Women, Peace, and Security in Cameroon: Bridging gaps for lasting change

In Cameroon, the pursuit of gender equality in peace and security is gaining momentum, shaped by vital international frameworks. The United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, adopted in 2000, stands as a cornerstone of this effort, emphasizing the necessity of women’s participation in peace processes and their protection during conflicts. This commitment is echoed in the 2020 Guidelines on Women, Peace and Security from ECOWAS, which call for member states to adopt comprehensive strategies that promote women’s meaningful involvement in security matters.

At the national level, the Gender Strategy of the National Committee for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of Cameroon (2021-2025) (in French) crystallizes this resolve, outlining actionable steps to integrate gender perspectives across various policies. It asserts that “ensuring women’s active participation in peace processes not only enhances the effectiveness of interventions but also addresses the specific needs of women in conflict-affected areas.” Such initiatives align with global development indicators that demonstrate inclusive peace processes yield more sustainable outcomes.

Regionally, Cameroon is benefiting from initiatives spearheaded by the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture, which has made significant strides in promoting women’s roles in conflict resolution. The 2019 ECOWAS Gender Policy emphasizes the necessity of integrating gender considerations into all peace and security efforts, showcasing successful case studies where women’s involvement has led to more robust peace agreements. The 2020 ECOWAS Annual Report further reinforces this commitment, highlighting that the inclusion of women in peacebuilding is now a priority for regional stability, particularly in areas plagued by violence and insecurity.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been instrumental in advancing the women, peace, and security agenda in Cameroon. Through its PBF-funded project, IOM has initiated transformative actions that empower women in Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) processes. A significant achievement of this project was the comprehensive mapping of women’s organizations in the Far North region, ensuring that targeted support reaches those directly engaged in peacebuilding.

Additionally, the project has successfully structured a network of women’s organizations, which facilitates coordination of activities under the National DDR Committee (CNDDR). This initiative not only amplifies women’s voices in peace and security discussions but also fosters sustainable impact by reinforcing their leadership roles within DDR programming. By creating community dialogue forums, IOM has enhanced mediation and conflict resolution efforts at the grassroots level, ensuring that women’s perspectives are integrated into national and regional reintegration processes.

Moreover, the initiative has placed a strong emphasis on capacity building. Training programs have equipped women’s organizations and community leaders with essential skills in DDR and gender advocacy, ultimately empowering them to play a more active role in shaping their communities. The focus on combating gender-based violence has also been pivotal, as support services for survivors and awareness-raising campaigns have strengthened community resilience.

Cameroon’s journey toward integrating women into peace and security frameworks is marked by significant achievements, yet challenges persist. The alignment of international, regional, and national commitments has laid a solid foundation, while the IOM’s contributions have been critical in empowering women and amplifying their roles in peace processes. As these efforts continue to unfold, it is essential that all stakeholders remain committed to ensuring that women’s voices are not only heard but actively shape the future of peace and security in Cameroon.

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