Strategic Investment in youth power is key to economic growth and development in Cameroon.

Young people hold the future and denying them their rights to a meaningful civic engagement especially in deciding on matters that directly affects their lives and future is not only a violation to their human rights but has a strong negative impact to national growth and development. It is also imperative to say that it is a failure from the government to ensure and promote democratic practices and enhancement of the future leaders and workforce. 

Research estimates that 64% of Cameroon’s population are young people under 30 years. This is an essential workforce to drive economic growth and development. However, in most national debates, young people’s voices are hardly ever heard and counted. This includes policies, decisions and laws that directly impacts and influence their lives and development.

To commemorate the International Youth Day 2015, Women for a Change (Wfac), Cameroon in collaboration with Hope for the Needy Association (hofna), Cameroon, Iam15 Action/2015 Youth Ambassadors will hold a two-day Interactive and Inter-generational Solidarity Meeting to celebrate youth activism, participation and engagement in the post-2015 agenda and its discourse in Cameroon. The meeting will be held with young people between the ages of 15-35 years, under the theme, “Youth Power.It’s down to Us!”

For the last two years or more, Wfac has been engaged in the post-2015 development process, from the Africa Regional Conferences in Addis, Ethiopia, to the intergovernmental negotiations in New York, U.S.A to ensure that the voices of women and youth is heard in this fora.

Wfac has held over 50 community actions initiatives, including campaigns at the grassroots, advocacy meetings, inter-generational dialogues, all geared towards advancing youth participation and involvement in the post-2015 agneda. It has also worked with diverse groups and individuals, including 15 year old students, school dropout, young professionals, women and youth groups in mobilising, organising and popularising the post-2015 process, ensuring that young people voices, especially those of adolescent girls are heard and counted in this global agenda.

To strategically give a voice to young people in Cameroon, in June 2013, Wfac conducted for the first time in Fako Division, in th Southwest Region,  the “My World Survey”, reaching out to about 1500 young people, women and men under 35 years with the questionnaires, encouraging them  to add their voices by voting for their most priorities in the ‘my world’ survey. 

In 2014, Wfac led a series of robust national campaigns and advocacy meetings with some 22 youth leaders and activists representing 10 youth-led and women-led organisations across the country, calling on the Government of Cameroon and policy makers to position and prioritise human rights issues at the core of the post-2015 sustainable development agenda. 

For this year of 2015, all Wfac members have been extremely active and busy with limited rest this is coupled by the fact that we are just a small team of three -  nevertheless, our team size did not hinder our effective engagement to seize this pivotal moment to influence change, and ensure we choose the future we want for the world and for that matter Cameroon by 2030! 

As an active member of the Action2015 campaign,  as well as the Coordinator for the National Coalition of Action2015 Cameroon, it’s been a great honour for Wfac and I to work with the youth in this country, especially the 15 year old ambassadors, youth champions, CSOs such as Hofna - to advocate  for government’s support for an inclusive and ambitious evidence-based post-2015 development agenda. Centred to all our work is that urge to meaningfully engage and participate in designing the future we want for ourselves and our future.

Today, August 12, as we celebrate our activism, participation and involvement in the post-2015 process, let’s continue to build on more momentum, as well as using our Youth Power to galvanize and with positive pressure for an integrated and inclusive approach in designing and implementing the national action plan of the global sustainable development agenda over the next 15 years and putting the advancement and development of  young people at the forefront. 

Today is just the beginning of a long walk for a just and safe world for all, women, and men!

3 Global Events that offer hope for better future: The ICPDbeyond2014, Post2015 and Beijing+20

The year 2014 & 2015 is a defining moment for lasting change across the globe, and particularly for young people and women.

In 1995, the fourth conference on women took place in Beijing which led to the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action,  a global commitment to achieving equality, development and empowerment for women. The document was signed by 189 governments. It is estimated that over 30 000 participants from all walks of life, including activists, civil society members, public and private stakeholders attended the conference.

Letter to H.E Michel Tommo Monthe, Cameroon Permanent Representative to the United Nations

H.E. Michel Tommo Monthe,

Cameroon Head Mission at the United Nations,

New York – United States of America.

CC:

H.E. Joseph Bienvenu Charles Foe-Atangana,

The Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to the United States of America,

Washington DC.

September 10, 2014

Subject: Positioning and Prioritizing Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Post-2015 Development Agenda

Dear Ambassador, Sir,

On behalf of the undersigned Cameroonian youth activists, we present to your high office our position and the outcome document of our pre-consultation pertaining to the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of youths in our dear country Cameroon.

Africa We Want | Every Voice Counts

"I wish all the great suggestions and ideas from young people in this meeting could just be given more serious thought. Nonetheless, I am very optimistic! Like I have always been and will alway be!" ~says Makeoh to colleagues during one of Women for a Change Cameroon informal debrief meeting

August 18, 2014, she writes, "I travelled to #Nairobi to attend a 3 day High Level Youth Policy Dialogue on SDGs (HLYPD), from August 19 -21, 2014

Week II: Notes from my YALI SCRAP Book

“Given all the natural resources that we have in Africa, and all the other resources that we have been blessed with, does any one know why Africa remains the way it is now? I cant count the number of times I have heard this particular question been asked. I wish Prof. Babatunde’s class with us all at #UDWFL #YALI2014 on “Challenges Facing Africa” was the last time, I will be asked such a question. Sadly it won't. 

