Visionary Reports

They have  gained new abilities to work within the communities

Women Peace builders within the North West Region have  strengthened their capacity in Meditation and Peace Building amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic and crisis rocking the region. This was the outcome of a two day workshop on advancing women’s rights in response to community mediation and peace building processes with the hope of shifting the advocacy of women mediators in communities.

The Workshop was organized by Mother of Hope Cameroon MOHCAM with support from Women Mediators Across the Common Wealth for members of the Women Peacebuilders’ Network (WOPEN) NW.

In November 2020 MOHCAM executed a project on strengthening the capacities of members of the Women Peacebuilders Network-WOPEN to effectively engage in mediation and peace building in response to crises in the North West Regions. Through this activity, over twenty-six (26) women leaders from the grassroots and community organizations were trained with support funding from the Women Mediators across the Commonwealth.

During this workshop an action plan for the network was developed for one year and it’s against this backdrop that this project seeks to bridge the skill gaps of network  members in the domain of human rights, lobbying and advocacy, the use of the social media handles and  online tools for effective communication to enhance their effective participation in community mediation and peace building.

Reacting,Adah Mbah Executive Director of MOHCAM highlighting aspects of the activity enhance the capacity of women to serve as mediators for peace, increasing women participation in lobbying and advocacy in peace building while encouraging the women peace leaders to increase their visibility and results in the field with the effective use of the social media to enhance their peacebuilding actions.

During the two day session, the participants were educated on the Role of the National Commission in defending the rights of women rights defenders and CSOs. Barrister Agbor Nkeng noted that women are great peace builders and help to consolidate peace as such are helping the government to realize her objective

In order to amplify women’s voices in human rights and community meditation, Barrister Blessing Chia also member of the network, urged the women peace builders to uphold the qualities and skills of a good mediator, so that they can be able to help both parties maintain a healthy relationship even after the conflict, ensure peace and calm between the parties as well as instill trust in both parties for sustainable peace. “We can amplify women’s voices by, empowering women, building relevant networks that bring women together and carrying out advocacy campaigns.

In order to intensify their actions and create greater impact on a wider scale, the women gained skills in advocacy and lobbying in peacebuilding and also how to use the Social Media for effective communication. “A lot can be done to shift the mindset of the online community if social media users who are peace builders, can use it positively. However, the dangers abound you use it poorly. I will suggest that we do not share just for sharing sake or join the band wagon of those who propagate hatespeech, misinformation and disinformation. Our social media handles should be used to build peace and encourage nonviolent actions,” Rosaline Obah

“With the crisis that has gone on for over 5 years now, especially as women continue to bear the brunt, there was the need to engage them in a self care session particularly through a  trauma healing session to help them  develop coping mechanisms with loss grief and bereavement.” Mme. Mah Fundo said. She also advised them totalk to specialist, find a support system, try to maintain your hobbies, draw your comfort from your faith  and take care of self so as to get out of any of such situation.

To further intensify the healing process and wounds of the women peacebuilders, practical sessions, outdoor activities and spiritual sessions were upheld as many participants at the end of the two days expressed satisfaction and testified of going back well equipped and light hearted to give back to the community.

 By Rosa Akah