Addressing Gender Disparities Through Action
Cameroon, while making strides in development, continues to grapple with significant gender disparities. Women often face limited access to resources and decision-making power, hindering their full participation in community development. Recognizing this critical gap, HEDECS Cameroon has taken the lead in establishing a Gender CLM initiative, aiming to integrate gender indicators into the national CLM process.
“Our goal is to ensure that women are not just beneficiaries but active participants in shaping their communities,” states Mme Bollima Nancy Akwi, Executive Director at HEDECS Cameroon. “By integrating gender markers, we are creating a system that acknowledges and addresses the unique challenges women face, particularly in areas like sexual and reproductive rights, sexual violence, and human rights.” Mme Bolima Nancy Akwi.
Empowering Women Through Collaboration
A cornerstone of this project is the establishment of a gender task force, comprising eight dynamic women-led organizations: OFIF, HOVUCA, Transamical, EMPOWER, SWO, DMF, and Positive Vision. This collaborative effort has enabled the project to reach women in their diversity across seven regions of Cameroon: Adamaoua, Center, East, Littoral, North West, South West, and West.
Methodology: A Rigorous Approach to Change
The project’s methodology was meticulously designed to ensure comprehensive data collection and meaningful impact. Key steps included:
- Problem Identification: Women across the regions identified critical issues affecting their communities.
- Identification of Gender Markers: Through rigorous review and consultation, specific gender indicators were established.
- Tool Design and Validation: Expert gender consultants collaborated with the task force to develop and validate data collection tools.
- Implementing Procedures: Data collectors conducted face-to-face interviews using KOBOCOLLECT, with robust monitoring and evaluation systems in place.
- Data Collection: Over three months, the project aimed to reach at least 600 women per region, capturing diverse perspectives on health, family, and education.
- Capacity Building: Data collectors and regional focal points received comprehensive training to ensure accurate and effective data collection.
Impact and Sustainability
The data collected will be instrumental in advocating for policy changes and improving the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of gender-sensitive services. By integrating women-led organizations into national health, family, education and community monitoring platforms, HEDECS Cameroon is fostering sustainable change.
“This project is more than just data collection; it’s about building a foundation for long-term empowerment and gender equality, and an Advocacy backed by research”. “We are committed to establishing strategic partnerships that will ensure the sustainability of this initiative.”
HEDECS Cameroon’s pioneering work in Gender CLM is setting a precedent for inclusive community monitoring. By amplifying women’s voices, the project is driving meaningful change and paving the way for a more equitable future in Cameroon.
