Twenty five years after the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 put women at the centre of peacebuilding, grassroots women peacebuilders in Bamenda say progress is real but fragile. What began as survival strategies in a conflict zone has grown into structured peace clubs, trained mediators and community reporting systems. But funding gaps, insecurity and lack of recognition still hold back the agenda.
The anniversary has been observed globally under the theme “the power of women in peace and security: advancing inclusive decision-making in peace and security.” In Bamenda, on Friday 31 October 2025, activities have been organised by the Community Women Peacebuilders Network (COWOPNET) and the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD). Women used the event to speak openly about what peace work looks like in a region where gunshots, fear and economic hardship are still daily realities.
According to Andiensa Clotilda Waah, Chief Executive Officer, CAGEAD, localisation of the resolution has been key. The conflict has taken different shapes in each community, so solutions must start from the ground. Her organisation trains peace ambassadors who form peace clubs, handle disputes and raise awareness on gender based violence.
“Women are the first to feel the impact of conflict and must be among the first to shape the solutions.” she noted
"Women wanted to participate but did not know how. They told us they lacked leadership skills and understanding of the law. So we brought the training to them. When a woman can negotiate at home, she gains confidence to negotiate in the community. Peace must start in the family." the CAGEAD leader explained.
The training focuses on the resolution’s pillars in everyday language. Participation begins with voice in family decisions. Protection includes knowing how to report abuse and understanding legal rights. Prevention means identifying early signs of violence and knowing who to alert. Relief covers practical support such as food, safe spaces and small funds for women who lost livelihoods.
This approach has led to more than fifty community reports on gender based violence, a rise in referrals and better awareness among traditional authorities. Councils like Bamenda III now recognise peace ambassadors. Many were seen wearing their council badges during the event.
The Secretary General of the South West North West Women’s Task Force, Ndema Irene, praised the resilience of women who have not given up despite insecurity and trauma. She reminded participants that peace cannot be made without the voices of those who suffer most.
“We want to appreciate CAGEAD for bringing together peacebuilders and organisations contributing to peace. It is high time to bring women to the table for decision-making. If we want sustainable peace, we cannot put women aside.” she adding "We must stop pretending to involve women and begin truly involving them. We are not decoration on a table. We are agents of change. When war comes, it is women who carry the pain."
She also called on government and international partners to fund Cameroon’s National Action Plan on the resolution, arguing that political will must be backed by resources.
Representing UN Women Cameroon, Angola Adege Emmanuel urged unity and consistency.
"The principle is simple. Treat others as you want to be treated. Peace grows when we practise it, not only when we talk about it." he said.
Community peace ambassadors shared emotional testimonies of solving neighbourhood disputes, negotiating with traditional rulers, guiding survivors to services and calming tensions between families divided by the conflict.
One ambassador disclosed that she now sits confidently in village meetings because she knows her rights and has community endorsement.
For all the progress, the atmosphere remained sober. Speakers acknowledged threats, stigma and burnout faced by women doing peace work. They called for better security guarantees, mental health support and livelihood opportunities for peace advocates.
Still, the message of the day was hope and shared commitment. The room stood to recite a pledge. "I stand for peace. It starts with me. It passes through me. I can. Sister, you can."
In a city where conflict has fractured trust and drained resources, these women say peace is possible, not as a slogan but as a daily practice. It happens when a neighbour intervenes before violence escalates, when a survivor finds her voice, and when women sit not at the edge of the room but at the centre of the decision table.
Twenty five years after a global promise, Bamenda’s women are not waiting to be invited. They are already building peace, one conversation, one household and one community at a time.
CAGEAD and the Coalition of Women Peacebuilders (COWOPNET) have played a central role
in bringing UNSCR 1325 to life in the North West Region. Their work focuses on real action
in communities, giving women the skills, confidence, and space to take part in peace processes.
Women Leading Peace in the North West Region
Focus Area
What They Do
Grassroots Peace Leadership
They train women as Community Peace Ambassadors who set up peace clubs, mediate disputes,
and support affected families. These peace clubs use everyday activities to promote peace,
from group talks to farming and cooking sessions.
Promoting Women’s Participation
CAGEAD and COWOPNET push for women’s representation in local and national decision making.
They helped drive pre-dialogue consultations and ensured women’s voices were included
in the Major National Dialogue. Women are trained to understand issues, speak confidently,
and take part in community decisions.
Protecting Women and Girls
The networks tackle gender-based violence, raise awareness, and support survivors.
They work with traditional leaders, councils, and authorities to ensure cases are reported
and handled, moving beyond old customs that silenced women.
Economic Empowerment
They provide livelihood support to women who have lost income due to the conflict.
This includes small grants, skills training, and tools to help women rebuild their lives
and support their families.
Community Healing and Solidarity
From food and relief support to emotional and psychosocial encouragement,
they help women stay strong. They encourage unity, sisterhood, and collective action,
reminding women that peace starts within communities and within themselves.
Advocacy and Visibility
CAGEAD and COWOPNET engage government, councils, UN agencies, media, and communities
to strengthen recognition of women peacebuilders. Their efforts have inspired wider support
and recognition of women’s work in peace and security.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77
