09/02/2026
The Coordinator of Gender Issues of Serve The People Inc was privileged to participate in the National Conference of Women-Led Organizations in Cameroon 2026, organised by the Network of Women-Led CSOs Cameroon (NEWOLEC) on 27 August 2026 at the Palais des Congrès, Yaoundé.
Under the theme, “Women-Led Organizations as Catalysts for Peace, Inclusive Development and Gender Justice in Cameroon,” the conference brought together women leaders, civil society organisations, public institutions, development partners and other stakeholders around the critical question: how can women-led organisations become stronger and more influential actors in shaping Cameroon’s development agenda?
As a representative of STP CSO, My key takeaways were:
🔹 Women’s leadership is a strategic infrastructure for development. Women-led organisations are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are actors in peacebuilding, social cohesion, economic transformation and governance.
🔹 Peacebuilding requires stronger community-based leadership. Women's organisations have a critical role in mediation, resilience-building and strengthening social cohesion.
🔹 Gender justice must move from principle to implementation. Prevention of gender-based violence, protection of women and girls, access to justice and institutional accountability require coordinated action.
Moreso, investing in women-led organisations is an investment in sustainable development. Financial resources, institutional
strengthening, leadership development and meaningful partnerships are essential for scaling their impact.
