WfacAt6! Happy Birthday to Wfac for six years of continued work and actions to EndVAWg

Dear friends, supporters and partners of Wfac Cameroon (Wfac) , it’s hard to believe that Wfac is already 6 years old.

Looking back and counting our accomplishment and impact of our work on the lives of youth especially women and girls, I feel more than proud and humbled at the number of lives touched, empowered and saved.

Since 2009, Wfac has connected around 100 grassroots voices to policy markers, platforms and networks for positive change; supported 20 adolescent girls and boys with life skills and trainings as allies and agents against violence on women and girls! Last but not the least, Wfac has empowered about 50 women and girls on SRHR advocacy and leadership development!

The truth is - all these won’t have been possible if not of the generous support and contributions from supporters and friends like you, including family members, volunteers and staff! I wish to also indicate here that your comments and Likes on our facebook, Twitter/@Wfaccmr and Instagram/@Wfaccmr, has continued to be of great inspiration to all!

To mark our 6th anniversary, below are some highlights on What Women for a Change, Cameroon (Wfac) has done in six years.

Highlights

• More than 2000 people informed and voted for the ‘My World’ Survey (2013)
• 100+ community actions, advocacies, campaigns, leadership trainings and programs for gender justice and the empowerment of women and girls (2009 -2015)
• Popularised the post-2015 process and mobilised public participation through the action2015 campaign, reaching out to over 100 000 young people, including top government officials. (2013-2015)
• 50 young people received intensive trainings and practical capacity building skills on SRHR advocacy (2014-2015)
• 50 15-year old supported to take ownership of the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals. (2015)
• Increased discussions both online and offline around CSE and SRHR, care, services and education
• Effective use of social media and SMS for change 
• October - November 2015, Wfac ED was recommended by the UN agencies to lead the UNCMR4U campaign (both online and offline)
• September 2015, Wfac entered a partnership agreement with YES Program Cameroon team.
• Wfac co authored an article with UNFPA Cameroon that got featured on UNFPA Global Site

Upcoming events

1. November 28, Wfac and student of St. Monica University will be holding a public parade to call on the government to adopt a climate just agreement for all. (https://www.facebook.com/events/765612170211181/ )
2. November 30, Wfac and Stop Street Harassment founder will co-host an e-chat on twitter under the harshtag #Sayfty (http://sayfty.com/)
3. December 4, Wfac will be holding an Interactive dialogue with UN System / UN Women Cameroon on “Ensuring Gender Equality : Making Education Safe for All!”,as well as an gender fair   ( https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rQ6-WpxTa7tcS5mDde6o85Oi40cSC9eiFIvL9qxnkj0/viewform )

WfacAt6! What it means to staff, friends and supporters of Wfac

It has been a wonderful time with Wfac, seeing wfacAt6 has been so inspirational, motivational, and a life changing opportunity and above all impacting in my leadership values that will last forever. Thank you wfac for giving me the skills and making me to know my rights as a woman and as a young girl. I am forever grateful to Wfac! Happy birthday Wfac. The sky is not our limit but just our stating point.
- Lydwina Mesang, Wfac Volunteer. 

Community Outreach and Capacity Building are two separable activities. But an Impacting and sustainable organisation is that which incorporates both in its respective scheme of activities/operations. I have seen this trend in Wfac Cameroon, most especially the focus on People Development in both Internal and during Community Outreach activities. This is essential in enabling the achievement of desired impact. Among many others, this is one of the key traits used by Wfac to stay coherent to its objectives and impacting the community.
~ Pekwekoh Leonard, Social Entrepreneur

Dear Women for a Change, Cameroon (Wfac),

Congratulations on your 6th Anniversary and each member directly or indirectly linked to Wfac as a staff, a sponsor, a volunteer should be proud on this occasion. The work you undertake is one that is at the heart of building a society, community and a country for today and the future. I recall a member of Wfac telling me about her experience of interacting with a young girl of 13 years old the same age as my second daughter who has been raped and hospitalised but unfortunately passed away a few days after the Wfac member's visit. This touching story and the pains it brings is what Wfac is working to prevent.  ~
Kwabena Asante-Ntiamoah ( ( @Kwabena_AN) 
Deputy Representative,UNFPA Cameroon ( @UNFPACameroon) 
This message is sent in a private capacity and not that of UNFPA.

