Cameroon Women in Action Society (CAWAS) has placed women’s health at the heart of peacebuilding, using a major commemoration in Bamenda to intensify its breast cancer awareness drive at the close of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
CAWAS led a breast cancer awareness session, urging women and men present to take advantage of free screening services at St Blaise Hospital and the Regional Hospital. Chief Executive Officer, Leinyuy Saber Emelienne encouraged participants to act without delay, handing out educational leaflets and the now-familiar pink ribbons that symbolise solidarity in the fight against breast cancer.
The health message sat comfortably alongside the day’s core peace agenda. CAGEAD used the gathering to launch two new publications, Grassroots Localisation of UNSCR 1325 and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Manual, aimed at strengthening local knowledge and practice for women’s empowerment, rights and security.
CAWAS CEO, Leinyuy Saber Emelienne interacting with participants
This latest activity followed a wider public campaign held earlier in October in partnership with Save the Community and medical staff from St Blaise Hospital. Volunteers had reached nearly one thousand women around a market precinct, speaking with traders and passers-by about breast cancer risks, symptoms and early detection. The effort formed part of the international “pink” month, which this year carried the message “Every story is unique, Every journey matters”.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide. The World Health Organization notes that early diagnosis significantly improves survival outcomes and continues to call for greater awareness and more equitable access to screening and treatment. October is dedicated globally to intensifying that call, encouraging women to seek screening and urging health systems to close treatment gaps.
By placing breast health on the agenda of a peace-themed gathering, CAWAS highlighted what it calls an inseparable link between women’s wellbeing and their capacity to contribute to peace and community development. As the month draws to a close, the organisation says it will continue monitoring uptake of screening services and support women who seek follow-up care.
The commemorative event drew activists, local leaders and health advocates who agreed that protecting women’s lives is central to securing families and communities. In the words shared throughout the day, building peace also means safeguarding the people who carry it forward.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices
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