Gender-based Violence Preoccupying in Buea

By Boris Esono in Buea

FIDA, Voices for women, LUKMEF pose with participants at the training workshop in Buea to end VAW

Some 30 community based organizations have been educated on various ways to end gender based violence perpetrated on the girl child. The training which took place last Thursday May 17 was organized by the International Federation of Lawyers, FIDA Cameroon, in partnership with LUKMEF Cameroon, Voices for Women, brought together participants from the Northwest, West, East and the SWR.

            The UN Declaration on Elimination of Violence against women defines violence against women as “any act of gender base violence which results in or is likely to result in physical or sexual harm to women including coercion.

            According to the National President of FIDA Cameroon, Mafor Barrister Gladys MbuyaLuku, “we are training about 30 CBOs leaders who will intend train about 300 women as peer leaders to end violence against women and girls”. “Violence against women and girls is something that even the UNO is fighting against and we have realized that if we do not collaborate it will be difficult to bring an end to it”.

            She further added that “those who have been trained should impact knowledge to other activists so that there will be a chain effect on this fight against violence on women”. “Breaking the silence is very vital because until you inform activists, they will not know and find help for their cases”. “Presently, more women have been coming up and reporting violence against them which is very good”.

            During the workshop, it was recognized that there are about 4 different types of violence namely physical, sexual, economic, emotional and psychological violence. All of these inhibits the woman from reaching their full potentials, discriminates against women and it makes it impossible for the women to have equality with the men.

            To Nigel Mbaya Ngia Fomumbod, program Manager TVF-Bamenda, violence against women is rooted in the aspects of our culture. He said “in the NWR were it is very prevalent such inheritance practices, widowhood, women having access to economic benefits. VAW is an issue that needs to be fight upon by every stakeholder”.

            Ending violence against women is a human right and is a clear path towards gender equality. For women to become active and valued participants in the lives of their communities, according to FIDA National President, every women’s right to personal integrity must be respected, protected, fulfill and enforced. “Living in a society that is free from violence will help empower women to reach their potential a citizens and as economic actors, and enable them to take control over their own lives”.