Visionary Reports

 They recently gained skills on trauma healing and psychosocial support  

Members of the YAWC Network Cameroon Chapter   recently benefitted from  a trauma healing and psychosocial support session .  The virtual session was aimed at giving YAWC members the opportunity to re-examine their lives and learn new self care skills as well as learning how to manage stress in a crisis context. With the different crisis faced by the country coupled with the Covid- 19 pandemic that has greatly affected Cameroon, women and girls remain the most vulnerable group, as a result, the session was also  to enable them to be resilient  as well as support others in the same condition and more.

 In her opening address, the YAWC Network chapter president Rosaline Obah thanked members for taking part in the workshop. She said such a workshop will enable them to be useful to their community, adding that it was important that  women gain new skills on self-care and stress management..

 The Trauma healing and psychosocial expert Ainebyoona Sharlotte Kigezo from #defyhatenow took time off to explain the different stages of stress that can lead to a  post-traumatic stress disorder. She said all humans have gone through trauma in one way or the other especially related to different types of loss. It could be the loss of a job, partner or a loved one.

The expert went further to note  that what a person considers as traumatic is not necessarily the case for another person, so people should not generalize. It should be treated on a case by case basis. People manage traumatic situations in different ways, as such we should respect people’s feelings and the sources of trauma.  She advised that people should avoid stressors that can affect their lives negatively. “When a person approaches you to express their stress and trauma, avoid being judgmental and asking questions such as WHY? Rather ask who, what, where, when and how questions. Some of the coping mechanisms for stress are dialogue, exercise, relaxation, crying, praying and whatever works without going into excesses. Always ask yourself, what problem is bothering you that warrants your present coping mechanism such as excessive alcohol intake, shopping spree, outbursts or rage and anger, over eating and more,” Sharlotte highlighted.

 She encouraged victims to go for help when need be and advised stress victims to avoid living in isolation. The session that lasted for over an hour thirty minutes had over 30 participants both from Cameroon and other YAWC network chapters in the World.

 At the end of the workshop, the YAWC Network global Vice president Evelyn Oye thanked the Cameroon chapter for the soul searching session. She said it was a true healing session that touched the lives of many. The Chair of ExLA group Daniel Osei Tuffuor also appreciated Cameroon for the session and prayed that more sessions will take place in the days ahead. On behalf of the Cameroon Chapter, the adviser, Sally Mboumien thanked all those who participated, but like Oliver Twist, she requested for more of such healing session especially as women and girls continue to experience different challenges within the current crisis context affecting almost all regions of Cameroon.

 By GINA ESONG