Women's Global Empowerment Initiative-WGEI

09/04/2026

We are excited to share that our Founder/Executive Director Owen Jolana have been selected as a Coach for the Girlpreneur Africa Program 2026.

In this role, she will be supporting and guiding aspiring young women entrepreneurs with coaching, mentorship, and practical tools to help them grow their businesses, build confidence, and turn ideas into sustainable success.

We are grateful for this opportunity to learn, impact, and help these brilliant girls shine!

31/03/2026

Justice for Divine Mbarga - Ending R**e
Culture in Cameroon, Africa and Worldwide.

African Women Initiative for Empowerment and Peacebuilding (AWIEP) mourns the tragic loss of Divine Mbarga, a young woman whose life was brutally taken through r**e and murder in Cameroon. Her death is not just a personal tragedy-it is a painful reminder of the urgent need to dismantle the structures of silence and impunity that allow gender-based violence to persist.

This injustice underscores why AWIEP in partnership with REWOCAM and Global Pearls
launched the Eradicating R**e Culture Project in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Through this initiative, we worked to challenge harmful norms, empower survivors, and demand accountability from institutions. Divine's case shows us that our work must continue with even greater urgency worldwide.

We call on authorities, civil society, and international partners to ensure that justice is served for Divine Mbarga. Her voice must not be silenced, and her story must fuel collective action to protect women and girls across Africa.

R**e is not culture. Violence is not tradition.
Silence is not an option.

AWIEP stands firm: we will continue to mobilize, educate, and advocate until every woman and girl can live free from fear.

**eCulture

30/03/2026

Women as Pillars of Faith, Community, and Society: A Palm Sunday experience from Zingane-Burkina Faso.

As we conclude Women's Month, a powerful image from the Catholic community of Zingane, in south-west Burkina Faso (Diocese of Diébougou), continues to inspire me.

On Palm Sunday, the faithful gathered for Holy Mass in humble joy. The priest processed into the church riding a donkey (my first experience), a simple yet moving reminder of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. What made the moment unforgettable was not just the symbolism, but the giver: a local woman generously donated her donkey to the church. Even more striking, she herself led the donkey, guiding it with quiet dignity and devotion.
This single act speaks volumes about the essential roles women play in the Church, the community, and broader society in rural Burkina Faso.

Beyond the church, these women drive community development through farming, small-scale businesses, education support, and solidarity groups that strengthen families and villages amid challenges.

The woman’s Palm Sunday gesture beautifully captures this spirit: humble service, generous giving, and courageous leadership.

As Women's Month ends, her example reminds us that real transformation often flows from the quiet, faithful contributions of women in the Church, in their communities, and across society.

May we continue to recognize, celebrate, and support the indispensable role of women in building a more just, compassionate, and faith-filled world.

19/01/2026

Empowering the Next Generation: Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Communities.

In today's rapidly evolving world, where technology drives innovation, economic growth, and social progress, access to digital skills is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.
However, true empowerment begins at the roots: with our children, especially those in underserved rural communities. By equipping the younger generation with technology and digital literacy, we can unlock a future of possibilities, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.

When rural children, particularly girls—learn coding, digital tools, online safety, and problem-solving, they gain the power to create solutions for their communities, from agricultural apps to online businesses. These skills build confidence, spark creativity, and prepare them for future jobs in a digital economy. Most importantly, they help close the stark gender gap in STEM and technology fields, where girls in rural areas often face cultural biases, limited access, and fewer role models, resulting in far lower participation rates than boys.

Women's Global Empowerment Initiative-WGEI and Creative Corner Foundation calls for urgent support to make digital empowerment projects successful in rural communities. Challenges like lack of devices, unreliable internet, limited electricity, and shortage of female-friendly trainers must be addressed through collective action.
We need partners to fund workshops, provide devices, build infrastructure, and train educators. Your partnership can make these projects thrive and create lasting impact.

