in the region. In the Far North region, where nearly one million two hundred thousand people (more than a quarter of the total population), need humanitarian assistance, she added.

Mr. JUSDADO BARRIO Daniel, representing the Embassy of Spain magnified the partnership with UN WOMEN which augurs a better tomorrow and renewed Spanish commitment to further support UN Women Gender equality initiatives. All stakeholders provided relevant inputs and suggestions on how to ensure an efficient and effective implementation of the project for the sake of the beneficiaries, both host and displaced population.

Event witnessed the presence of representatives of the Embassy of Spain in Cameroon, Ministry of Women Empowerment and the Family, Ministry of Justice, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defense, in Charge of the Gendarmerie, General Delegation of National Security and the NGO “Association de lutte contre les Violences Faites aux Femmes”, and the UN Resident Coordinator Office.