Waah Clotilda Andiensa is one person in Bamenda III who stands as a champion of hope and inspiration for many. As the Chief Executive Officer, CEO of the Center for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD) with head office in the municipality, she has dedicated her life to promoting gender equality, peacebuilding, and community development.
Her tireless efforts and commitment to creating a more just and equitable society have earned her a well-deserved reputation as one of the most influential personalities within the municipality for 2023.
One of Clotilda's most notable contributions to the municipality lies in her passionate advocacy for peacebuilding in the midst of the long-standing armed conflict that has plagued the entire region for over seven years. Through her organization CAGEAD, she has spearheaded community initiatives such as the creation of peace clubs and peace ambassadors as part of the project "She Builds Peace."
For over two years, she has been empowering women peace builders with skills and knowledge on UNSCR 1325, fostering the Women Peace and Security (WPS) agenda by being involved and effectively participating in the peace building processes starting at the local level. To this effect, Clotilda through CAGEAD has created and is running 30 community peace clubs in the North West Region of Cameroon and 15 of such clubs are in Bamenda 3 municipality.
The 15 Community Peace Ambassadors have been trained and 15 community peace clubs established reaching out to over 2500 persons who have been sensitized and educated on the pillars of UNSCR1325 and the important role in fostering women participation in peace processes during conflicts. These women peace builders have been trained, certified and recognized by the Paramount Fon of Nkwen HRM Fon Azehfor III and the Bamenda III council. CAGEAD trained these women peace builders on basic proposal writing to enable them elaborate micro peace building projects which they can execute in their neighbourhoods.
These initiatives aim to foster dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation among community members, laying the foundation for a peaceful and harmonious coexistence.
As an active member of the South West and North West Women's Task Force (SNWOT), Clotilda plays a pivotal leadership role in the North West region, working tirelessly to amplify the voices of women and advocate for gender equality and social justice.
Her organization CAGEAD has been at the forefront of several initiatives aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene management among young women, ensuring they have access to essential resources and support to stay in school and pursue their education without barriers.
Through the distribution of menstrual hygiene management kits, commonly referred to as dignity kits, which include pads, soap, powdered detergents, pants, and reusable pads, Clotilda has empowered countless young women to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.
Her efforts in constructing menstruation-friendly toilets in schools in Bamenda III and beyond have created safe and hygienic spaces for girls to attend to their needs comfortably, promoting their overall well-being and academic success.
In addition to her work in promoting menstrual hygiene management, Clotilda has been a staunch advocate for reproductive health education for young women in communities, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. She has led several initiatives to combat gender-based violence, working tirelessly to raise awareness, provide support services, and advocate for justice for survivors.
Waah Clotilda Andiensa's dedication to advancing gender equality, promoting peacebuilding, and empowering women and girls in Bamenda III is an indicator to her remarkable leadership and vision.
Through her exemplary work with CAGEAD and her active engagement in community initiatives, she continues to inspire positive change and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Clotilda's impact resonates far beyond the borders of Bamenda III, leaving a lasting legacy of hope, empowerment, and transformation in her wake.
The Bamenda III Municipality will certainly be proud of you for what you have done especially in 2023 for a long time.