Together, we can ensure every rural child, especially girls, has the tools to code their future and lead change. Support us today, because empowered girls build stronger, more equitable communities.

Here are inspiring glimpses of rural children embracing technology:

14/01/2026

Thank you Creative Corner Foundation for the great collaboration/partnership to deliver digital literacy training on: AI, photography, graphic design and digital tools to Kids at EJESTA Memorial Bilingual Nursery and Primary School in Tiko, Cameroon.

By equipping young children, both boys and girls with essential skills, addresses the gender digital divide at an early age, empowering girls to thrive in male-dominated tech fields and fostering inclusive skills for both boys and girls.

We are grateful to all our partners who are ensuring this project is a success to the community and to the younger generation

13/01/2026

11/01/2026

Urgent Appeal for Medical Support:
Help Save Young Mother Doris Anyi

Doris Anyi is only 21yesrs old, based in the Ndongo Community in Buea, South West Region of Cameroon.

Just 5months ago, she courageously gave birth to beautiful twin boys by C-section. What should have been pure joy turned into fear and pain.

Since delivery, Doris has suffered constant severe abdominal pain, a swollen stomach and ongoing bleeding-warning signs of possible serious postpartum complications.

As a new lactating mom, she fights through tears every day to breast feed and care for her newborns, even though her body is in agony.

She cannot afford the hospital visit, tests, treatment or medications she urgently needs.Without help, her condition could worsen, threatening her life and leaving her twins without their mother.

Your kindness can change everything.
Even a small donation will help get Doris the medical care she desperately needs so she can heal and be the strong, loving mom her boys deserve.

Please donate through:
MTN MoMo: 677188215
Orange Money: 658008786
Name: Owenjolana Ekole Pascaline

Behind the pain is this love worth fighting for.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Your help can save a young mother's life.

With hope and gratitude,

Owenjolana Ekole Pascaline
Executive Director-Women's Global Empowerment Initiative-WGEI

09/12/2025

Day 15: World AIDS Day Meets 16 Days of Activism: Empowering Tourism Students at the University of Buea.

As the world marked World AIDS Day (1 December) and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (25 Nov – 10 Dec), Women's Global Empowerment Initiative-WGEI in partnership with the University of Buea and in collaboration with
Cameroonian Association for Community Outreach Initiative CACOI and Bethel Community Aiders, brought powerful education and awareness to over 400 students in the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management.

The interactive sessions linked HIV prevention, sexual and gender equality directly to the students’ future careers and personal empowerment with these key messages:

Why World AIDS Day matters and hands-on training on correct condom use – essential skills for protecting themselves and the tourists they will serve.

This year’s theme: “Overcoming disruptions, transforming the AIDS response” – a call to keep fighting HIV even in difficult times.

Beyond HIV: Sexual and reproductive health rights as a foundation for safer relationships, violence-free lives, and professional confidence.

“Anyone who controls the story, controls the journey” – encouraging young men and women in tourism to challenge stereotypes, promote equality, and shape a safer, more inclusive industry in Cameroon and beyond.

By connecting health, rights, and career, the event showed that future tourism leaders have the power to end AIDS, stop gender-based violence, and build an industry where everyone feels safe and respected.
Together, we are raising a generation that protects lives, defends rights, and redefines tourism for good.

Thank you Prof.Roland Ndile History University for this great opportunity.
Ngwe Machi Comfort sisterhood is proud of you, Dr. Amos Kome thank you for the background support.

08/12/2025

Day 14: Mental Health Support for Survivors of Digital Abuse

Digital abuse from online harassment and can cause severe anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.

The 24/7 nature of online attacks often leaves survivors feeling trapped and powerless.

Healing is possible with the right support, survivors regain confidence, rebuild their sense of safety, and often become powerful advocates for others. You are not alone, and the abuse is never your fault.Stay strong during abuse and ensure to access psychosocial support services.