UNWOMEN AND UNDP support women’s socio-economic activities around the value chains induced by COVID19, in the North-West and South-West Regions of Cameroon

Within the framework of the UN Women and UNDP joint project, 02 training workshops were organized from 13th to 17 October 2020 at the Women Empowerment Center of Limbe in the South West Region; and from 20th to 24 October 2020, at the Presbyterian Church hall in Bamenda for the North West Region.

40 seamstresses were trained in the production of standardized reusable cloth barrier masks respecting existing norms and 40 other women leaders were also trained in the production of antiseptic soap and hydro-alcoholic gels. This was followed by the distribution of startup kits for income generating activities. To mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19 on women and girls, UN Women put in place a resilient building mechanism for this vulnerable group using COVID 19 induced business, financed by UNDP.

The Technical Adviser No. 1 Mrs Nebah, expressed gratitude to UN Women and partners for this innovative initiative and encouraged the beneficiaries to harness the knowledge, materials and equipment received to improve their living through income generating activities. She pleaded with UN Women to extend this initiative to other Divisions of the South West and North West Regions and possibly to other Regions of the Country.

The UNDP representative for the NW/SW Regions thanked MINPROFF and UN Women for the brilliant organization and went ahead to encouraged the beneficiaries to put into practice what they have learned, and also to make good use of the equipment and materials received so as to become veritable future entrepreneurs and build their resilience.  

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries in Limbe, Mrs Orock said “We are so surprised and marveled by not only the quality of the training dispensed but also with the quality and quantity of the start-up kits,” She promised that they will strive to start their businesses shortly. Madame Yang Regina, a beneficiary in Bamenda was elated by the quality of the training dispensed and the inclusion of women with disabilities. Income generating start-up kits distributed included : 40 sewing machines, 800 liters of palm kernel oil, 400 liters of foaming agent, 40 soap forms, 400 liters of texapon, 280 yards of cloths, 6000 bottles for packaging.

Cameroon, like many countries around the world, has not been spared by the COVID-19 pandemic. The country recorded its first case on March 06, 2020 and is currently one of the most affected African countries in Central Africa. Across every sphere, from health to the economy, security to social protection, the impacts of COVID-19 are exacerbated on women and girls. UN Women Cameroon has implemented a rapid and targeted response to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on women and girls and ensure that they benefit from long-term recovery measures., UN Women's response focuses on five priorities:

Mitigating and addressing gender-based violence, including domestic violence, Develop social protection and economic recovery plans that benefit women and girls, Ensuring that people support and implement a balanced sharing of the care burden and Ensure that women and girls lead and participate in the planning of interventions and decision-making with regard to COVID19.