Conflict: Over 1,000 Women Peacebuilders assemble in Yaounde to Consolidate Peace



Over one thousand women have converged on Palais des congrès Yaoundé, to renew their stands towards peace as a united force in the first ever National Women's Convention for Peace in Cameroon. 


Drawn from ten regions across the country, the Convention for Peace in Cameroon aims at discussing issues related to ongoing conflicts in the country and how it can be transformed. The convention, which is expected to last for three days, kicked off on Thursday 29th July with an opening ceremony cheered by the Minister of Women Empowerment and the Family, Madam Marie-Thérèse Abena .


Minister of Women Empowerment and the Family, Madam Marie- Thérèse Abena.


Speaking to participants  during the opening ceremony, the Minister noted that women's role in conflict transformation is very prominent as they are the most affected group during crisis situations.


The opening was characterized by different activities such as a special presentation of Women's Anthem, artistic display for peace and good will message from the main initiators and organizers calling on the delegates to form a coalition because united voices can shift the narratives for sustainable peace.

Artistic display of peace 

Some participants at the end of the opening ceremony, remained grateful to be among the women rewriting history.

" I just want to thank the people who worked hard to ensure this conference holds. It is the first ever women's Confirence , and I am glad to part of the women changing the narrative and history", Ngong Janice a participant noted.

Madam Rosaline Obah, one of the leaders of Women led Networks for peace, Cameroon Community Media Network CCMN, is hopeful that the Conference will help chart a new road map led by women in conflict prevention and resolution in Cameroon.

"Coming together under the first ever national convention, I expect to see women leave the convention burying their differences. I think its going to reshape our vision towards peace and help more in sharing best practices with fellow peace actors on the ground for visible results that reflect common good".


CCMN Coordinator North West Charter, Rosaline Obah

Day two, regarded as the heart of the Conference, will commence in the early hours of Friday 30th 2021 with participants expected to know how their United Voices can amplify their actions in strengthening the government's response in addressing conflicts in their communities and the nation as a whole. It is worth noting that, the Convention has been realized thanks to the efforts of over 38 women- led organizations with support from Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.


By Pechuqui Laurata


Comments

The Updates said…
Keep up with the good job
30 July 2021 at 01:59
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