A Young Cameroonian Woman's Reflections on CPD47

The Cameroon we want by 2035 is certainly not a Cameroon that rejects and abuses peoples’ rights. It is certainly also not a country that doesn’t realize that it is a development profit to involve and invest in young people, including aspects that promote the full realization of their sexual and reproductive health rights.

Last month, April, I left my little city, Buea, for New York to attend the 47th session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development (CPD). Joining over 300 youth activists across the globe, together we spent a week hopping from one UN building and/or corridor to the next, to one government leader/head to the other,  exchanging thoughts and opinions, and / or contributing to inputs on language around the negotiated document. There were moments that we spent several hours and sometimes staying up till 2am or 7am, monitoring each move for opportunities to share our voices and imposed our presence and negotiated language to government authorities at the outcome documents. Which were either written on paper, text and / or narrated orally.  And when we were not at the corridors lobbying, we were either attending side meetings or were active on social media, engaging with young people around the world, garnering their local support and urging them to amplify our voices locally and widely.

This year’s CPD marked an important moment in development history. Firstly, it is 20 years after Cairo consensus of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action (PoA). Secondly, it negotiated outcome document shall play an important role in influencing the post2015 development review. Like most of my colleague, particularly those in the civil society, I had great expectations and hopes on the outcome document. I knew for sure that world leaders, including Cameroon government will be more progressive and positive in articulating strong human rights language, especially that which addresses youth and women empowerment, adolescents and young people’s sexual and reproductive health rights and services.

Having realized that, the regional outcome documents - Addis Abeba Declaration was quite progressive in  the promotion amongst other, young people’s sexual and reproductive health rights and services, access to comprehensive sexuality education.  I was very confident of the CPD47 negotiated outcome document to be a landmark of the century. Sadly, my expectations were a little shattered when Cameroon (negotiators) were far from admitting to existing commitments that were agreed upon at the ICPD, 20 years ago in Cairo, as well as last September 2013 in Addis Abeba. They rejected every language that had sexual rights and reproduction that it was a masked for SOGIE (sexual orientation and gender identity and expression). And instead aligned and led a team of conservative groups of some African countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, Sudan (excluding the Holy See, Rome), all under the banner of "African group" to reject on any language on rights. It was very devastating and at the same time surprising for me, seeing Cameroon of all nations leading an African Revolution against Rights at the UN headquarters suddenly becoming friends with countries that have got little or no mutual relationship.

Inasmuch as I do recognized Cameroon’s timid approach towards advancing gender equality, youth and women's empowerment rights, particularly in women's political leadership and education, With the experience at New York, I wonder if it indeed cares about the people, especially the women, youth and girls, and whether it is ready to realizing vision 2035 that seeks to make Cameroon an emerging, democratic and united nation in diversity by 2035.

SHOCKING EXPERIENCE AT A HUMAN RIGHTS MEETING

Being an activist, one of the safest places you could think of being at and express your views without fear or shame is at a human rights meeting. But that is not the case as I have come to realize.

Last Dec, 2013, a meeting was held in Buea, Cameroon, to commemorate the international human rights day. Focus were on “problems and challenges faced by activists and NGO'S” both at a personal and professional level in addressing illegal land crabbing, while proposing new strategies and suggestions to help deal with the violation of people’s and indigenous land owners rights.

On that faithful day, Dec 09, 2013, I had to take over my colleague and continue with the second segment of the meeting. She had briefed me on what was discussed prior to my coming and I had to talk about the dress code law that had been implemented by the state since she had not gotten the chance to raise up the issue. And there was no way we could have let the meeting pass without us being there to represent the biggest violation of women’s rights at the time which involved dress code policy and policing. An act which WFAC strongly criticizes and condemns; for a dress code policing gives rooms for police officers and other citizens to sexually harass girls, as well as verbally, emotionally and physically torture them.

When I arrived the meeting hall, first thing I discovered was that the place was filled mostly with men, all demonstrating such a huge interest towards protecting indigenous peoples’ land rights. Everyone was so passionate about contributing towards ending illegal land grabbing. Including, the chairperson for the meeting, who happened to be the Regional Coordinator for the National Human Rights Commission, also spoke so passionately about how he hates people being humiliated and robbed off their rights, and how he could fight tirelessly and endlessly to not let another person violate the rights of another.

Amazingly, when I brought up women’s rights; the case of street harassment and extortion of money under the pretext of implementing the dress code law; the atmosphere immediately turned into a tensed one. The same activists who claimed to be fighting for human rights changed their positions to being against. Almost all the men present in the room turned against me, speaking very loudly and disorderly, referring to views I could hardly expatiate on as ignorant, misleading and nonsensical.

