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Celebrating 10 Years of Peacebuilding and Women’s Rights Advocacy: WILPF Cameroon’s Journey 

Delve with us into the remarkable journey of WILPF Cameroon as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. From its humble beginnings sparked by societal unrest to becoming a formidable force in advocating for peacebuilding initiatives and empowering women, WILPF Cameroon’s evolution reflects the power of grassroots movements in effecting positive change. Through interviews with key figures Sylvie Jacqueline Ndongmo and Nathalie Wokam Foko, we explore the organisation’s major achievements, challenges faced, collaborative efforts, and vision for the future.

Image credit: Tove Ivergård
  • 8 min
WILPF International Secretariat
24 April 2024

As the world grapples with complex challenges ranging from conflicts to gender inequality, organisations like the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) play a vital role in advocating for peace, women’s rights and disarmament. In the heart of Cameroon, WILPF Cameroon has been a beacon of hope and resilience for the past decade, navigating through turbulent times and making significant strides in promoting a more peaceful and equitable society.

Join us as we celebrate a decade of unity, activism, and dedication to building a world where peace and justice prevail, starting right from the heart of Cameroon.

Q: What is the background of WILPF Cameroon’s establishment, and how has it evolved over the past decade?

Sylvie (S): WILPF Cameroon was founded in response to the 2008 hunger riots, driven by my passion for peace and security. It was also as a response to the growing regional security problems then, with the Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North and the massive influx of Nigerian refugees in the North and Central African refugees in the East of the country.It evolved from the Women Peace Initiatives to becoming a formal section of WILPF in 2014, with support from WILPF Sweden and WILPF DRC. Over the years, it has grown in influence and impact, especially in implementing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda nationally.

Q: What are some major achievements or milestones that WILPF Cameroon has accomplished during this period?

Sylvie (S): WILPF Cameroon has achieved significant milestones, including contributing in the development of Cameroon’s United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 National Action Plan (UNSCR 1325 NAP) which remains a key achievement. Under my leadership WILPF Cameroon initiated the process of the NAP development in Cameroon. This created access to most CSOs to engage with the NAP.

The establishment and coordination of the 1st ever Women Situation Room (WSR) in Cameroon and a Call Centre, which provides a hotline and instant help/referral for victims of violence. The WSR is an early warning signal mechanism covering a large part of the country. It is a peacebuilding initiative that prevents and manages conflicts throughout the full election cycle mainly by engaging and promoting women’s participation as election observers, voters and political candidates.

Setting up and coordinating a Legal and Judicial Clinic that provides appropriate and timely support and effective remedies to victims/survivors of violence. This is in addition to sensitisation and training programs for both men and women including through mobile clinic. 

Our Youth and Web Influencer for Peace programme engages youth in countering hate speech online, influencing global peace campaigns. We also played a crucial role in challenging government narratives and advocating for truth and accountability.

Q: How has WILPF Cameroon contributed to the promotion of peace, women’s rights, and disarmament in the region?

Sylvie (S): WILPF Cameroon has been a leading advocate for peace, women’s rights, and disarmament in Cameroon. We have implemented the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, engaged in conflict analysis, and launched successful initiatives like the Women’s Call for Peace Week. Our work has contributed to creating a more inclusive and peaceful society. The creation of a number of platforms with women peacebuilders engaging in peacebuilding, such as the Platform of Cameroon Women for Peaceful Elections and Peace Education and the Cameroonian Women Platform for National Dialogue, respectively to contribute to violence free elections and ensure women voices are taken into account in the national dialogue process (through the Memorandum “Women voices for the National Dialogue”). 

Q: What challenges has WILPF Cameroon faced, and how have they overcome them in the pursuit of their objectives?

Sylvie (S): We’ve faced challenges such as government scrutiny and security risks for activists,  hostile civic space, and traditional and cultural norms that disfavor the promotion of women’s rights and participation. Also, exploitation, hijacking of projects and exclusion of initiatives  and requirement of payment for services which are normally free of charge. Just to name a few. Despite these obstacles, we have remained resilient and focused on our mission. We built alliances, conducted advocacy campaigns, and implemented security measures to continue our work effectively.

Q: Can you elaborate on the significance of WILPF Cameroon’s 10th anniversary in the context of their work and mission?

