The pervasive presence of various forms of violence against women and girls in the crisis-hit regions of the Country CAMEROON, specifically North West and South West, coupled with its gruesome impact on the individuals, their families, and the community at large, has sparked widespread disapproval. However, the knowledge of how to effectively intervene, support those suffering from violence and advocate against its prevalence remains limited.
Recognizing this pathetic issue within our community, Belie Health Foundation, in collaboration with UNICEF and the African Union through the Spotlight Initiative, took a decisive step to empower diverse stakeholders through specialised training on advocating against violence towards women and girls.
Looking back at our empowering workshop on the 2nd of December 2023, we are elated by the strides taken by the over 40 champions who emerged, motivated to learn and instigate change within their communities and spheres of influence. Our esteemed resource persons, including a magistrate, reformer activist and mental health therapists, shared invaluable insights and expertise, enriching the experience for all champions.
One intriguing moment during the workshop was when a survivor of sexual violence, who began experiencing violence at the tender age of 9, bravely shared her story of healing and self-discovery over the years. She recounted the unwavering support she received from close friends and Belie Health Foundation adding up to her complete recovery. Today, she stands strong and actively serves in her advocacy journey.
This remarkable testimony left an unerasable impression on the champions present, inspiring another survivor to pledge her commitment to stand up for other victims she encounters, thereby igniting a chain of empowerment and support for those in need.
It is vital for every individual to familiarise themselves with the various psychosocial supports and referral pathways available to aid survivors of violence within their communities. This formed a significant focus of our workshop, which encompassed legal frameworks for managing cases of violence, the provision of psychosocial support from peers, family, therapists, or other individuals, and the comprehensive outline of all available referral pathways, including the indispensable support provided by the Belie Health Foundation.
The success of this workshop was tangible as participants—comprising educators, parents, youth leaders, and religious leaders—shared diverse instances of witnessed violence, previously unsure of how to offer assistance. However, having acquired knowledge and insights, they are eager to collaborate to eradicate violence. Their compelling testimonies proved their dedication to spreading hope for victims of violence, emphatically stating that “help is available!”
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Magistrate Forcheh Edward, Mrs. Blessing Serna and Mrs. Tezete Evet for their outstanding contributions as resource persons, as well as to our esteemed partners, UNICEF, the African Union, and Spotlight Initiative alongside every participant and our dedicated team, whose collective efforts fostered the success of the workshop.
As we press onward, let’s continue to carry the torch of change and commit ourselves to leading this transformative journey. With collective effort and collaboration, we can indeed bring an end to these acts of violence.










