WHEN WOMEN AND GIRLS SPEAK, COMMUNITIES TRANSFORM
Listening as a First Step to Change This past Saturday, the DAREM-PEI team, with support
ENGAGING LOCAL LEADERSHIP: A COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT
Indigenous women and girls in Cameroon, especially the Mbororo community, face multiple layers of discrimination that place them at higher risk of gender-based violence (GBV). According to UN Women, nearly 56% of women in Cameroon have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, while indigenous women are disproportionately affected due to limited access to justice, education, and protection services. In response, DAREM, in partnership with UNFPA, has launched the project “From Margins to Mainstream: Building Resilience Among Indigenous Mbororo Women and Girls for Effective and Collective Action Against GBV in Bangem Subdivision.” This initiative is working to shift the narrative by creating safe spaces, strengthening resilience, and building collective action.
From Margins to Mainstream: Building Resilience Amongst Indigenous and Plural Women and Girls for Effective and Collective Action Against GBV
In Cameroon, women and girls particularly those from indigenous communities face overlapping challenges of gender-based violence (GBV), displacement, and exclusion from decision-making spaces. Yet, their resilience and leadership remain vital to peacebuilding and community transformation. With support from UNFPA and partners, DAREM is launching a new initiative to ensure that indigenous women and girls move from the margins to the mainstream as active actors in peace consolidation and GBV prevention.
DAREM FACILITATED A DIALOUGUE BETWEEN LOCAL AUTHORIES, TRADITIONAL LEADERS, AND INDIGENOUS WOMEN TO PROMOTE THE INCLUSION OF WOMEN IN DECISION MAKING AND GOVERNANCE BODIES
On March 2, 2025, at the Islamic Secondary School in Buea Town, DAREM facilitated a significant dialogue between local authorities and indigenous women on “The inclusion of women in decision-making and governance bodies in the Southwest region”. This dialogue aimed at bringing out the roles of women in shaping community policies and promoting sustainable development. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions, sharing strategies to further promote women’s representation and participation in local governance, leadership and decision-making processes.
DAREM PROVIDES MENTORSHIP AND COACHING TO INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN GOVERNANCE ROLES TO ENHANCE THEIR CAPACITY FOR EFFECTIVE DECISION-MAKING IN TOLE, MUEA, AND BUEA TOWN COMMUNITIES
As part of its commitment to strengthening indigenous women’s participation in governance, DAREM organization, with funding from ALVF Cameroon, recently conducted a mentorship and coaching program for 60 indigenous women across Tole, Muea, and Buea Town communities. This initiative aimed to enhance their leadership, advocacy, and governance skills, equipping them to take on active roles in decision-making and community development.
The program provided a safe space for dialogue, experience-sharing, and skill-building. Participants received guidance on navigating governance structures, engaging in advocacy, and promoting sustainable resource management. Many of the women had never received formal governance training before and expressed enthusiasm about applying their newfound knowledge to their communities.
One participant, a farmer from Tole, shared: “For years, we have been excluded from decisions about our land and water. Now, I realize we have the power to influence policies if we unite and raise our voices.” Another woman, previously hesitant about leadership, remarked: “I used to believe governance was for men. Now, I am ready to challenge unfair policies and demand representation.”
Through mentorship from experienced indigenous women leaders and environmental activists, participants gained practical insights and strategies to overcome barriers in governance. Some women committed to forming local advocacy groups to sustain their efforts beyond the training.
DAREM organization remains dedicated to supporting indigenous women in governance by providing continuous training, mentorship, and advocacy opportunities to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
DAREM ORGANIZATION LAUNCHES A PROJECT TO STRENGTHEN INDIGENOUS WOMEN’S ROLES IN NATURAL RESOURCES GOVERNANCE AND PEACEBUILDING
On February 19, 2025, DAREM NGO launched its groundbreaking project to enhance indigenous women’s roles in natural resources governance for peace and security in Cameroon’s West and Southwest regions. Funded by ALVF Cameroon, the initiative seeks to empower women through leadership training, governance advocacy, and conflict resolution. A highlight of the workshop was a drama performance where two women fought over water scarcity, illustrating real-life struggles in resource management. The session sparked deep reflections, with participants gaining skills to advocate for their rights and mediate conflicts. As one woman declared, “We are no longer just caretakers of the land, we are decision-makers.”
DAREM NGO CONDUCTS BASELINE SURVEY ON ENHANCING INDIGENOUS WOMEN’S ROLES IN NATURAL RESOURCES GOVERNANCE FOR PEACE AND SECURITY
Indigenous women in Cameroon’s West and Southwest regions play a vital role in natural resource management, yet their contributions often go unrecognized in governance structures. To address this gap, DAREM NGO, with funding from ALVF Cameroon, conducted a baseline survey to assess the challenges and opportunities for enhancing women’s participation in environmental decision-making. The findings revealed systemic barriers, including limited access to land rights and exclusion from policy discussions, but also highlighted the strong traditional knowledge and leadership potential of indigenous women. This project seeks to empower them through capacity-building, advocacy, and inclusive governance frameworks, fostering both sustainable resource management and long-term peace in their communities.
KICKING OFF FOR CHANGE: HOW FOOTBALL UNITED MBORORO MEN IN THE FIGHT AGAINST GBV AND FOR SRHR.
On February 1, 2025, the Buea Town Stadium became more than just a football ground—it became a platform for change. Organized by DAREM NGO and funded by the Global Fund for Women, the “Kick Off for Change” tournament brought together Mbororo boys and men to tackle the pressing issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).
In an electrifying match, Mbuscuda FC claimed victory over Laverie FC with a 4-0 win, but the real triumph came after the final whistle. Players and spectators engaged in a powerful discussion about men’s role in preventing GBV, supporting reproductive rights, and redefining masculinity. As one participant noted, “Today, it wasn’t just about winning a match; it was about winning a conversation our community has avoided for too long.”
This event was more than a game, it was a call to action. DAREM NGO continues to champion initiatives that challenge harmful norms and empower men to be allies in the fight for gender equality. Are you ready to kick off for change?
THE SILENT EPIDEMIC: ADDRESSING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Domestic violence remains a hidden crisis, silenced by fear and stigma, yet its impact ripples through individuals, families, and communities. At DAREM NGO, we are breaking the silence by raising awareness, providing safe spaces for survivors, and challenging harmful norms through community engagement.
“When a survivor suffers, the entire community feels the weight of their pain.” – DAREM Gender Officer
Through education, empowerment, and advocacy, DAREM is working to end domestic violence and create safe, inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.
Read the full article to learn how we can tackle this silent epidemic together.
MEN’S ROLE IN PROMOTING POSITIVE SEXUAL HEALTH PRACTICES
Men play a crucial role in fostering respectful relationships, supporting family planning, and breaking the stigma around sexual health. At DAREM NGO, we believe that engaging men as advocates and allies is key to creating healthier communities.
Through workshops, peer education, and community outreach, DAREM is empowering men to take responsibility and become champions of change. As one participant shared, “When men and women work together, we create stronger families and brighter futures.”
Read the full article to learn how men can contribute
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