Empowering Women & Girls in the South West Region of Cameroon

Overview

The Women and Girls Initiative responds to growing challenges affecting adolescent girls including gender-based violence, child marriage, school dropout, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health information across all six divisions of the South West Region.

Lead Partners & Roles

• FIED coordinates field implementation, Girls Clubs, life skills, and MHM training.
• MINPROF provides gender oversight, psychosocial support, and sensitization.
• MINAS leads social protection and inclusion for vulnerable girls.
• UNICEF, UNFPA & UNESCO support with funding, technical guidance, and learning materials.

Girls Clubs & Safe Spaces

More than 120 Girls Clubs in schools and Temporary Learning Spaces provide weekly mentorship, SRHR education, leadership development, GBV prevention awareness, and self-esteem building for adolescent girls.

Community Engagement

Community dialogues, parents’ forums, radio programs, and “HeForShe” sessions engage men, boys, and community leaders to challenge harmful social norms and support girls’ rights and education.

Capacity Building

Over 300 teachers and social workers have received training on gender-responsive teaching, safeguarding, psychological first aid, and referral systems for vulnerable girls.

Dignity & MHM Kits

More than 8,000 adolescent girls received dignity kits and menstrual hygiene management support to improve confidence, participation, and school attendance.