Happy 6th anniversary, Wfac

Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh (@ZoFem), Founder & Executive Director Women for a Change, Cameroon (Wfac) (@Wfaccmr)

This was originally published by Women for a Change Cameroon (Wfac) on 26 November 2015 at 22:58

Voices of 15 year old on the Future They Want for Cameroon

Young people speak out on the future they want for Cameroon and how they are ready to commit towards its realisation.

Wednesday, May 20,  the Iam15 Ambassadors would join millions of youth across the country to celebrates the 43rd edition of Cameroon's National Day. This ceremony usually brings and gathers millions of young people, children, youth-led organisations, individuals, students and youth leaders across the country including rural communities to commemorate the creation of unitary country in 1972. 

In the lead up to May 20th, Women for a Change Cameroon visited two schools across the southwest region, to discuss with the  campaign ‘Iam15’ ambassadors for the citizen action/2015 program on the post2015 development agenda. Over 45 students attended the events. 

Key issued discussed were; the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the responsibilities of the government and young Cameroonians to attain them. 

Asked about their message to the government, the students were clear: they want to remind government officials that the date to adopt the SDGs is fast approaching.  Therefore, the need to act fast and ambitious. 

Some of Iam15 Ambassadors however had specific inquiries, though no limited to: “Women must hold top / strategic positions in government offices in order to develop the country”, stated a student from Summerset Bilingual College, while her colleague insisted “to preserve the forest and fight climate change”. Ayamba Schnyder, from Mudeka’s Government Bilingual High School, asked for “a combat to bribery and corruption”.

Youths Speaking for Youth 

The Students also addressed a message to their fellow young Cameroonians. “The youth should contribute to the action 2015 to better the future, by spreading the objectives to those who are not aware”, said one. Many emphasized the importance of education: “We need to study hard to become leaders of tomorrow”, summarized a student from Mudeka; “ young people have a major role to play in developing Cameroon. Let’s take responsibility for it.”

In addition, Wfac further asked the students what they would tell the minister of youth affairs in Cameroon if given the opportunity to speak with him. “I would tell him about difficulties that youths are facing, like poverty which arises from lack of education” said a student in one of the colleges, HIBMAT - Buea. Employment opportunities were a concern that several youths would stress. Enang Joseph Nathaniel, from Mudeka’s Action 2015 Club, suggested: “I would ask the minister to use the Internet to engage with young people across the country.” 

Finally, students reflected on the role that young people could play to make Cameroon an emerging country by 2035. The diversity of ideas was matched only by their enthusiasm. “Fight poverty in all of its forms, combat climate change, fight gender inequalities and improve agricultural practices”, suggested one, while another added that “youths should carry out developmental projects in the communities.”

This piece an excerpt from  Women for a Change, Cameroon (Wfac) Voice Africa's Future documentary series. Compiled by Michel -Roy, McGill Law Student volunteering at Wfac

STATEMENT FROM YOUTH ACTIVISTS TO CAMEROON OFFICIALS ON POST2015

"Cameroon: Prioritize Youth Issues at the Heart of ‪post2015‬ Development Goals‪ Buea‬, ‪Cameroon‬"

On June 10, 2014, twenty-two (22) youth leaders and activists representing 10 youth-led organisations across the country joined the association, @Women for a Change Cameroon (WFAC) for an Experts Strategic Meeting that seeks to develop ideas, brainstorm and build strategies on how to engage and gain government’s support in promoting strong language around youth development issues, sexual and reproductive health information, education, and services for young people and adolescents with respect for their human rights
Participants of the meeting have all been actively engaged in the Post-2015 process for over a period of 14 months.

GIRLS speak Up: "We too have dreams and desires"

20 girls from three secondary schools speak outon the UN International Day of the Girl Child in Cameroon

 “Society today, careless about girls’ existence: Theythink girls have little or nothing important to say. Little do people know, we (the girls) also have dreams, and desire to make life better for all”, says Nancy Mafor, a 24year old WFAC Volunteer.