It was my first time to be faced with such insanity. I am not sure I handled that situation very well. I tried to composed myself, but deep inside me I was bubbling with anxiety and could hardly talk with ease. At some point, I asked them how they expect to understand my point if they are not willing to give me the opportunity to express my views.

The boss then ordered everyone to give me the floor. As soon as I started talking, I got the same reaction which was an unwillingness to even listen or understand my views. I pushed forward, focusing on those that were close to hear me. Thank goodness everyone eventually joined in the discussion. I brought up the issue of street harassment; police street harassment and the overall problem with the dress code law/policing. My aim was to make them aware of issues facing young girls and women, like street/sexual harassment, police street/sexual harassment, Police street/sexual harassment, public torture, bribery and corruption, all under the pretext of implementing the dress code law. Also the fact that street/sexual harassment and violent acts such as rape do not happen because of how a woman is dressed.

For instance, I pointed out my friend had been harassed for dressing a way they considered indecent with the majority of the people seeing nothing wrong with her dressing. And to prove how confused those people [police] are when it comes to this. I shared with them an experience and observation, how I met some groups of police and they had no problem with me wearing a certain dress until I pointed out I was harassed because of my dressing. The same officer who had said I was decently dressed, said “maybe it is because of this”; pointing to my chest. Added to that, the officer proudly spoke about how they beat up indecently dressed individuals brought to their office.

In spite of all the examples, on how police officers now have the excuse or motives to justify their violent act towards an individual girls and women; how the dress code policing is another controlling agenda over women’s body, it was evident that the men present at the meeting, still couldn’t get my point. Instead, they went to tell me how the police officer who had no problem with my dressing likes me. Then, they started by scrutinizing my dressing which they considered decent. I was then asked why I was not indecently dressed and concluded I really know how to dress; wearing a long skirt and long sleeves top. Some even said how my ideas are misleading and not African.

Their conclusion was we do not dress in a way they considered indecent. Since my colleague had been detained and I had talked about both our experiences it was concluded it was an attempt by us to tease the police because we dress decently. They spoke as though they live with us to know and decide what we wear all the time. These brought up a whole new topic. It was said we “women” can plan for harassment to occur so that we can use it to sabotage them, [men]. Though it’s all known that policemen in our locality are the No1 groups of people to sexually harass and stalk women, especially those we are around “long street”, “Clark’s Quarter” & “Mutengene”. These guys will not stop catcalling and making sexual, obscene advances towards women. When I also told them police men are fun off touching a woman’s breast and other sexual body parts, they denied.

There was one human rights activist I was familiar with who seemed angry by my accusation and told me to never say something like that again. Interesting, the few women present at the meeting agree with me, some even said, they do not feel safe in the hands of police men because if you were put in their protection against rape, they will be the ones to turn around and rape you

Again, while we were discussing, some people were itchy to go and so they called for the attention of the boss. In order words, these activists meant that women’s issues are not human right issues and therefore not important.

It is sad that even those at the human rights office refuse to see women’s human rights and human rights. And it is things like these that contribute greatly in making Cameroon a backward country. Such attitudes and backward ideas retard development.

This piece is written by a guest contributor, member of WFAC, Ngwentah Berlyne. She writes about everything Feminism, Women's empowerment and Humanrights, from a young Cameroonian woman's perspective

TAKING A BOLD STEP TO SILENCE NO MORE

 “I have been dying in silence. I have tried to find ways to share my story but have found it hard to trust anyone”, said one young woman in a closed interview, on her experience with a boss who is a sexual abuser.  

Some years back, a young lady called Sheman (a name chosen for the purpose of this essay), was recruited at one of the most prestigious Law Firm here in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Where, she worked as an administrative assistant for one of the country’s top ranking attorney. By then Sheman was just 22 years old and had just had her Advance Levels Certificate (A/L) but couldn’t enroll into the university because her parents couldn’t afford to pay her fees.  

Sheman was raised in a devout Christian home. Growing up, she was taught that sex before marriage – is a sin. At 20, she was still a virgin and vowed never to engage in any act that would destroy her relationship with God. 

Her dreams have always been that of an innovator, creator and inventor. At home, school, wherever she was, everyone knew she never loves doing the easy things or ‘works considered for female’. At a very tender age, Sheman had begun challenging gender stereotypes – both at home and out of home.  

Passionate and zealous to further her educational career, Sheman needed to generate income. So, she began searching for a job and after several turn down, Sheman finally had her first job offered as an administrative assistant at the prestigious law firm.

When she was granted this opportunity, Sheman said: “I prayed and thank God for having heard my cry and answered my prayers.” 

But “little did I know”, she added: “While I thought it was God, it was the devil that stole my joy and happiness”.

In her own voice and words, Sheman says:

“Just 3 days after my recruitment – I remember sitting at my desk and typing. And directly opposite to where I sit is the door to my boss’ office. I recalled clearly all what happened that day. It was around 9am, on a certain Wednesday. Everywhere was quiet and cold. The weather was beautiful. Our office was clean and fresh too! I loved the serenity of that day. I knew all was well and that I was going to love my job.

