On February 19, 2025, DAREM NGO officially launched its transformative project aimed at enhancing indigenous women’s roles in natural resources governance for peace and security in the West and Southwest regions of Cameroon. Funded by ALVF Cameroon, this initiative seeks to empower indigenous women by equipping them with the skills needed for leadership, governance, advocacy, and conflict resolution in environmental decision-making.
The project launch was marked by an interactive training workshop, where indigenous women, community leaders, and stakeholders came together to discuss pressing issues affecting their communities. Sessions covered women in leadership and peacebuilding, governance and advocacy for indigenous women, and conflict resolution strategies. Participants actively engaged in discussions and real-life case studies, sharing their experiences of marginalization in natural resources management and governance.
Bringing Issues to Life Through Drama
One of the most powerful moments of the workshop was a drama performance staged by the participants, illustrating the harsh realities of water scarcity and resource-related conflicts.
In the play, two indigenous women engaged in a heated argument over access to a communal water source. As tensions escalated, the conflict turned physical, drawing in other community members who took sides. The scene vividly depicted the struggles faced by many women in the region due to water scarcity, poor resource governance, and lack of inclusion in decision-making.
The drama concluded with a resolution scene, where women leaders trained in conflict mediation stepped in to restore peace. They facilitated dialogue between the two women, ensuring a fair water distribution system was established. The performance left a profound impact on the audience, including community elders and local authorities.
A traditional chief in attendance was moved by the scene, stating: “This is the reality of our communities. Our women bear the brunt of resource scarcity, yet they are rarely consulted on solutions. This initiative is an eye-opener, and I fully support the integration of women in governance.”
Success Stories: Women Finding Their Voices
For many participants, the workshop was a life-changing experience. Women who had previously felt powerless in decision-making processes left with renewed confidence and determination to advocate for their rights.
One participant, a widow from the Southwest region, shared her story: “I have lived in my community for over 30 years, yet I have never been allowed to speak at village meetings about land and water issues. Today, I have learned that my voice matters. I will no longer remain silent.”
Another success story came from a young woman who decided to mobilize others in her village to form a women’s advocacy group focused on sustainable land use and natural resource governance. “This training has shown me that change starts with us. We can’t wait for others to act—we must take the lead,” she said.
Building Women’s Leadership in Governance and Peacebuilding
The workshop also featured a capacity-building session on women in leadership and peacebuilding, equipping participants with essential skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, and governance. Facilitators emphasized the importance of women’s participation in policy dialogues and trained them on how to engage with traditional and administrative authorities to influence decision-making.
A community leader who attended the training expressed his admiration for the women’s resilience: “Our women are strong, knowledgeable, and capable. It’s time for us to break the barriers that have kept them out of governance and recognize them as equal partners in development.”
Next Steps: Turning Knowledge into Action
With the success of the launch and training workshop, DAREM NGO is now focused on mentorship programs, policy advocacy, and community engagement initiatives to ensure that indigenous women continue to play an active role in natural resources governance.
Moving forward, DAREM NGO will:
Support women-led advocacy groups to engage local and national policymakers.
Organize follow-up training sessions on land rights, environmental governance, and peacebuilding.
Collaborate with traditional rulers and government officials to promote gender-inclusive governance structures.
CONCLUSION
The launch of this project marked a turning point for indigenous women in Cameroon’s West and Southwest regions. Through training, advocacy, and community engagement, they are now better equipped to challenge exclusion, resolve conflicts, and shape policies affecting their natural resources.
As one participant boldly stated at the end of the workshop: “We are no longer just caretakers of the land, we are decision-makers, leaders, and change-makers. Our voices will be heard.”