Yesterday, October 11, a colleague and I, all volunteers for Women For A Change, Cameroon (WFAC), embarked on a three hours journey to two different schools: Summerset Bilingual College, St Therese and GSS Bafanji (via phone). Where we spoke to over 20 girls about The International Day of the Girl Child; asking them to share their fears, dreams, desires and vision for a future they want. 

“This was my first time participating at the International Day of Girl Child. In fact, it was my first time hearing of such a day. And I took it as a privilege to be given the opportunity to engage my girls’ peers in conversation on issues that affects our lives, so together we voiced out our concern, so the whole world can know we too have dreams and desires”.Victorine –Julliet, a 15 year old WFAC Volunteer schooling at Summerset Bilingual College. 

School Girls speak out their FEARS.  One which, if addressed, they believed it will enable them lives a fulfilling and happy life!

Many shared fear for not going to school due to poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and been given in for marriage against their will…

“My parents have decided to give me up for marriage at my young age. I am only 14 and not ready for marriage. And I don’t want to disappoint my parents”IrelineMercy, Cameroon.

“I fear that I might not be able to complete my secondary education due to the fact that my parents can’t afford my school fees.”Ando Regina, 17yrsold Buea, Cameroon.

“Looking at the low level of insecurity around my community gives me fear.”Asong Karine, 17yrs old.

“I have a great dream but I fear I might not be able to attain it because I lack someone to support my studies.”Pelagie Suilaka, 17yrs old.

“I fear for the insecurity around my school and community.”Paola Gobina, 17yrs old.

“When I look at where I am coming from and my family situation, I wonder if my dreams will actually come true one day.”Annicette Berinyuy,16yrs old

“Considering the fact that I am not the only child, my parents are sponsoring to school and seeing how poor my family gets each year gives me fear and that they won’t be able to sponsor”NjimouVictorine, 16yrs old

“The rate at which school fees increases yearly, I fear if my parents will be able to continue to afford the high school fees for my studies.”Oben Rima, 14yrs old

“When I look at the level of unemployment in my country today I fear that I might have a certificate without any value.”Fatima Rodriguez, 17yrsold.

“There are so many deceivers around this community of mine these days, I fear I might be deceived and I donot want to. I need guidance.TrulySei, 14yrs old.

The Girls Dreams

“I dream of becoming a nurse so that I can be able to help others health wised.” 15yrs old, Dianne Nsanne.

 “I dream of becoming a journalist so that I can be able to report about things that are happening around especially in remote areas.”14yrs old,Truly Sei.

“I dream of becoming an ambassador”17yrs old, Fatima Rodriguez.

“I want to be a lawyer.”14yrs old, Oben Rima.

“My dream is to go to school and become a lawyer.”16yrs old, NjimouVictorine.

“I really want to become an artist and a model.”16yrs old, AnnicetteBerinyuy.

“I will love to become a popular actress and be a TV presenter.”17yrsold, Pelagie Suilaka.

“I want to be a teacher so that I can be able to invest in the lives of others through education.”17yrs old, Ando Regina.

“I dream of having a successful education and become someone useful in this society of ours.”17yrs old, Asong Karine.

“My dream is for a perfect world”17yrs old, Paola Gobina.

Girls Demand for Better Life

“There should be school with considerable fees which could be affordable by the middle and low class stature of people.”Dianne Nsanne, 15yrs old.

“Studying facilities such as text books and others accompanied with affordable prices be made available and affordable. These would help those of us from little income [poor] homes able to afford and study also like others.”17yrs old, Ando Regina.

“Schools should be able to give scholarships to encourage at least the poor to go to school.”17yrs old Pelagie Suilaka.

“There should be more social activists who can stand as mentors to young girls like us and encourage us.”16yrs old,Annicette Berinyuy.

“There should be an improvement on the level of security for example; more street lights in remote areas.”17yrs old, Paola Gobina.

“A decrease in the level of taxation would serve as an incentive to wok and saving. Through this some self employed parents of ours would have enough available funds to support us in school.”16yrs old, FatimaRodriguez.

