A national colloquium was held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on September 25, 2026, to address the growing concern of femicides in the country. Organized by the African Women Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP), the event brought together experts from the Ministry of Women's Promotion and Family, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the Association of Cameroonian Women Lawyers (ACAFEJ). The colloquium aimed to raise awareness and find concrete solutions to prevent femicides.
Professor Fleur Nadine Ndjock, head of the communication department at the University of Ebolowa, delivered a poignant testimony, sharing her personal experience as a woman going through a divorce. Her words set the tone for the colloquium, emphasizing the need for women to speak out against violence. Dr. Caroline Sack Kendem, president of AWEP Cameroon, stressed the importance of collective action to prevent femicides, stating that "we must act before violence becomes deadly."
The colloquium provided a platform for experts to review existing frameworks and laws related to femicides. Representatives from the Ministry of Women's Promotion and Family discussed the legal framework, while those from the Ministry of Social Affairs highlighted the role of social centers in supporting victims. ACAFEJ members presented written proposals for concrete actions to combat femicides.
The event culminated in the Yaoundé Concerted Declaration on the Prevention of Femicides, which focuses on four key areas: recognition, prevention, action, and protection. The declaration emphasizes the need for education and awareness-raising to prevent femicides. Dr. Caroline Sack Kendem noted that the declaration represents a collective commitment to addressing the issue.
The Yaoundé Declaration seeks to introduce education on non-violence in schools and promote a culture of respect for women. It also calls for the establishment of a national mechanism to support victims of femicides. The declaration is expected to guide future actions and policies aimed at reducing femicides in Cameroon.
According to Dr. Caroline Sack Kendem, the colloquium was a significant step towards addressing femicides, as it brought together stakeholders from various sectors. The event demonstrated the government's commitment to tackling the issue and the willingness of civil society organizations to collaborate.
The African Women Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) has taken the lead in organizing the colloquium, demonstrating its commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality. The program aims to support women entrepreneurs and provide them with the necessary tools to succeed in business.
Key points
- The Yaoundé Colloquium on femicides resulted in a concerted declaration outlining four key areas of action: recognition, prevention, action, and protection.
- The event brought together experts from various government ministries and civil society organizations to address the issue of femicides.
- The colloquium emphasized the need for education and awareness-raising to prevent femicides and promote a culture of respect for women.