But one thing I didn’t see was that – I was with the devil himself. 

That same day, my boss came in and on his way to his office, he stopped by my desk – vividly he looked through what I was typing and smiled. Then shake my chic with one of his right fingers.  When he did that, I thought and felt probably, he was just been nice, friendly or gentle. I also smiled back at the gesture. Then, continued to type once he left.  All was fun! I didn’t know what harassment or sexual advances meant…

Minutes after that incidence, he called; I abandoned all what I was doing and went into his office.

So humbly, I asked: “sir, you called. Is there anything I can do?”

Again, he just smiled, sitting there at his rolling arm-chair, steering at me to the face and tapping gently the table with his designer pen; while, I stood at the other end, opposite the table facing him – waiting to get his orders.

In there, I noticed I had suddenly developed ghost pimples all over my hands. Suddenly, started feeling scared. I was so scared! I don’t know where that frightful feeling came from.

At times, when I sit and reflect I ask myself whether it was because that was my first time working or was it the sight of his authority and power that made me feel so intimidated or were my other senses warning me against the job excitements?

While there, I couldn’t even look at him. All along, I spoke faced down, crossing my hands behind my back.

Still standing and him saying nothing, he left his seat, came real closed to me and pad me at the back. Then he asked: ‘how are you doing today?”

In a trembling voice, I responded: “I am fine Sir!”

Again he asked: “are you sure?”  “Sure you are fine!” he said while touching my breast, robbing his head on mine and telling me to ssssshhhhhh (that be silence)

Oh good God! That was my first time, I was having a man getting so intimate and closed to me. I felt so helpless and confused.

And that was the beginning of an unending act….

That was it! The beginning of my nightmare. Each day, each time, my boss calls for me into his office, I know it’s not just work. There are days I will leave home in a dress and return in a skirt and blouse or a different wear, simply because he got into a fight in the office and my buttons or zip went bad and he had to replace my dress… It continued for several months, until, one day, he called me to his office and offered me a gift and asked me to open it in his presence and try it on. I thought it was something like a bracelet, necklace…something basic. Behold they were underwears…some ‘G-strings’.  

When I opened it, and realized they were underwear. I told him, I can’t do such a thing in an office. It was weird! I gave him all the excuses, and how it was time consuming for me to try 12 panties. But he insisted and I also maintained my stance on No!

He kept insisting and then I just got up and told him: ‘you know what Sir…I am done!” then I said: “No No No No and No” several times while walking to the door.

That was the day; I made a decision – to finally leave. I dammed everything, the money which I wanted to save for my education. Inasmuch as it had not reached the amount I wanted. I told myself: “It’s enough!”

Normally, I was put on a payroll of 50 000 frs/ month for the 1st three months and to a subsequently increased to 150 000frs, but what happened was each time, I reject his sexual desire, my pay drops…at one point, he paid me 25 000frs.

Broken Silence finally

I have been dying in silence. I have tried to find ways to share my story but have found it hard to trust anyone. Until, recently when I decided to share my story for the first time in years on the press.

Having read through other peoples stories, many of whom have had worse experienced, some far more painful than mine. I took the old step to speak up

Even though my perpetrator is free and is still out there enjoying his life – and probably continuing in his malice acts on his female employees. I know one day, he will be brought to Justice. And I hope that my story inspires and empower many girls/women subjected to same situation to be strong and to find the strength to say No to any of such advances from employers. 

I used to think, if I say No, I may not meet my goal which is to save for my fees but I was wrong. It was just an illusion. The 8months spend at that firm was 8months of torture and misery. 

Today, I am a business woman, and I have a bachelor’s degree and hoping to pursuit my Masters and PhD. I didn’t sponsor myself through the petit saving from the firm. So, if I can. I strongly believe you too can!

In my prayers, I hope for that day, when men in authority who use their power to abuse women will be called to justice”.

 Seventh in the #KnowHerStory Series 

This story has been carefully investigated. Friends to the victim interviewed to confirmed the story. But for some reasons and also for Sheman's safety and security, she requested her name be kept anonymous as well as the name of the firm.

Unidentifying the perpetrator is not a decision by me but Sheman's. she asked me not to and that I respected. Hopefully, someday, she finally denounces the names of her perpetrator.

Cameroon: Imprisoned for Claiming Land Rights - Namondo Alice Ekema Wilson

“They want to kill me because of my truth. They have taken away my land, my source of livelihood and imprisoned me. Yet, authorities are blind to see the injustice of this man because the man in question is a colonel.”  Namondo Alice Ekema Wilson

An Advocate for Truth

Namondo Alice Ekema Wilson shared her grievances and the injustice she is experiencing, as I sat with her for an interview on the #KnowherStory series.

