Listening as a First Step to Change This past Saturday, the DAREM-PEI team, with support from UNFPA, carried out a safety audit with indigenous Mbororo

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.

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.

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.

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.