As part of the project, our team carried out a stakeholder engagement in Bangem Subdivision under the theme “Woman ehh wuna place dey.”
During this visit, we officially presented information letters to the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO), His Lord Mayor, and the Delegation of Women Empowerment and the Family. These leaders not only welcomed the initiative but also pledged their full support toward the establishment of a safe space for women and girls in Bangem.
Such collaboration with local authorities is critical. Research shows that initiatives with community and government buy-in are 40% more likely to succeed in ensuring sustainability and systemic change. Their support demonstrates that the protection and empowerment of women and girls is not a standalone agenda, but a shared responsibility.
Why Safe Spaces Matter
The reality of GBV in Cameroon cannot be ignored:
56% of women aged 15–49 report experiencing physical violence, with 28% reporting sexual violence at least once in their lifetime (DHS, 2018).
Among indigenous women, these figures are believed to be higher due to cultural stigmatization, poverty, and limited access to services (UNFPA, 2022).
A UNICEF study found that 1 in 3 girls in rural communities is married before age 18, increasing their vulnerability to lifelong cycles of abuse and economic dependence.
Against this backdrop, safe spaces become vital. They provide:
• Confidential support services for survivors.
• Access to information on rights, health, and referral pathways.
• Skill-building opportunities to promote independence.
• Platforms for collective advocacy to challenge harmful practices and norms.
By establishing safe spaces in Bangem, this project ensures that Mbororo women and girls are no longer isolated at the margins but are empowered to take center stage in shaping their future.
Moving from Margins to Mainstream
The vision of this project is not only to reduce GBV but also to build resilience and agency among indigenous women and girls.
Through community dialogues, leadership training, and the creation of safe spaces, the initiative is helping women reclaim their rightful place as active decision-makers. This aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, which calls for women’s meaningful participation in peacebuilding and governance.
Bangem’s leaders’ commitment to this project is a clear indication that communities are ready to embrace transformation. Together, we are paving the way for a future where every woman and girl is valued, protected, and empowered.
When women and girls move from the margins to the mainstream, entire communities rise.
#UNFPA # GIZ #BMZ #Europeanunion #FromMarginsToMainstream #SafeSpaces #GBVPrevention #WomenEmpowerment
