General Coordinator Andiensa Clotilda Waah outlines reforms, renewed strategy, and a wider push for women’s role in peace and development
Following the Annual General Meeting of the South West North West Women Task Force (SNWOT) held in Bafoussam from 6 to 7 February 2026 under the theme “strengthening foundations, renewing spirits, and shaping the future”, General Coordinator Andiensa Clotilda Waah spoke to www.hilltopvoices.com on the outcomes, priorities, and challenges facing the coalition.
Q: What were the key outcomes and decisions reached during this year’s Annual General Meeting?
A: The AGM produced several important outcomes. We reviewed and validated both SNWOT’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and our five year Strategic Action Plan (SAP). The meeting also gave us the opportunity to assess the progress recorded over the past year and to develop an operational plan for activities in 2026. In terms of decisions, we have opened the admission of new members into the coalition until 28 February 2026. The AGM also approved four membership categories, namely individual members, consultants or experts, younger member organisations that have existed for less than five years, and older member organisations that have existed for more than five years. We equally agreed that the terms of office for the management team, board of directors, and focal points will be two years, renewable once based on performance. Another major decision was the creation of a SNWOT website to strengthen the coalition’s visibility and credibility.
Q: How does the newly validated strategic plan strengthen SNWOT’s work in the South West and North West regions over the coming year?
A: The strategic plan has been adapted to the evolving dynamics of the crisis affecting the two regions. Our focus is not limited to addressing the Anglophone crisis alone but also to responding to emerging conflicts linked to it, especially those that affect women and girls. The plan will also strengthen local ownership of peace initiatives, intensify advocacy for the inclusion of women in peace and development processes, and provide targeted capacity building so that women can actively participate in decision making at community and institutional levels.
Q: What measurable progress has the task force recorded over the past year, particularly in terms of impact on women and communities?
A: Over the past year, SNWOT held advocacy meetings with members of the United Nations Security Council and officials from various UN agencies, where we highlighted the importance of women’s participation in achieving sustainable peace and development.We also disseminated our Peace Building Manual across several communities. In 2025 alone, more than 500 women were sensitised on how to use this tool to promote dialogue and stability at local level. In addition, the coalition provided humanitarian assistance, including food items and mattresses, to victims in Gilgado.
Q: What challenges were identified during the review, and how does SNWOT plan to address them?
A: One major challenge is our limited capacity to properly document and showcase our work. To address this, we are strengthening our monitoring and evaluation framework to include the systematic documentation of lessons learned, success stories, and best practices. We also acknowledged limited visibility, which is why the decision to develop a website was strongly supported. Funding constraints remain another challenge, but the AGM included a dedicated session on resource mobilisation to equip members with practical skills in fundraising.
Q: What role will partners and members play in implementing the priorities agreed at the meeting, and what further support is needed?
A: Partners are expected to provide both financial and technical support, as well as platforms that will amplify advocacy for women’s participation in peace and development processes. Members, on their part, must effectively carry out their assigned roles to help the coalition achieve its objectives. The Board of Directors is expected to play a more active role in mobilising resources. Continued collaboration and sustained support from partners will be essential for scaling up our impact across the two regions.
Interviewed for Hilltopvoices by Bakah Derick
Tel: +237 694 71 85 77
