SHUMAS

13/10/2026

SHUMAS COMMEMORATES THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD IN BENAKUMA: EMPOWERING GIRLS TO SAY NO TO CHILD MARRIAGE

As part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child, Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS) conducted Psychosocial Support (PSS) sessions with younger and older adolescents at Government High School (GHS) Benakuma, reaching 86 girls. The activity was implemented under the project “Client-centred humanitarian response: improving the lives of crisis-affected people in the Northwest Region of Cameroon (SHUMAS–IRC Partnership under the SIDA Grant).” The sessions provided a safe and engaging space for girls to discuss issues affecting their well-being, education, rights, and future aspirations, with a particular focus on child marriage.

During the discussions, participants explored the factors contributing to early marriage, including poverty, lack of education, unemployment, forced marriage, and social pressures. They also examined its consequences, including complications during childbirth, difficulties managing household responsibilities, challenges in caring for children, and social exclusion. These conversations highlighted the importance of protecting girls from early marriage and ensuring they have opportunities to grow, learn, and make informed decisions about their futures.

The girls were encouraged to remain disciplined, take their education seriously, make responsible choices, and stay focused on their academic goals. The sessions also emphasised the importance of engaging parents and communities to support girls’ education, challenge harmful practices, and recognise that every girl deserves the opportunity to complete her education and pursue her dreams without pressure to marry early.

Through these activities, SHUMAS reaffirms its commitment to promoting the rights, dignity, protection, and empowerment of the girl child. Every girl deserves a childhood free from harmful practices, access to quality education, and the freedom to shape her own future. Protecting girls from child marriage is a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of parents, schools, community leaders, and other stakeholders. Through the Client-centred humanitarian response: improving the lives of crisis-affected people in the Northwest Region of Cameroon project, implemented through the SHUMAS–IRC Partnership under the SIDA Grant, these efforts contribute to building a future where every girl is safe, educated, empowered, and able to reach her full potential.

12/10/2026

𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗞𝗨𝗠𝗔: 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗜𝗥𝗟 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗗 — 𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝗚𝗜𝗥𝗟𝗦' 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦!

In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, under the theme "End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls' Rights!", a community dialogue was held in Benakuma to raise awareness of and its impact on the , , , and future of the girl child.

The session brought together 20 men (community leaders, chiefs, and religious leaders) for a focused group discussion on the factors that contribute to and the need for collective action to from this harmful practice. By convening these key figures rather than a random group of attendees, the dialogue ensured the conversation happened directly among the people who shape decisions in the community.

The activity was carried out under the project "Client-centred humanitarian response: improving the lives of crisis-affected people in the Northwest Region of Cameroon," implemented through the – Partnership and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency ( ).

The participants examined the enabling factors of , its consequences, and proposed solutions and ways forward. The conversations highlighted the importance of addressing the social and economic pressures that expose girls to early marriage, promoting girls' access to , strengthening , and encouraging parents, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders to challenge . Such engagements are essential in fostering shared responsibility and creating safer environments where girls can grow, learn, and make informed decisions about their futures.

As we mark the International Day of the Girl Child, requires sustained commitment from families, communities, schools, and humanitarian actors. Every girl deserves the opportunity to complete her education, enjoy her , and pursue her dreams without fear of discrimination or forced marriage.

Through the – Partnership under the -funded project, continued community engagement and awareness-raising contribute to promoting , challenging harmful practices, and building a future where every girl is protected, empowered, and able to reach her full potential.

11/10/2026

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD : PROTECTING ADOLESCENT GIRLS: SAFEGUARDING THEIR RIGHTS, DIGNITY AND FUTURE

Adolescent girls are powerful agents of change, with dreams, talents and aspirations that deserve to be nurtured. Yet, many continue to face challenges that threaten their safety, well-being and development.

Child marriage, gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, discrimination, teenage pregnancy and limited access to education and healthcare remain serious concerns. Poverty, harmful social norms and unsafe environments can further expose girls to abuse and deny them opportunities to reach their full potential.

Beyond these challenges, adolescent girls need safe spaces where they can speak freely, seek support, build confidence and participate in decisions affecting their lives. Their mental health, emotional well-being and right to be heard must never be overlooked.

Protecting girls means respecting their rights, listening to their voices, preventing abuse, challenging harmful practices and ensuring access to education, healthcare, psychosocial support and equal opportunities. Families, schools, traditional authorities, communities and humanitarian organisations all have a role to play in safeguarding their dignity.

As we commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, SHUMAS calls on everyone to stand against child marriage, protect girls from all forms of violence and invest in their rights and potential. Every girl deserves to grow up safe, valued and empowered to shape her own future.

Protect her rights. Respect her dignity. Invest in her future.

10/10/2026

05/10/2026

PINK MONTH : BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

This Pink Month, SHUMAS joins communities around the world to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of taking women’s health seriously. Early detection can make a significant difference, and every woman deserves access to accurate information, care and support.

- Know your body.
- Know the warning signs.
- Go for regular screening when recommended.
- Encourage and support women around you.
- Seek medical advice when you notice any unusual changes.

Together, we can promote awareness, encourage early detection and stand with women and families affected by breast cancer. This Pink Month, let’s speak up, check in and support one another.

22/09/2026

BSFA intervention led to improved attendance, higher academic performance and healthier children.

11/09/2026

SHUMAS in Emergency
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05/09/2026

Bamenda : SHUMAS Joins March Against Femicide

Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS) joined Women-Led Organizations in the North-West Region for a sensitization march in Bamenda against femicide, amid growing concerns over violence against women and girls across Cameroon.

In unity, women-led organizations, technical partners, bike riders and well-wishers came together to raise their voices against violence in all its forms, with particular emphasis on protecting women and girls.

The march called for stronger community action, stronger government commitment and decisive judicial action to prevent femicide, hold perpetrators accountable, and protect the rights and dignity of women and girls.

02/09/2026

to World Breastfeeding Week 2026: SHUMAS Strengthens Support for Mothers and Newborns

During World Breastfeeding Week 2026, observed from 1–7 August, Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS) joined the global campaign led by WHO and UNICEF under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthening What Works.” The campaign highlights the importance of sustaining proven practices that support mothers and newborns.

At community level, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months remains a critical protection against malnutrition, infections and diarrhoeal diseases. SHUMAS conducted awareness activities across health facilities in Kousseri, Garoua 1 and Garoua 2, including Laindé, Souari, Kollere, Madana, Madagascar and the Catholic Private Health Centre in Kousseri.

Throughout the week, breastfeeding counsellors, midwives and community health workers provided practical guidance on early initiation of breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping, continued breastfeeding up to two years, proper positioning and attachment, prevention of breast complications, and safe expression of breast milk. Young mothers also benefited from listening and psychosocial support sessions, while U-Reporters helped address everyday challenges including fatigue, family pressure and returning to work or farming.

Building Lasting Support: Beyond the campaign week, SHUMAS is working to integrate breastfeeding counselling into routine health services and strengthen community support systems. By equipping health workers, engaging families and mobilising communities, SHUMAS aims to ensure that every mother receives the support she needs to breastfeed confidently and give her child a healthier start in life.