For decades, peacebuilding in the Northwest Region has taken the same formula; violence erupts, women suffer, and men make the decisions. In Bamenda this Wednesday 25 June 2025, 30 men including pastors, farmers, youth leaders, community heads sat shoulder-to-shoulder, not to strategise politics or armed resistance, but to confront their own power, privilege, and prejudices.
The workshop, titled “Men as Partners”, is the latest community-based intervention from the Community Women Peacebuilder’s Network (COWOPNET) which is a brainchild of the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD). Its aim is to dismantle the longstanding myth that peacebuilding is "women’s business," and to turn men from passive bystanders or worse, active perpetrators into champions of gender-inclusive peace.
At
the center of the conversation at this workshop is the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted in 2000
to formally acknowledge women's critical role in conflict resolution. In
Cameroon, where insecurity has morphed from armed separatism into a series of
gendered violence, the resolution has become a lifeline. But despite national
commitments through a Cameroon National
Action Plan (NAP), implementation or even the knowledge of its existence
in the rural areas of the region remains dangerously superficial. The
instrument calls for the inclusion of women in peace negotiations, security
efforts, and post-conflict reconstruction.
As
established by experts, across conflict zones globally, and particularly in
crisis-hit regions of Cameroon, women often suffer the most facing
displacement, sexual violence, economic hardship, and exclusion from
decision-making. Despite these challenges, their voices remain largely absent
from peace processes. Yet nearly 25 years later, grassroots implementation
remains a challenge.
This
workshop set out to address that gap by actively involving men who traditionally
dominant in decision-making structures as allies in promoting gender equality
and inclusive peace processes.
“The
purpose of this training was to awaken men to their responsibilities as
partners in peacebuilding. For too long, peace and gender equality have been
treated as ‘women’s issues’. This session sought to change that mindset by
showing men how vital their involvement is.” Munteh Florence, lead facilitator explained.
Topics
covered included Gender-Based Violence
(GBV) in conflict settings, positive
versus toxic masculinity, the
Cameroon National Action Plan (NAP) on UNSCR 1325, and the broader Women, Peace and Security (WPS)
agenda.
Munteh
Florence emphasised that men, already occupying powerful societal positions,
can significantly influence community mindsets.
“We
want men to see themselves as allies not opponents and understand that
promoting feminism is not against them. It is about working together to build
peace.”
The
project is supported by the Association
de Lutte contre les Violences faites aux Femmes (ALVF). Representing the
organisation, Memong Meno Esp Mooung
Elise Pierrette noted, “We chose to fund this workshop because women
consistently suffer the most during conflict. Getting men involved at the
grassroots level is a powerful way to shift that reality.”
She
expressed hope that participants would carry the lessons forward into their
communities and amplify the message that women's participation in peacebuilding
is essential.
Ndema Irene,
representing COWOPNET, celebrated the success of the workshop.
“We
had full attendance and strong participation. The men were engaged and shared
valuable insights from their own communities,” she said.
She
added that many participants had already begun identifying actions they would
implement in their villages particularly in areas where traditional norms still
restrict women’s involvement in community and political decision-making.
“The
fact that these men came, listened, and accepted the challenge is already a
victory… We expect a significant impact as they return to serve as advocates
for change.” she added.
Among
the participants was Rev. Lawrence
Fominyen, a Presbyterian pastor serving in the Meta Presbytery. Drawing
on his experience in pastoral counselling, he reflected on the importance of
the workshop.
“Often,
women are the only ones having these conversations. Now that men are part of
it, we can confront GBV and inequality more effectively. If men are often the
problem, then we must be part of the solution.” He said
Rev.
Fominyen believes change will come incrementally.
“If
each of us trains ten others in our communities, this message will reach 300.
It starts small but that is how every journey begins.”
Another
participant, Meh Ransom
(popularly known as Bashiru), a Muslim community leader from Weh village in
Menchum Division, brought a religious perspective.
“Islam
teaches peace, and promoting women’s participation aligns with that principle. Women
have historically been left behind, but we are now seeing a shift. This
workshop gives us the tools to push that change further.” he said.
He
noted the lack of female representation in Menchum’s political leadership, with
few women holding councillor or mayoral positions.
“That
has to change. We must engage decision-makers and promote women’s voices.”
By
mobilising men not only as supporters but as champions of women’s rights and
participation, COWOPNET and its partners are hoping to lay the groundwork for
long-term societal change.
As
Rev. Fominyen eloquently put it, “If a woman was created to be a suitable
helper, and you abuse that helper, who then helps you? Real peace must begin in
the family, with respect, partnership, and shared leadership.”
By Bakah Derick
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77