UN Women supports capacity building training in the Far North

As part of the response to the humanitarian crisis, in particular, the issue of protecting women and girls against sexual and gender-based violence in the Far North region targeting the localities of Kolofata and Keraoua, the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and the Family, with the support of UN Women Cameroon, organized from 27-29 January 2021 training and capacity building of women leaders in Maroua with funding from the Japanese Government.

Sixteen women leaders participated as part of the project's implementation, "Strengthening the resilience of women and girls affected by conflicts, violent extremism and climate change in the Lake Chad region." The main objectives were to strengthen their organizational capacities, advising on essential documents like strategic and operational plans, administrative and financial procedure manuals, and technical capabilities in advocacy, resource mobilization, networking, community mobilization, and protection against sexual and gender-based violence.

In his opening remarks, the Regional Delegate for the Ministry of Women Empowerment and the Family encouraged the participants to take advantage of this unique opportunity. At the end of this training, one of the participants declared, "We have been waiting for UN Women's invitation to this training. It was validated by my husband, unconditionally. My presence at this training allowed me to recover and learn tools to better play our role in promoting women's rights. We are grateful for this and look forward to establishing a solid partnership with UN WOMEN ". This training was the first of an upcoming series of capacity building initiatives targeting community-based women-led organizations.