COWOPNET-CAGEAD equips GBV survivors with psychosocial recovery skills to rebuild lives in North West Cameroon

Thirty survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) from Mezam, Momo and Boyo Divisions have begun a three-day training on psychosocial and economic wellbeing aimed at helping them recover from trauma and rebuild sustainable livelihoods.

The training, which opened in Bamenda on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, forms part of the project "reinforcing conflict resolution mechanisms and strengthening GBV prevention and protection of survivors in crisis-affected communities of the North West Region of Cameroon," implemented by Community Women Peace Builder's Network COWOPNET a brain child of the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD) with funding from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) through ALVF Association.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the psychosocial wellbeing and economic capacities of women and girls whose lives have been affected by years of conflict and gender-based violence.

Opening the workshop on behalf of CAGEAD Chief Executive Officer, Andiensa Clotilda Waah, Project Officer Germaine Njeh said the training marks another important phase of the project by placing survivors at the centre of recovery efforts.

She explained that over the next three days, participants will receive practical knowledge and skills in trauma recovery, psychosocial support, safety planning and livelihood development.

"The objective is to strengthen the psychosocial wellbeing and economic resilience of women and girls affected by the ongoing crisis. Participants will also receive practical training in entrepreneurship and small business management to support their journey towards sustainable recovery," she said.

According to Njeh, the programme extends beyond classroom learning.

"Following this training, survivors will receive start-up capital to support their income-generating activities. Together, we are working towards a future where survivors can access vital services, recover from trauma and achieve economic independence."

Day one focused on helping participants understand the emotional and psychological effects of gender-based violence while introducing practical approaches to healing and resilience.

Facilitator Josephine Nsono during session

Facilitator Josephine Nsono opened the sessions with discussions on understanding gender-based violence and its psychosocial impact, guiding participants through the different forms and causes of GBV as well as its emotional, psychological and social consequences within conflict-affected communities.

The sessions sought to deepen participants' understanding of how violence affects mental health while encouraging survivor-centred approaches to healing.

Facilitator Dr. Maureen Boyo, a clinical psychologist and gender-based violence specialist, later led discussions on trauma, trauma reactions and trauma-informed healing.

Dr. Maureen Boyo during session

Participants explored how traumatic experiences influence emotions, behaviour and relationships while learning practical pathways towards recovery and resilience.

The afternoon sessions shifted from understanding trauma to developing practical coping mechanisms.

Facilitators introduced participants to stress management techniques, healthy coping strategies, emotional regulation, resilience building and self-care practices designed to strengthen emotional wellbeing.

Through interactive exercises and guided reflections, participants identified their personal strengths and developed individual self-care plans that will support their recovery long after the training ends.

The workshop continues on Thursday with sessions focusing on survivor protection and economic empowerment, including safety planning, entrepreneurship and business development, as participants prepare for livelihood support that will enable them to rebuild their lives with greater confidence and independence.

The training forms part of CAGEAD's broader commitment to ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence are not only protected but also equipped with the knowledge, skills and economic opportunities needed to recover, regain dignity and become active contributors to their communities.

By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web 

Tel: +237 694 71 85 77

BAMENDA, Cameroon