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#WorldEnvironmentDay

Empowering Students for Environmental Justice: Insights from WILPF Cameroon’s Climate Action Project

Celebrate World Environment Day by diving into the remarkable story of Aubine Sandrine Mahda Kepseu, a feminist peace and climate activist from WILPF Cameroon. Discover how their collaboration with local organisations and schools empowers students to create a greener future. From combating plastic pollution to fostering eco-consciousness, this inspiring discussion highlights the importance of education and collective action for environmental justice. Join us in exploring pathways to a sustainable world.

Image credit: DisobeyArt
  • 6 min
WILPF International Secretariat
5 June 2023

Join us in celebrating World Environment Day and the remarkable efforts of climate activists worldwide fighting for environmental justice. In this spotlight feature, we shine a light on the inspiring work of Aubine Sandrine Mahda Kepseu, a feminist peace and climate activist from WILPF Cameroon. Together with local organisations and government bodies, including “Association Communauté et Développement Durable” (CODED) and MINEPDED, they have empowered students and educators from five secondary schools in the Littoral region to champion environmental awareness and protection. Discover how their program equips young minds with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to drive positive change and combat climate change. Join us as we delve into their strategies for a greener future.

5 June is World Environment Day, and this year’s theme is to “beat plastic pollution”. How has your project contributed to tackling the issue of plastic pollution in your country?

Aubine Sandrine Mahda Kepseu: In our country, plastic pollution demands serious attention, even with the presence of recycling companies. Throughout the project, we engaged with students and their supervisors to address the detrimental impact of plastic waste on the environment and explore ways to reduce our reliance on plastics. Participants discovered that plastic waste poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems as it does not biodegrade. They also recognised the harmful consequences of burning plastic, releasing toxic fumes that jeopardise both our health and the planet. Through these discussions, students and supervisors embraced sustainable waste management practices, including waste collection, enabling the transformation of plastic waste. Already, Joss and Bépanda high schools have taken proactive measures, and other schools will follow suit starting next year.

The project is focused on environment education and awareness among secondary students. Why is education amongst young people so important for the promotion of environment and climate action?

Aubine Sandrine Mahda Kepseu: Young people make up the largest proportion of the Cameroonian population and appear to be the most exposed to the consequences of climate change. Recognising that climate action is synonymous with peace, it becomes imperative for us to cultivate environmental consciousness among young people. Our goal was to train and equip these students, who make up the majority, with knowledge about climate change and environmental protection. We aimed to heighten their awareness, inspire their active involvement, and empower them to combat climate change’s effects while embracing sustainable solutions. Young people exhibit heightened alertness, deep commitment, and a genuine eagerness to learn, all essential requirements in acknowledging the climate emergency and driving positive change.

Has the project empowered students to be actors of change? If so, how?

Aubine Sandrine Mahda Kepseu: Yes, through our efforts, we have raised awareness among over 1800 secondary school students, leading to the formation of environmental clubs or the establishment of new clubs in previously untouched schools. Witnessing the beauty and vitality of nature, students have taken initiatives such as planting flowers and creating school gardens, enhancing the greenery and aesthetic appeal of their educational institutions. Moreover, this project has further strengthened the resolve and capabilities of teachers and students at JOSS High School who were already engaged in environmental protection endeavours. On Earth Day, 22 April, students from CPLAN and HENRI DUMONT high schools rallied their peers, spreading awareness about the importance of environmental preservation.

As a result of this project, how are students and schools implementing actions to protect the environment?

Aubine Sandrine Mahda Kepseu: Indeed, some remarkable actions have been initiated. At JOSS High School, for instance, waste generated within the school premises is now systematically collected. Thanks to our training, students at this school have implemented effective waste management strategies, including repurposing plastic waste into useful objects and implementing compost systems. Similarly, BEPANDA High School has introduced a weekly column in their newspaper, aptly named “the environment minute,” where members of the newspaper club conscientiously remind the school’s 5300 students about adopting ecologically responsible practices for a cleaner and healthier campus. Moreover, the establishment of school gardens at BEPANDA High School, utilising organic waste as a natural fertiliser, further contributes to their environmental efforts. On Earth Day, trained students and members of the environmental club at BEPANDA High School actively collected plastic bottles within the school premises, reinforcing their commitment to reducing plastic waste.

What are your biggest learnings from this project that you would like to share with others?

Aubine Sandrine Mahda Kepseu: Through this project, we have come to realise the prevailing lack of information among students regarding environmental protection, and the climate emergency. It is crucial that they actively participate in finding sustainable solutions to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, it is essential to provide training and raise awareness among administrators and educators in primary and secondary schools so that they can play a bigger role in climate action. We have observed a lack of environmental consciousness in some schools, with inadequate waste management policies in place. While progress has been made at the state level, it is imperative to encourage the Ministry of the Environment and its regional representatives to establish a comprehensive program supporting the development of eco-conscious schools. This program could include initiatives such as competitions to recognise the cleanest neighbourhoods and schools, fostering positive change. Ultimately, our main lesson learned is that environmental education should leave no one behind, especially the youth who carry the potential for a better future. Each and every one of us has a role to play in protecting the environment.

What’s next? How are you continuing your work for the protection of the environment?

Aubine Sandrine Mahda Kepseu: Following our engagements with the schools, we have witnessed the strengthening and formation of environmental clubs. We collaborate with these clubs, conducting regular awareness campaigns for students. We also organise small-scale competitions on environmental occasions to further engage students. Additionally, we actively participate in seminars and roundtable discussions organised by regional and departmental environmental authorities, allowing us to broaden our knowledge beyond plastic waste management. Collaborating with collection and recycling companies, such as NAMè RECYCLING, we undertake various initiatives like collecting plastic bottles from beaches and markets. Considering our limited resources, both material and financial, expanding the project to more secondary schools is challenging. Therefore, we are focusing our efforts on these impactful actions to drive positive change.

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This project was made possible thanks to the support of the WILPF Activist Grant, showcasing WILPF’s strong commitment to realising a future characterised by peace and environmental justice. By sharing this Q&A, you can play an essential role in raising awareness and fostering discussions around these critical issues. Let’s come together on World Environment Day and beyond to advocate for change, challenge existing power structures,  make a lasting impact and create a sustainable world for generations to come.

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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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Berit Aasen

Europe Alternate Regional Representative

Berit Aasen is a sociologist by training and has worked at the OsloMet Metropolitan University on Oslo. She has 40 years of experience in research and consultancy in development studies, including women, peace, and security, and in later years in asylum and refugee studies. Berit Aasen joined WILPF Norway five years ago. She is an alternate member of the National Board of WILPF Norway, and representing WILPF Norway in the UN Association of Norway, the Norwegian 1325 network and the Norwegian Women’s Lobby. Berit Aasen has been active in the WILPF European Liaison group and is committed to strengthening WILPF sections and membership both in Europe and relations across continents.

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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.