“Set up of more factories and companies would give a handful reduction in unemployment and motivate us educationally wised.”16yrs old, Njimou Victorine.

“If some of the social NGOs for example could visit schools and give advises to students on some life issues and challenges, some of our fears can be overcome.”14yrs old, Truly Sei.

The FUTURE GIRLS’ WANT

“I dream of a better future for all. I want to see change in our country.” 

“I hope to see less beggars, more psychiatric homes to avoid mentally and not alright people in the streets; and developments.” 17yrs old, PaolaGobina.

“I want to see a develop Cameroon in the future with cheap education.”16yrs old, Njimou Victorine.

“I want to see a society with little or no corruption so that some people would not have advantages over others.”15yrs old, Dianne Nsanne.

“I want to see my community in fact my country develop like any other developed country.”17yrs old, Fatima Rodriguez.

“I am hoping to see a beautiful society in the future and a more developed world.”17yrs old,Asong Karine.

“The issue of tribalism and bribery around my community is getting stronger by the day. I hope to see a futurewith no tribalism, no discrimination and bribery”.Dianne Nsanne, 15yrs old.

“Some of us have great dreams but our parents won’t see it. They want us married and we have no voice to challenge.”  Ireline Mercy, 15 years old.

 Written by Nancy Mafor, WFAC's Intern

Bringing young people’s voices from Cameroon into the post 2015 review process

Throughout June 2013, over 1075 Cameroonians; 66% being women, 33% men and 1% belonging to different gender identities, all aged 18-35 added their voices by voting for their most priorities in ‘my world’ survey.  

The survey was conducted for the first time in Fako Division, one of the six divisions in the south west region of Cameroon.  A voluntary action coordinated by Ms Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo, founder│executive director of the organization; Women ForA Change, Cameroon (WFAC), a young women’s network that focus on the promotion and protection of women and girls sexual [human] rights, leadership capacity and development. 

  

 Participating youth-led organizations also included: Rural Women Development Center (RUWDEC), Movement for Democracy, Development and Transparency (MDDT), ZoFem and Jude’s Foundation.

The project was officially launched on June 07, in Buea, the capital city of southwest region of Cameroon. In all, it had two broad objectives, and this include;

• To gather youth’s view on comprehensive education, sexual crime and rights; 
• To bring the attention of Cameroonian youths to ‘my world’ survey, add their voices too in the reviewing of the global development agenda, particularly Cameroonians living within the remote/rural and urban communities in Fako Division. These include, Bwitingi Village, Mutengene, Tiko and Buea (which covers Molyko, Small Soppo, Check point, Mile 17, Mile 16, Bokova, Bomaka, Muea, Tole, Bokwango, great and small Soppo). 

The launching of the survey was also marked with the training of some 10 young dynamic women, mostly students and university graduates,who worked offline to mobilize and reach out to the 1075+ youth. From school dropouts to graduates, college students, grassroots villages, including marginalized localities, regions with no internet connection or electricity, road;[poor] household, markets and transport stations.  The views gathered in the survey cut across a wide range of people.

In Bwitingi Village, with the support of the Chief, closed to 75 young people; teachers, nurse, school dropouts, petite trade holders,assembled at the palace to fill the survey.  Facilitated by volunteers from MDDT, ZoFem,and WFAC who translated the survey into Pidgin English, a common language the people all speak and understand. 

In Mutengene, Tiko, Mile 16 and 17, WFAC’s volunteers reached out to about 500 young people [majority unemployed, farmers, traders].  And,in Buea, more than 600 youths filled the survey. Majority being students, civic society activists, young professionals and self-employed graduates, with many attesting to have heard about the ‘My World’ survey project likewise the post 2015 development review process for the first time as it’s been brought to them to fill. 

‘Bringing the UN survey to grassroots communities like ours makes us proud and happy; now,  I know I matter and that my voice matters too” one participating youth in Buea said. 

Rural youths are also part of the youthful population but most at times, they are secluded in global discussions. The reason the organization saw the need to lead an action that would bringthe survey right to the grassroots, capturetheir voices, and have it added unto the global development review agenda. 

At the moment, the results are being analyzed by a couple of young professionals, all under the age of 35. Final report to be out by September 2013.