Speaking to hilltovpoices.com shortly after receiving the Women in Leadership Excellence award , Andiensa Clotida described the honour as a significant national endorsement of her leadership trajectory, but was measured in her response, stressing that the recognition heightens responsibility rather than signalling arrival.
“I think the excitement that this award brings to me is the fact that it’s leadership, and it’s a national recognition of my leadership,” she said adding that “Together, we are stronger. I remain committed to continue to put in my efforts on the issues that are affecting women and girls within communities.”
Her recognition had been formally announced ahead of the ceremony, with organisers presenting her as a confirmed honouree whose work reflects “outstanding leadership, influence, and unwavering commitment to excellence.” The citation noted that her journey “continues to inspire change, empower others, and redefine what it means to lead with purpose and impact,” positioning her as part of a new generation of women shaping national development trajectories.
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The ceremony, held at Djeuga Palace Hotel, brought together nominees and networks, reinforcing the awards’ emphasis on community backing as a measure of impact. Organisers maintained that recognition at this level extends beyond individual merit to include the breadth of influence and mobilisation behind each honouree.
Andiensa Clotilda’s remarks situate the award within a broader continuum of activism that has moved from classroom advocacy to national and international engagement on sexual and reproductive health rights, gender-based violence and community-led peacebuilding.
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Through her leadership of the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development CAGEAD and her role as te General Coordinator of the South West North West Women’s Task Force, SNWOT, she has contributed to localising the Women, Peace and Security agenda in conflict-affected regions.
According to Clotilda Andiensa, the moment also connects to recent traditional recognition, including the title of “Na Mboini” or Mother of Peace conferred by the Fon of Kom. She acknowledged the symbolic continuity between local and national validation.
“It is very clear that when the house is clean, many things flow in,” she said, adding that she hopes more women engaged in similar work receive recognition to sustain momentum.
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Her message remains forward-looking. She described each award as “a reminder of so much work that still lies ahead,” calling for broader participation in advocacy and peace initiatives.
“It is an encouragement… I pray that many people should come and join us, so that we should be able to make a change in our communities,” she said.
Reactions around her reflect the personal and collective resonance of the award. In a statement, her organisation described the recognition as the culmination of “years of sacrifice” and sustained engagement in public health and gender advocacy. On a more personal note, her son, who attended the ceremony, spoke of her influence beyond public life.
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“It is one thing to have mentors… it is more deeper when you have a mum as a role model,” he said, describing her as “a driving force.” Hartwig Sheyndi Mondua said
The award arrives at a time when community-based peacebuilding and inclusive health responses remain critical in Cameroon’s North West and South West regions. Clotilda Andiensa’s renewed commitment signals continuity in grassroots mobilisation, with an emphasis on amplifying marginalised voices, strengthening women’s participation in decision-making, and sustaining non-violent approaches to conflict resolution.
The expected impact of her continued engagement lies in consolidating community structures already in place like the peace ambassador initiative, expanding advocacy networks like peace clubs, and reinforcing the role of women as central actors in peace processes.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web in Yaoundé
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