Bamenda played host on Friday 31 October 2025 to a commemoration of the twenty fifth anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR)1325, as women leaders, community peace ambassadors and development partners gathered to push for meaningful inclusion of women in peace and security efforts in the North West Region.
Hosted by the Community Women Peacebuilders Network (COWOPNET) and its mother organisation, the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD), the event brought together civil society, government representatives and UN Women staff under the global theme "The power of women in peace and security: advancing inclusive decision making."
For Bamenda, a city still living through the violence, uncertainty and deep social fractures of the ongoing Anglophone crisis, the anniversary was not symbolic. It was a reminder of unresolved pain and unfinished work.
The Secretary General of the South West North West Women’s Task Force, Ndema Irene, delivered a sharp message. She stressed that women in conflict are not only victims but frontline actors who have been burying loved ones, sheltering displaced family members and quietly negotiating safety in homes and neighbourhoods.
"We cannot talk about sustainable peace when the woman is left out. The war is fought on her body. She loses her children, her husband, her dignity and sometimes her land. So she must sit at the table to decide how peace is built." she said.
Her warning against tokenism drew strong applause. In her words, "women must stop being flowers on the table. They must be actors with a voice." She reminded authorities that Cameroon already has a National Action Plan on Resolution 1325, but lack of dedicated funding has kept implementation weak.
“We do not want token inclusion. We refuse to be flowers on the table. We are here to speak, to decide, and to lead. When conflict strikes, women suffer the most, yet they are often the last invited to make decisions. That must change.” she reaffirmed
The event also highlighted grassroots impact. Community peace ambassadors shared how they help settle household conflicts, refer cases of sexual violence and train women on leadership and conflict mediation. Many of them have faced threats, family pressure and limited resources, yet continue working in neighbourhoods often cut off by insecurity.
Andiensa Clotilda Waah, Chief Executive Officer of CAGEAD, explained that the organisation localises the resolution from the bottom up, starting with women’s everyday lives. She described the loss of livelihoods, displacement and unpaid care burden carried by women during the crisis, arguing that peace cannot be negotiated without those who bear its heaviest cost.
"If women are to participate, they must know how to speak, what to say and when to say it. So we train them in practical peacebuilding skills. We build confidence, leadership and community action. Their voices matter." she said.
She also introduced the She Builds Peace campaign, now in its fifth year, which protects women peacebuilders, raises awareness and supports survivors. Councils such as Bamenda III have recognised community peace club members, helping to legitimise their work at grassroots level.
“We are peace builders, and we build peace piece by piece. If we do not build it for ourselves, who will?” she questioned
A representative of UN Women Cameroon, Anjoga Adege Emmanuel, encouraged participants to treat others the way they expect to be treated, noting that peace begins with personal responsibility and community empathy.
Participants at the anniversary commemoration returned with a collective pledge led by the SG for SNWOT. "I stand for peace. It starts with me. It passes through me. I can."
As Bamenda continues to struggle with insecurity, shrinking livelihoods and rising psychological and economic strain, days like this underline the fact that women who have held families and neighbourhoods together during conflict do not want to remain on the sidelines of peace. They want to shape it, demand it and build it.
Understanding UNSCR 1325
Understanding UNSCR 1325
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted on 31 October 2000,
laid the foundation for the Women, Peace and Security agenda. It recognises
that lasting peace is only possible when women are fully involved in preventing conflict,
resolving crises, and rebuilding societies.
Pillar
Description
Participation
Women must take part in decision making at every stage of peace and security efforts,
from mediation tables to community peace structures.
Protection
Women and girls should be safe from sexual and gender-based violence during conflict
and throughout recovery.
Prevention
Conflicts are less likely when gender equality is respected.
This pillar promotes early action, rights, and gender perspectives in peacebuilding.
Relief and Recovery
Humanitarian response and post-conflict recovery must meet the needs of women
and recognise their role in rebuilding communities.
According to CAGEAD and COWOPNET leaders, the UNSCR 1325 is a commitment to peace, fairness,
and shared leadership. When women have equal space and safety, societies are
more stable and peace lasts longer.
| Pillar | Description |
|---|---|
| Participation | Women must take part in decision making at every stage of peace and security efforts, from mediation tables to community peace structures. |
| Protection | Women and girls should be safe from sexual and gender-based violence during conflict and throughout recovery. |
| Prevention | Conflicts are less likely when gender equality is respected. This pillar promotes early action, rights, and gender perspectives in peacebuilding. |
| Relief and Recovery | Humanitarian response and post-conflict recovery must meet the needs of women and recognise their role in rebuilding communities. |
UNSCR 1325 is a commitment to peace, fairness, and shared leadership. When women have equal space and safety, societies are more stable and peace lasts longer.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77
