The official launch of the North West Regional Women Mediators Network marked the high point of the 2026 North West Women Mediators' Summit as participants concluded two days of reflection, dialogue and advocacy with renewed commitment to strengthening women's participation in peacebuilding and community governance.
The network was officially unveiled on June 5 in Bamenda during the closing ceremony of the summit organised by Mother of Hope Cameroon (MOHCAM), bringing together women mediators, traditional rulers, government officials, civil society actors, development partners and peace practitioners from across the region.
Representing the Governor of the North West Region, the Inspector General at the Governor's Office, Ignatius Ekalle, praised the contribution of women to peacebuilding efforts and encouraged them to remain at the forefront of initiatives aimed at restoring social cohesion in communities affected by years of conflict.
He assured participants of government's continued support for efforts that promote women's participation in peacebuilding, mediation and community development. His message echoed ongoing national commitments championed through the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and the Family, which continues to advocate for the implementation of policies that advance women's leadership, protection and participation in decision-making processes.
The launch of the network represented the culmination of a three-year Women Mediation Project implemented by MOHCAM with support from the Open Society Foundation. The project has trained women mediators and peace monitors across the North West Region and recorded significant success in resolving community conflicts.
Speaking to Hilltopvoices at the close of the summit, MOHCAM Executive Director, Adah Atoh Muyang, expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved and the official birth of the network.
Describing the launch as a historic achievement for women's peace leadership, she said the platform would bring together women peacebuilders under a common umbrella to strengthen mediation efforts, amplify women's voices and promote meaningful participation in peace processes.
"We have laid a strong foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable peacebuilding process, one that recognises and elevates the vital role of women as mediators, advocates and leaders," she noted.
According to her, the creation of the network signals the beginning of a new chapter where women are not merely participants in peace initiatives but key architects of lasting peace.
The summit attracted praise from participants who described it as a timely intervention in a region still grappling with the consequences of conflict.
Azinue Ngufor, Quarter Head of Bayelle and Councillor at the Bamenda III Council, said the summit offered a fresh perspective on the role of women in governance and decision-making.
"This summit is a dawn in the way we are doing things because in the past we have been leaving women in the background, especially at decision-making tables, and yet we talk on things that concern them directly," he said.
While noting that women already occupy about 40 per cent of positions within his quarter council, Ngufor acknowledged that more work remains to be done in other traditional structures.
"The time has come for us at all levels to realise that we are all humans and have different potentials, be it men or women, and we should be very inclusive in whatever we do. This does not mean changing our traditions, but we can make some amendments," he added.
For Yaya Emelienne of Cameroon Women in Action Society (CAWAS), the summit created an important space for learning, collaboration and policy engagement among peace actors.
"The summit was well organised and presented a great avenue to learn more about what humanitarian actors are doing in peacebuilding and mediation," she said.
Emelienne described the newly launched network as an important opportunity for existing networks, consortiums and humanitarian organisations to work together for greater visibility and impact.
She called on government institutions to support organisations working to localise United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and urged stakeholders to move beyond documentation and reporting towards concrete action.
She also advocated for dedicated protection mechanisms for women peacebuilders and mediators operating in fragile environments.
Among those contributing to the summit was Munteh Florence, North West Regional Coordinator of the National Women's Convention for Peace in Cameroon and a panelist during the event.
She described the gathering as timely, relevant and impactful.
"The summit provided an important platform for women mediators, government representatives, civil society actors, development partners and community leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue on women's leadership and participation in peace processes," she said.
According to Florence, the network has the potential to strengthen collaboration, knowledge sharing, early warning systems and women's participation in decision-making.
"Going forward, we must prioritise inclusivity, collaboration, mentorship and resource mobilisation to ensure that the network remains active, effective and responsive to realities on the ground," she said.
Florence also called on media organisations to intensify efforts to highlight the work of women peacebuilders and mediators in order to inspire communities and encourage broader participation.
Reflecting on the summit on social media, she noted that the event provided an opportunity to showcase the work of the National Women's Convention for Peace in Cameroon and advocate for the meaningful inclusion of women in peacebuilding and decision-making processes.
She was among several stakeholders recognised during the closing ceremony, receiving an Appreciation Award for her role as a trainer and technical resource person within the Women Mediation Project.
Another notable recognition went to Andiensa Clotilda Waah, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD), who was honoured as one of the veteran women peacebuilders in the North West Region.
According to a statement released by her organisation, the recognition acknowledged years of contribution to peacebuilding through CAGEAD, the South West North West Women's Task Force, Community Women Peace Builders Network and other initiatives that have helped strengthen local peace mechanisms and community resilience.
Nantoh Carine Kometa, Founder of Light to My Path Foundation, described the summit as educational and reflective of the realities facing communities in the North West Region.
"The discussions were relatable because they touched key issues pertaining to our reality in the North West Region. Participation was excellent because discussions were open to all and everybody's opinion was welcomed and considered," she said.
She nevertheless encouraged organisers to improve time management in future editions to allow for deeper engagement between participants and panelists.
Kometa described the newly launched network as a practical step towards ensuring women's involvement in peace discussions.
"I think it is a big push for genuine peace talks. When women are fighting for a particular cause or gather to achieve a certain goal, it must definitely be achieved," she said.
She expressed hope that members of the network would place collective interests above personal considerations and remain committed to serving communities.
The Regional Delegate of Women's Empowerment and the Family for the North West Region, Wirba Hassan, also expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the summit and encouraged women's organisations to work in synergy to maximise results and strengthen peacebuilding efforts across the region.
As participants departed Bamenda at the end of the summit, the launch of the North West Regional Women Mediators Network stood as both a symbol of progress and a test of commitment.
For many attendees, the challenge now is ensuring that the momentum generated during the summit translates into concrete action at community level, where peace remains both a necessity and a shared responsibility.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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