Sylvie (S): The 10th anniversary of WILPF Cameroon is a true testimony of our dedication and impact over the past decade. It signifies our RESILIENCE, unity, and commitment to peacebuilding, women’s rights, and confronting challenges like insecurity resulting from crises, the threat of Boko Haram, of internal crisis in the country and the shrinking of civic space.. It’s a milestone that inspires continued efforts and reflects on our journey towards a more peaceful and inclusive society.

Q: How do you envision expanding the reach and impact of WILPF Cameroon within the local community and beyond?

Nathalie (N): WILPF Cameroon aims to expand its reach by establishing more offices nationally, strengthening partnerships with local communities and international allies, and empowering more women in peacebuilding and disarmament efforts. We seek to be a leading organisation in promoting peace and women’s rights, both locally and internationally.

Q: What strategies are you employing to ensure the active participation and engagement of women in peacebuilding and disarmament efforts?

Nathalie (N): We focus on equipping women with skills and knowledge on peacebuilding and negotiation techniques. We provide training, create platforms for participation, and advocate for women’s inclusion in decision-making processes. We also raise awareness about the importance of women’s contributions to peace and security.

Q: How do you see WILPF Cameroon collaborating with other national Sections and international partners to advance its objectives?

Nathalie (N): Collaboration between WILPF Cameroon, WILPF Sweden, and WILPF DRC has been instrumental in WILPF Cameroon’s success. These partnerships have facilitated resource sharing, capacity building, and joint advocacy efforts. They have also fostered solidarity and strengthened the collective impact of WILPF’s work in promoting peace, women’s rights, and disarmament.

Q: Could you elaborate on the collaborative efforts between WILPF Cameroon, WILPF Sweden, and WILPF DRC, and how these partnerships have contributed to the success of WILPF Cameroon’s initiatives?

Nathalie (N): Collaboration between WILPF Cameroon, WILPF Sweden, and WILPF DRC has been instrumental in WILPF Cameroon’s success. These partnerships have facilitated resource sharing, capacity building, and joint advocacy efforts. They have also fostered solidarity and strengthened the collective impact of WILPF’s work in promoting peace, women’s rights, and disarmament.

A special message from WILPF Sweden…

Greetings from Tove Ivergard, Head of International Collaborations at WILPF Sweden, and a close friend to WILPF Cameroon.

The year was 2014 and we had travelled to South Africa to arrange the very first WILPF Africa regional conference in history. It was one year before WILPF’s 100 years anniversary that took place in the Hague 2015. So, one could say that it was about time that WILPF had its first African regional conference. This conference was special in many ways. It was the first time that I met WILPF Cameroon. Thanks to WILPF DR Congo who had spread the word about WILPF in the region we now had a new emerging section in Cameroon who later was recognized by the international congress as a WILPF Section 2015.

I had only worked at WILPF Sweden for two years when I first met WILPF Cameroon in South Africa and we have worked together on nearly a daily basis ever since. We have grown and developed together, side by side on our WILPF journey together. It has been ups and downs, laughter, and tears along the way. And there are no words to describe how lucky I feel to have had the privilege to follow WILPF Cameroon’s work throughout these years. I have received so much love, compassion, friendship, sisterhood and support from our collaboration and time together.

I’m constantly blown away by WILPF Cameroon’s impressive work and by their determination and passion to stand up for peace and the well-being of others. How they tirelessly continue their mission to build awareness about conflict prevention and feminist peace in Cameroon. WILPF Cameroon’s presence at the local level, in the communities, listening and taking in people’s life stories, struggles and feedback in combination with innovative activities and strategies have resulted in great impact and positive change for so many people.

WILPF Sweden have also experienced the positive impact of WILPF Cameroon. We wouldn’t be the ones we are today if it wasn’t for them. Thanks to WILPF Cameroon’s experience and expertise we have been able to use examples and recommendations from WILPF Cameroon in our communication with decisions makers and the public in Sweden, to advocate for women’s rights, peace and security. We have also had the pleasure to have members from WILPF Cameroon coming to Sweden in person to share their knowledge with Swedish Ministers among others. And we have never been prouder!

We have also had the opportunity to follow first-hand how WILPF Cameroon have supported and improved the work for women’s rights, peace and security also at the regional level in Africa. They have supported the WILPF movement to grow and expand significantly over a short period of time in the region.

WILPF Cameroon (!); It is insane how much you’ve achieved and how much you’ve grown as a section in 10 years. And I know that the main reason behind this (besides extremely hard work, day and night, of course) is because you “live as you teach”, you always put WILPF’s foundation principles of peace and feminism first in everything you do. And because of this you’ve made such a great and important impact on so many people’s lives and their communities

A huge congratulation to WILPF Cameroon and to all of you that make the magic happen. 