Now 69, Namondo Alice has spent over 10 years fighting for what is rightfully hers: an inherited 72 hectares of land, situated at BONADIKOMBO MILE FOUR (4), Limbe, southwest region of Cameroon. A land, she inherited from the grandfather around the 50s, while she was still a young girl.

“The land that I am suffering today is our great great great grandparents' land. A generational land founded by Lipanje La Molua, many hundred years ago,” Namondo said soberly.

At the time I visited Namondo at her home, she welcomed me inside her living room and as I got inside the house, the first thing I saw on the wall is an A5 paper pasted so neatly on the wall, with a writing bearing: “They that trust in the Lord will never be disappointed. Ps 125:1-10; 1 Peter 2:6”

Namondo therefore is just an advocate for truth, but one who believes in the omnipotence of the Lord’s doing.

It’s been over a year now when I last met Namondo Alice. I first saw her in May 2012, when she was remanded at the Buea Central Prison, where she served close to 10 months awaiting court trial.

As I Walked to Prison

It was January 23, 2012, 9 am, Namondo Alice recollected:
“The children of late Yamche Sinju Boniface [one of the men who wanted Namondo off her inheritance], came to my house and told me that we have to go see the Senior State Council (PG) to resolve the land dispute. I don’t know the PG. However, I was anxious to get the chance to clear-off this matter. 

They offered me a ride and behold, I was carried to prison instead. 

The children drove with me to the gendarmerie here in Limbe. They deceived me by offering to give me a ride which I accepted. That was how I walked to prison. While there, my 30-year-old son, Mbome Ayuk joined me in the cell on January 31. 

Together we were detained in Limbe before being taken to Buea Central Prison on February 2^nd, approximately 60km from Limbe to Buea Central Prison and were remanded by the Buea Legal Department for 10 months without any trial – that is February 2^nd to October 4^th 2012”. 

“Even as I speak to you”, Namondo added, “I have never seen the PG. I have never met with him anywhere but he ordered for my imprisonment”.

Ten Women in One Tiny, Poorly-ventilated Cell

When I first visited Namondo – that is, in May 2012 in her prison cell, I was appalled at the state of things.
In a tiny one-block cell, with no permitted space even for an out-stretched arm, Namondo lived in company of 10 other female inmates – one of whom was HIV positive and another heavily pregnant.

Namondo, being the eldest of them all was commonly called “The grandma”. For the 10 months in prison, she lay on a thin 30 cm mattress on the floor as her bed; just few inches away from the door – and to the right above her head, was an old 14-inch TV with no flowing images.

No chairs or stool to sit on and in the heat of day, the fresh untilled floor made the absence of a fan less perilous.

Each morning, Namondo said: she engaged in her daily routine. At 6 am, she would get up to fetch water from the old rusted tap protruding from a concrete wall from the cell adjacent to her own. She would then carry the deformed metal bucket across a patchy lawn, to a dilapidated sink standing rectangular box.
This is both the toilet and bathroom.

The structure leaned dangerously to the left. To keep herself from the rusted sink edges, Namondo contorted her body to follow the skewed movement of the box. Decorated with spirogyra (a kind of green algae), fern, and moss, Namondo felt more uncomfortable here than in her thin mattress on the floor, beside the door.

One Meal a Day - Banana and Rice

Together with her fellow female inmates, Namondo would then clean their poorly ventilated and stuffy 11 x 4 m cell. Each day, they are served six slender fingers of banana and a cup (250ml) of rice per inmate; just one meal for a day. And 1.5 litre of cooking oil for the entire cell for a month.

But Namondo cared little for the taste of food. She would generally hand her share to a younger inmate. She said,“The condition is deplorable, especially for women.”

Becoming the Heir of WOMBOMA Land: The Land of Which She’s Been Deprived

After La Molua, founder of the WOMBOMA Land passed away, Namondo said:
“The next generation who controlled the land was Lifongo La Molua. Lifongo La MoluaI had three children, two boys and a girl: Ekona Lifongo, Nanga Lifongo, and Tute Lifgongo (was a woman).”
The first born was Ekona, who was the father of Namondo’s grandfather.

“My grandfather was called Ngale Ekona Lifongo La Molua”, she said, in explaining the genealogy of her paternal parents.

“In the 50s, my grandfather observed that the family size was shrinking and for fear to lose the family heritage, He 'adopted' and unmarried me from my husband, brought me back to the family compound, and made me the heir”

Just so you know, Namondo said in a strong and emotional voice:
“I didn’t go in somebody’s house or in the house of somebody to ask for inheritance. It was my grandfather, who handed his inheritance before passing away in 1973. A vast piece he too inherited from his parents and had leased out some portions of the land to Andreas Njanjo and Deodonne Kamo for a period of 30 and 50 years respectively, for the sum of £37, 10 shillings (at that time, the British one colonial shilling is almost equivalent to 15 frs which was big money then). Unfortunately, Andreas Njanjo died before his lease could expire. And neither did he finish paying his own money.
But his heir, Blaisius Njanjo succeeded him all the same – but neither did he pay his dad’s debt. Instead he used force to maintain ownership of the land after the expiration of his deceased father’s lease agreement”.

