The Bamenda
based not for profit Non-governmental Organization NGO Hope for the Needy
Association HOFNA Cameroon has been granted Special Consultative Status with
the Economic and Social Council ECOSOC of the United Nations UN.
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Christelle
Bay C HOFNA ED in one of her activities with girls in an orphanage in 2017
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According to
information published on the NGO’s Facebook page, “The Committee on
Non-Governmental Organizations at its 2018 Regular Session, held from the 29
January to 7 February 2018 decided to recommend Special Consultative Status
with the Economic and Social Council to HOFNA Cameroon. This recommendation was
endorsed by the Economic and Social Council at its coordination and Management
Meeting held on the 16 – 18 April 2018.”
Confirming
the information to The Guardian Post, the Executive Director of HOFNA-Cameroon
Christelle Bay C described the feed as a milestone in the history of her
organization.
By having ECOSOC
consultative status, HOFNA Christelle Bay explained could: “Provide expert
analysis on issues directly from its experience in the field, Serve as an early
warning agent, Help monitor and implement
international agreements, Help raise public awareness of relevant issues, Play
a major role in advancing United Nations goals and objectives, Contribute with
essential information at organization events, Attend international conferences
and events, Make written and oral statements at these events, Organize side
events, Enter United Nations premises, Have opportunities to network and lobby.”
Consultative
Status to the United Nations ECOSOC is the highest status granted by the United
Nations to NGOs and granted upon recommendation of the ECOSOC Committee on
NGOs, which is comprised of 19 Member States.
With visible
signs of satisfaction, the HOFNA leader added quotes “This year, the Committee
on Non-Governmental Organizations had before it 483 applications and HOFNA is privileged to be among 223 NGOs which were
recommended for consultative status.”
Created in
2010, HOFNA has been engaged in in the socioeconomic empowerment women and
girls - building their leadership and employability skills, actively in peace
building initiatives.
One the way
forward for the institution after the endorsement, the Executive Director
states “Our dreams continue! And every day we are pushing our boundaries to
reach out to more women and girls who are less fortunate but deserve a chance.
Together we can realize this dream. We thank our partners and friends for
believing in us and for their support thus far and we believe the best is yet
to come!”