19th of June 2024 marked the day of the first-ever Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Fair organized at the National Museum Yaoundé which brought together Government officials, International partners, and NGOs as well as other civil society organizations to mark the celebration of the successful localization of 30 Peace Hubs in Four conflict-affected Regions of Cameroon – North West, South West, West, and Littoral Regions, and to build on the commitments taken during 14 peace tables held at Divisional, Regional, and National levels. Members of diplomatic missions, International Agencies, government officials, women peacebuilders, the President of the BOD, Reach Out Cameroon, Human Rights defenders, and humanitarians were present at the event.
Figure 1: Family Picture of the WPS Fair
PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS
This project titled “Peace Tables: Promoting Women’s Peace and Security Through a Culture of Social Cohesion in Cameroon” has over the past two years recorded 300 grassroots women from 30 peace hubs in 40 communities who have been transformed to champion the narrative of peace through dialogue in their respective communities. 247 GBV survivors were provided with shelter and specialized MHPSS at the peace house (Esther’s Brave Space). Also, 19565 women and girls, and 8177 men and boys reached GBV sensitization and prevention; 27,742 community members reached, 278 CSOs trained on peacebuilding, GBV sensitization, and human rights.
The WPS fair gave room for women peacebuilders and many others to showcase the collective commitment and engagement to foster an inclusive environment through exhibition stands,
“The localization of peace hubs strengthens communities”. In her speech, The Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon said, “These grassroots women are the unsung heroines, the invisible faces stabilizing communities through their relentless efforts” She urged them to continue supporting the initiative and ensuring they remain vibrant spaces for collaboration and change. “Together, we can build a more peaceful, secure, equitable, and inclusive future for all”.
Present at this memorable event were the Canadian High Commissioner to Cameroon, H.E. Lorraine Anderson, The Minister of Women Empowerment and the Family, H.E. Mme Marie Therese Abena Ondoa, the Minister of Arts and Culture, H.E. Pierre Ismael Bidoung Kpwatt, the Country Representative of the UN Women and other Diplomats
At the end of the event, the ED of Reach Out Cameroon, Omam Esther, together with the staff of Reach Out Cameroon thanked the audience for their presence, and to bid them farewell, they sang the Reach Out Anthem and wished them all a safe journey back to their respective towns.
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