“They May Torture Me and Abuse Me. But I Won’t be Silent”

In 2005, Namondo got so vexed about the mischievousness of Blaisius Njanjo and thus filed a civil suit against him in the High Court of Fako Division and the judgment in default was delivered in Namondo’s favour.

Blaisius Njanjo was not satisfied with the judgment and filed a motion on notice in the High Court of Fako Division for the judgment to be set aside. The said motion was heard and ruling was delivered in her favour. Again, he still weren’t satisfied with the High Court ruling, he filed another Appeal in the Appeal Court in Buea, and again the judgment was still delivered in Namondo’s favour.

In 2010, this time around, Blaisius filed an Appeal to the Supreme Court in Yaoundé, whose verdict or judgment is still pending till date.

And that is “the solution to all my problems”, Namondo said. “Once the verdict is passed, I will find rest from the long time suffering in the hands of these men”.

“I have lived in torture, humiliation from these men. I have wealth, but I am poor. I have been deprived from enjoying my inheritance. And above all, I have been projected as a liar.
People, who don’t know the truth, think I am a fraudster whereas the real fraudsters are somewhere living their lives, enjoying from my pain and misery. They took me to prison because they know my freedom is a threat to their mischievous act. 

They want me dead so they can take over my wealth. But I have refused to be quiet.

They may suppress me. They minimize me as a woman. They see me as this small woman and want to use their position to shut me up! 

But I will stand tall for the truth.

They may torture me and abuse me. But I won’t be silent”Namondo said profoundly,

“I will speak so that the whole world knows what is in the heart of men in power. And let other women, who maybe having similar experience not give up their rights”.

All my life, I have been fighting with this family. Now, I am old still fighting with the same family – from father to children to in-laws.

They have seized everything from me.

The little part I use to work on is now taken away. I am now home living under the care of children. I can barely support myself.”

“Look at me” she turned to me and asked, “See how I look – I am all gone! I am not looking healthy because I don’t have rest”.

At the time I was doing this interview, Namondo Alice had just recovered from a one-month illness.
She was looking very weak and one could tell she needed much rest, but the local police probably didn’t realize that to stop harassing and arresting her at random.

Even Namondo’s lawyer, Maître Epie said:
“Namondo has been so much abused. Even [after] spending 10 months jail term – she is still undergoing harassment, prolonged detention and all sort of abused from these families and their friends”

Avoiding the unavoidable: Truth is the world is ageing and it’s changing too!

@AFC_2013 in Quebec, Canada

Ageing is not something one can postpone. It’s inescapable.  So, needless giving deaf ears because we are all gradually ageing.

Like one Kenyan delegate told me last week while at the 2^nd International Conference on Aging which held in Quebec, Canada: “ageing population is the fastest growing minority group”. 

The conference took place on September 9 -11 under the theme: “Living and Aging Together in Our Community”.  And over 700 international and national delegates across 50 countries were present. With more than 100 talks and lecturers, including simultaneous sessions held – all geared towards ‘fostering dialogue and collaborative efforts in advancing Age-Friendly Cities (AFC) programs and policies; as well as showcase AFC initiatives by sharing knowledge, programs, best practices, and tools’. 

Speakers at this conference came from diverse background – that is from donor agencies to International/ global networks working on ageing; Field researchers and /or academic institutions; national bodies, civil societies participants, government ministers and heads.  Also present at the conference were young people, youth leaders, elderly rights activists and individuals aged 60 years and older. 

Some remarkable individuals present include:  WHO director, John Beard, Minister of Health and Social Service, Minister  Responsible for Seniors, and Mayor of Quebec, Canada; renowned gerontologists and academics; Prof Alan Walker, Dr. Greg Shaw and Prof Susan Garon. 

While at the conference, having listened to both analysts and grassroots advocates share their thoughts and concern about the rapidly change in population trend and structure, particularly in Africa, Cameroon inclusive; how by 2050, persons aged 60 years or older, will surpasses the population of children 14 years or younger, and thus the need for a joint thinking and recommendations for common good.  I then asked myself series of questions- - 

1.     what this mean to youth now 
2.     Who should be responsible for making our communities and cities age-friendly? 
3.    What the future will look like for us, young women in Africa, Cameroon especially.

When at present, we –young people lack the power of self-determination and are still suffering from multidimensional forms of poverty.  That is, the lack access to services, resources and facilities such as reliable and affordable healthcare, good education, descent job, finance.  With women and girls still subjugated to ancient traditional practices, inequalities, discrimination and several forms of violence and abuse.

Doesn’t  that mean, if nothing is done now – we, women risk of getting into old age still facing inequalities, discrimination, violence, abuse and poverty like most aged mothers now.

All the same, I won’t say that my pondering thoughts and worries went unanswered. Recalling Prof Alan’s keynote speech at the conference, emphasis was made on the need to effective address active ageing.  This, he suggested that “Active ageing should be the corner stone on any age-friendly policies. In order words, a synergy between active ageing and age-friendly policies – is for the good of all – young and old”, he added: “It all pushes for equality, secure livelihood, recognizes inclusiveness and respect of cultural and ethnic diversity”.

