The “women know your rights conference”, co-organised by Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development, CAGEAD and United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA addressed a critical deficit of many women who dominate informal trades understand the forms of gender-based violence but lack knowledge of legal procedures, documentation requirements and pathways to justice.
Organisers said the objective was twofold, to strengthen participants’ capacity to identify and report gender-based violence, and to equip them with practical skills to defend their rights while improving their businesses. The selection of participants reflected a strategic focus on groups often excluded from such engagements due to demanding work schedules, with the conference held on a Sunday to maximise attendance.
Discussions exposed widespread misconceptions around legal protections and family status. Facilitators clarified the legal standing of marriage, stressing that the commonly practised “come-we-stay” arrangement has no recognition under Cameroonian law, leaving many women without legal safeguards. Sessions also addressed the importance of civil documentation, including marriage and birth certificates, particularly for children born to single mothers.
Sexual and reproductive health rights formed a central component, with participants engaging on risks such as HIV and cervical cancer. The interactive format prompted extensive questioning, signalling both interest and previously unmet information needs.
Speaking to www.hilltopvoices.com, CAGEAD Chief Executive Officer, Andiensa Clotilda Waah framed the intervention as both corrective and strategic.
“This conference is very special to CAGEAD because it does not only address a fundamental problem but also brings to the spotlight special groups of women who hardly have the opportunity to learn about such topics because of the nature of their professions,” she said.
She added that many participants had experienced disrupted education and vulnerability.
“Many of them also had to drop out of school because of financial challenges, and many have come from a background of abuse because they had to serve as nannies and house helps before learning a trade. We believe that knowing their rights will go a long way to break the cycle of violence and reduce exploitation.”
Beyond rights awareness, the conference incorporated business development modules, including communication, branding and growth strategies, positioning economic empowerment as a complementary safeguard against abuse.
Andiensa Clotilda emphasised a multiplier effect embedded in the initiative.
“These women are also the ones receiving internally displaced persons and training them. Many of the IDPs suffer GBV and other forms of exploitation. We are expecting that they will use their workplaces to continue to educate other young women and help them seek justice when violated,” she said.
Participants’ reactions pointed to immediate impact, with many pledging to disseminate the knowledge within their communities and workplaces. Organisers expect that improved legal literacy, combined with economic strengthening, will enhance reporting rates, reduce vulnerability and foster grassroots advocacy networks among women in the informal economy.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
Tel: +237 694 71 85 77