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WILPF International Secretariat

WILPF International Secretariat, with offices in Geneva and New York, liaises with the International Board and the National Sections and Groups for the implementation of WILPF International Programme, resolutions and policies as adopted by the International Congress. Under the direction of the Secretary-General, the Secretariat also provides support in areas of advocacy, communications, and financial operations.

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Thank you!

Melissa Torres

VICE-PRESIDENT

Prior to being elected Vice-President, Melissa Torres was the WILPF US International Board Member from 2015 to 2018. Melissa joined WILPF in 2011 when she was selected as a Delegate to the Commission on the Status of Women as part of the WILPF US’ Practicum in Advocacy Programme at the United Nations, which she later led. She holds a PhD in Social Work and is a professor and Global Health Scholar at Baylor College of Medicine and research lead at BCM Anti-Human Trafficking Program. Of Mexican descent and a native of the US/Mexico border, Melissa is mostly concerned with the protection of displaced Latinxs in the Americas. Her work includes training, research, and service provision with the American Red Cross, the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Centre, and refugee resettlement programs in the U.S. Some of her goals as Vice-President are to highlight intersectionality and increase diversity by fostering inclusive spaces for mentorship and leadership. She also contributes to WILPF’s emerging work on the topic of displacement and migration.

Jamila Afghani

VICE-PRESIDENT

Jamila Afghani is the President of WILPF Afghanistan which she started in 2015. She is also an active member and founder of several organisations including the Noor Educational and Capacity Development Organisation (NECDO). Elected in 2018 as South Asia Regional Representative to WILPF’s International Board, WILPF benefits from Jamila’s work experience in education, migration, gender, including gender-based violence and democratic governance in post-conflict and transitional countries.

Sylvie Jacqueline Ndongmo

PRESIDENT

Sylvie Jacqueline NDONGMO is a human rights and peace leader with over 27 years experience including ten within WILPF. She has a multi-disciplinary background with a track record of multiple socio-economic development projects implemented to improve policies, practices and peace-oriented actions. Sylvie is the founder of WILPF Cameroon and was the Section’s president until 2022. She co-coordinated the African Working Group before her election as Africa Representative to WILPF’s International Board in 2018. A teacher by profession and an African Union Trainer in peace support operations, Sylvie has extensive experience advocating for the political and social rights of women in Africa and worldwide.

WILPF Afghanistan

In response to the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban and its targeted attacks on civil society members, WILPF Afghanistan issued several statements calling on the international community to stand in solidarity with Afghan people and ensure that their rights be upheld, including access to aid. The Section also published 100 Untold Stories of War and Peace, a compilation of true stories that highlight the effects of war and militarisation on the region. 

IPB Congress Barcelona

WILPF Germany (+Young WILPF network), WILPF Spain and MENA Regional Representative

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Demilitarisation

WILPF uses feminist analysis to argue that militarisation is a counter-productive and ill-conceived response to establishing security in the world. The more society becomes militarised, the more violence and injustice are likely to grow locally and worldwide.

Sixteen states are believed to have supplied weapons to Afghanistan from 2001 to 2020 with the US supplying 74 % of weapons, followed by Russia. Much of this equipment was left behind by the US military and is being used to inflate Taliban’s arsenal. WILPF is calling for better oversight on arms movement, for compensating affected Afghan people and for an end to all militarised systems.

Militarised masculinity

Mobilising men and boys around feminist peace has been one way of deconstructing and redefining masculinities. WILPF shares a feminist analysis on the links between militarism, masculinities, peace and security. We explore opportunities for strengthening activists’ action to build equal partnerships among women and men for gender equality.

WILPF has been working on challenging the prevailing notion of masculinity based on men’s physical and social superiority to, and dominance of, women in Afghanistan. It recognizes that these notions are not representative of all Afghan men, contrary to the publicly prevailing notion.

Feminist peace​

In WILPF’s view, any process towards establishing peace that has not been partly designed by women remains deficient. Beyond bringing perspectives that encapsulate the views of half of the society and unlike the men only designed processes, women’s true and meaningful participation allows the situation to improve.

In Afghanistan, WILPF has been demanding that women occupy the front seats at the negotiating tables. The experience of the past 20 has shown that women’s presence produces more sustainable solutions when they are empowered and enabled to play a role.

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