In all, the conference was inspiring, engaging, motivating and thought-provocative.  There were also some tough debates between experts and participants present.  I gained so much inspiration from people working on AFC programs – especially those in Russia, Brownsville, Burkina Faso – how they started young with little or no skills and resources yet were able to sustain their initiative till date. Many of which I observed also started like the program I launched last year -  MAKA MAMA VISIBLE honorary race to bring visibility to elderly mothers’ issues.  Again, I was also inspired with some of ongoing researchers on AFC in Quebec, India and Libya –

So far, I think my time spent at the 2^nd International Conference on AFC in Quebec was fantastic – and been a young person and also a whistleblower on ageing and elderly rights, particularly elderly women – I found this conference super fascinating and inspiring. And above all motivations to continue in telling stories which inspire, motivate and empower young people serve as whistleblowers as well as to influence AFC programs and policies. Part of which I discussed in my paper – where I captured and narrated three remarkable elderly grassroots women’s stories at the conference – all working for the good of the community, particularly young people’s wellbeing. 

That notwithstanding, ageing issues remains a global problem.  It’s the unavoidable! Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to become age-friendly.

I Refused to die; I lived to tell

“I need my story to be heard. My children need to hear my story and not be told who their mama was”...That was how Madam Njitie Charlotte, commonly called Mama Commy, kicked off this interview while inviting me to sit in her living room.

Before I could set up the recorder –  in a very strong emotion, Charlotte raises her two hands at the level of her chest, saying: 

“There are a lot of people who have heard my story and are inspired by it. I want my story to be heard in the most remote of areas.

Where Persons Living with HIV/AIDs (PLWHA) are still discriminated [against] and stigmatized, I want many lives transformed. I want people to know that when you are HIV, you are just like any other human being.”

Madam Njitie Commy Charlotte, age 37, was born in Konda Village in the North West region of Cameroon. She attended Presbyterian Primary School Konda and Government Bilingual High School Mbingwe, where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) and the General Certificate of Education Ordinary and Advanced Levels (GCE O & A levels) in 1991 and 1993 respectively. 

Later, she went to the Government Teachers Training College (GTTC) WumShe graduated in 2004 as a certified Nursery School Teacher; since then, she has taught in several schools, like—Les Perroqtte in Yaoundé, Government Primary School Kompina.

Currently she teaches at Apostolic Nursery School – Muyuka.

When it All Started

In the year 2004, the point of where Madam Njitie begins her narration – punctuated with smiles, emotions and reflections, though very little emphasis about her childhood experience, she tells it all – how she fought the stigma and discrimination living with HIV.

She tells how she got the motivation to open an orphanage, Father’s House, a home for some 11 young girls and 9 boys, as well as the association; Faith-Building Association, a not-for-profit, self-helped group of persons living with HIV/AIDs (PLWHA), she founded in 2006.

“My son was hospitalized in the Foundation Chantal Biya in Yaoundé - Cameroon, because he had a kind of children’s cancer.” Njitie said, having spent almost a year in that hospital.

“One day, I felt down and collapsed.”

“I was moved from one hospital to another. Finally, I was moved to my village in Konda so that if I die there it would be easy for my burial.  Two to three weeks later, having been placed on herbs treatment, I started to recover.”

So, at the request of an uncle, she recalls:

“I was moved back to Muyuka, since he suspected that maybe I was poisoned while in Yaoundé.

While here in Muyuka, I felt seriously sick again. And was carried to the general hospital in Limbe, where I was tested HIV positive.”

My husband, who really carried me to the hospital –  having heard I was identified like that, abandoned me, and went away with our children.”

She recalls that the problem was not only the HIV; with a heavy voice she says:

“The problem was that, I had only two white blood cells remaining in me. Two, two CD4! I had nearly all other opportunistic infections like cough, diarrhea, vomiting, andrashes all over the body.”

Like a Miracle

Unable to pay for the hospital bills, Njitie said;

“My mum removed me from the Limbe Hospital back to Muyuka, where I lived with her for some years in a rented small old single-room house, build out of planks.

One day, as God would do things, there came this young Holland lady, by name Syske Klumpe, an intern with the association, RUWDEC (Rural Women’s Development Centre), based in Buea. Klumpe was just passing by, then discovered me lying under a tree by our little plank house. 

She came up to me, greeted me, interviewed me and as I told her everything about myself, she wept.

However, Klumpe promised me that there was little she could personally do to assist me, but that she can help share my story to her parents, given that I accept she takes pictures of me.

Maybe, Klumpe said, her parents can send her some assistance, and only with that can she help me. 

When Klumpe said so, I responded, 'Even if you want me to undress, after all, who am I? I am just waiting for my last day.'

So Klumpe took pictures of me. That day, I was dressed in loin-cloth wrapped round my chest; all of my upper body exposed. 

