United to End Gender Based Violence

After the board meeting on the 24th November 2024, the board members agreed to tackle the campaign against Gender based violence from the 27th of November to the 11th of December 2024. Though the international community was observing the day on the theme,
“No Excuse! Unite to End Violence against Women and Girls”, Cameroon has coined its own theme into, “Responding and Rebuilding after the Abuse”.

ACTWID KONGADZEM after deliberations decided to focus mainly on groups’ young girls and single mother in two regions of the country, Bamenda and Yaounde. We expected to sensitize and educate over 500 young people on gender based violence, majority being young women between the ages of 12 and 35 while also educating them of reproductive health and proper hygiene.

Here’s a potential presentation on the theme of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) for 2024:

Title:

«Unite to End Violence against Women and Girls»
Subtitle: “Responding and Rebuilding after the Abuse”

Definition and Prevalence of GBV

Definition: “Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is any form of violence that is directed against a person because of their gender, sex, or perceived gender or sex.”
Prevalence:
1 in 3 women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime (WHO)
71% of human trafficking victims are women and girls (UNODC)

Types of GBV

Physical violence
Sexual violence
Emotional and psychological violence
Financial and economic violence

Digital violence

Impact of GBV

Physical and emotional harm
Loss of livelihood and economic stability
Social isolation and stigma
Reduced access to education and healthcare
Increased risk of HIV/AIDS and other STIs

GBV in Cameroon

1 in 5 women in Cameroon experience physical or sexual violence (UNFPA)
71% of women in Cameroon report experiencing some form of violence in their lifetime
(WHO)
GBV is often perpetuated by societal norms and cultural practices

Breaking the Silence

• Importance of speaking out against GBV
• Creating safe spaces for survivors to share their stories
• Holding perpetrators accountable for their actions

Empowering Survivors

• Providing access to healthcare, counseling, and legal support
• Economic empowerment through education, job training, and microfinance initiatives.
• Building a supportive community of survivors and advocates.

Holding Perpetrators Accountable

Strengthening laws and policies to prevent GBV
Increasing awareness and education about GBV among men and boys
Providing consequences for perpetrators, including prosecution and rehabilitation programs

Call to Action

Get involved in local efforts to prevent GBV
Support organizations working to empower survivors and hold perpetrators accountable
Use your voice to speak out against GBV and promote a culture of respect and equality

Conclusion

Since its inception in 1989, one of ACTWID’s primary objectives has been to protect and advocate for the rights of women and girls. This commitment remains unwavering. This year, we are determined to reach as many people as possible to spread this crucial message.

GBV is a pervasive and devastating issue that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide
By working together, we can break the silence, empower survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable
Let us commit to creating a world where everyone can live free from violence and fear.

*Annex

Here are some pictures of the activities carried out during the 2 wee campaigned against GBV by ACTWID KONGADZEM 2024.

Madam Alice and Mr. Mondikum Peter in CAROMA COMPREHENSIVE in Bamenda. They sensitized over 250 young women and 50 young boys. The event was very successful and the sanitary nts.

Walters and Felicity at the British college Dragage-Yaounde. With a total of 38 participants 24 young girls and 14 boys.

And finally Anita also in Ekounou in Yaoundé, who focused on the single mothers of the internally displaced person and young girls of the Ekounou community. Total number of single moth.