Lack of capital is the biggest obstacle preventing survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Bamenda III Subdivision from establishing or expanding income-generating activities, a baseline survey by the Association for the Promotion of Women’s Rights and Peace Building (AP-WORP) has found.
The survey showed that 14 of the 25 survivors targeted by a new AP-WORP project identified insufficient capital as their main barrier to economic activity. Six others cited safety and security concerns, while childcare responsibilities and transport costs also affected their ability to participate.
The findings were presented on Tuesday, 13 October, during the launch of the project, restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, which seeks to help 25 survivors rebuild their lives through psychosocial support, vocational training and economic empowerment.
Running from February 2026 to February 2027, the project aims to strengthen the socio-economic resilience of participants, with a target of improving their income by at least 20 per cent after six months.
Presenting the baseline findings, AP-WORP Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Maku Vivian said the survey would guide the support provided to participants, including the choice of training and income-generating activities.
“Nothing will be imposed,” Maku said, explaining that beneficiaries would be supported according to their interests and needs.
The survey identified different livelihood preferences, including hairdressing, clothing repairs and fish-related businesses. The project will use these preferences to shape vocational training and the provision of start-up capital and equipment.
The M&E Officer said the findings also highlighted the need to address practical barriers that could prevent survivors from benefiting fully. These include insecurity, lockdowns, childcare responsibilities and transport costs.
The project will therefore combine financial and material support with vocational training, psychosocial counselling and business coaching. Flexible training schedules, including mornings and weekends, are also being considered in response to participants’ preferences.
“The key takeaway is that economic empowerment must be shared with psychosocial support and practical access measures,” Maku Vivian said, stressing that financial assistance alone would not guarantee sustainable livelihoods.
According to the project presentation by AP-WORP Executive Director Munteh Florence Chea, the initiative will provide individual psychological assessments and personalised support plans to help survivors address trauma and prepare for reintegration.
Participants will also receive training in management, accounting, marketing, communication and e-commerce. The project will support them to establish or strengthen cooperatives and Common Initiative Groups (CIGs), with guidance on registration, governance and regulatory compliance.
Coaching and follow-up will help participants implement their income-generating activities, monitor their progress and prepare for the continuation of their businesses beyond the project period.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of the protracted crisis in the North-West and South-West regions, where displacement, poverty and disrupted access to services have compounded the vulnerability of women and girls. AP-WORP identified economic dependence and limited support as factors that can make recovery from gender-based violence more difficult.
Launching the project, Bamenda III Deputy Mayor Margaret Ndzelen commended AP-WORP for involving the council and other local stakeholders in the process.
“I want to congratulate you for what you have done this far, and to congratulate the beneficiaries,” she said, urging participants to take the training seriously and use the skills acquired to build their livelihoods.
She emphasised the importance of sustainability and continued follow-up, calling on AP-WORP to ensure that the initiative became a community concern rather than benefiting only the direct participants.
“Let the community feel this goodness,” she said.
Mayor Margaret Ndzelen also pledged the council’s support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of cooperation between civil society organisations, municipal authorities and community structures.
Akemgwa Paul, quarter head and representative of the Fon of Nkwen, also committed traditional and community structures to supporting the project and monitoring beneficiary activities.
“We are pledging our commitment to partnering with the organisation in order to do follow-up,” he said, adding that the community would help ensure that activities ran smoothly and that the gains were sustained.
Representatives of the Ministries of sports, women empowerment, agriculture and social affairs have pledged to make their services available to the project participants for various assistance they will need.
The project targets survivors from both internally displaced and host communities, with priority given to people under 25, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Participants were selected using criteria that include their economic circumstances, motivation and readiness to participate.
Expected results include improved psychosocial wellbeing, stronger vocational and business skills, operational beneficiary groups and increased engagement in income-generating activities. Progress will be monitored through project reports, training records, coaching assessments and income data.
AP-WORP Executive Director has appreciated The European Union, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and GIZ for choosing her organisation as implementing partner of the project.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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