Four days after, Klumpe snapped [photos of] me, I saw her and she told me that her parents responded positively. That her parents have sent her money which she has put under the Klumpe family's project – which, she used to weekly transport me from Muyuka to Buea, and then general hospital at Limbe.

This lasted for several months.

And each time, we went to the hospital, doctors prescribed new tests. Finally, after a long time of trying to treat the opportunistic infections, I was placed on the anti-retroviral by Doctor  Atanga, who was then the regional director at the General Hospital Buea, now at the Regional Technical Group (RTG).

When I was placed on treatment, it was just like a miracle that happened.

Immediately, I started taking the drugs accompanied with other vitamins; I started recovering very fast and after about two weeks, Ms. Klumpe came to visit me here in Muyuka: I remember sitting on the floor; eating cocoyam and vegetables when Klumpe also joined me on the floor to eat with me in the same plate.

I recall saying: 'No! How can you be sharing with me?'

But she said: 'Why not! You are a normal human being like me. It’s just that you are sick.' In addition, Klumpe added: 'Have I not been associating with you?'

Even at that I wasn’t sure her eating with me was safe. I felt she may get infected. But she made me to understand that it wasn’t possible. Still, I tried convincing her –  I dished her own food; she refused, and insisted eating with me. While we ate, she told me that she wants to go back to her country. I started weeping and she asked me to stop weeping.

In fact, she made me understand that she just extended her stay here in Cameroon because of me.

'And at least, I was getting better.' Klumpe said.  Moreover, she later told me that, the rest of the money that her family sent to her is still there, she does not want to take it back. 

'What will I want to do with that money?' she asked – 'or would I want to open a business since I no longer have the strength to work at the farm as well as to go to her teaching job…' Klumpe proposed.

Immediately. Klumpe asked me what I wanted to do with the money? All that came to mind was how my children have been taken away from me. The notion they have about me.  And there was little I could do to share my love with them, and to tell them how I have been made powerless and voiceless. Like me, many other women living with HIV/AIDs and children are definitely having a similar experience.

Again, I pondered about the fate of my children, the conditions under which they were living…maybe like orphans; I said [this] to Klumpe. At such, I told Klumpe that it would be my wish to have the rest of the money, be used to support orphans and any other PLWHA."

A Brave Choice: to Help Others

"Klumpe was amazed at my brave choice. So, she took me to Buea that same day, opened an account, and transferred the rest of the  money (something around 1,500 USD) to me.

And that is how the first organization, Faith Building Association (FABASSO) for PLWHA began.  When FABASSO was created, I had nowhere to go. I had no idea on how to run or manage an organization. I didn't know how to go about it.

So one day, the same year FABASSO was established – that was 2006, I was in Buea, and was wandering, after collecting my drugs; I came in contact with the sign board of Reach Out NGO. Immediately, I saw the sign board; I knew that I can seek advice from them.

So I went in, and introduced myself; explained everything, how I was looking for an organization to direct me on what to do. They told me that their madam was not in. They just gave me the number that I should call later on.

A couple of days later, when Madam Omar Esther, the executive director of REACH OUT NGO visited Muyuka, I was in Buea with one of the orphans in the hospital. She waited for me and later left.  She came again the second time in my absence.

The third time, we accidentally met in a seminar in Limbe. That same day after the seminar session, I and Omar had a one-on-one conversation, where she oriented me and promised to follow me up –  which she continues to do till date.

Through that, I was able to form a strong group – a group that went up to about 60 or 70 members living with HIV/AIDS.”

 I Will Move on Foot All Over...

“I will move on foot all over the small villages around Muyuka. I will trek under the sun, rain to find persons who are sick, [and] orphans –  so that at least everybody should come together and get some support.

Each day I will pray, talk to God.  So, one day I was crying so much in my prayer. I told Jesus, 'I want to see you.'  Suddenly, I saw this vision where Jesus came in the form of lightening. The moment I saw it, fear caught me, later I regained myself and said, '

Father – thank you!  I am sick and unable to move with strength. Give my health back so that I can work for you forever. Gives me one chance again on earth, for the rest of my life I will work for the glory of Your name.'

Then, I saw a hand brought a long book like that, saying that today we have to sign a covenant.

So, I signed my own part that from that day I will work for the glory of HIS name. And if I disappoint HIM, HE takes away my life. I saw only the hand signing; I did not even see the person's face. So from there, I surrendered my life –  I surrendered everything after that covenant. 

I said, I am going to work for Jesus.”

Refusing to Stop

While Njitie was recovering, her husband – a soldier, came back, and reconciled, but wanted Njitie to stop her humanitarian services, to stop raising awareness about HIV/AIDs, as well as stop running an orphanage. 

Njitie declined.

“I refused to stop. I told my husband that I have sign a covenant with God and would rather forego the marriage”.

 
Madam Njitie Charlotte's Story is my Second in the Know Her Story Series, winner of the Global Citizen Grant Award
It has been previously published on A Safe World For Women