This initiative is funded by UNAIDS under the project “Strengthening CLM Tools with Legal Aspects for the Provision of Legal Services in Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Human Rights Violations,” focused on integrating critical legal frameworks into Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) tools. The workshop, held from April 1st to 3rd, 2025, marked an important step in our ongoing commitment to empower communities and ensure justice for survivors of GBV.

The workshop had diverse participants which included: Representatives from UNAIDS, CARE CAMEROON, NACC, DOST, DELMEP, HEDECS Cameroon and Legal Gender Consultant

Objectives of the workshop

• To harmonize legal justice indicators and update HEDECS  Cameroon gender CLM tools
• Enhance participants’ understanding of legal frameworks related to GBV and human rights violations.
• Strengthen CLM tools with legal aspects to improve data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Empower stakeholders to provide legal support and referrals for survivors of GBV and human rights abuses
• Develop a framework for legal advocacy to enhance community-led justice mechanisms.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing among legal experts, human rights defenders, and CLM practitioners.

Why This Matters:

Gender-based violence remains a common issue, hindering progress towards gender equality and human rights. At HEDECS Cameroon, we recognize the urgent need to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and community-level monitoring. By integrating legal indicators into our CLM tools, we are enhancing our ability to document, address, and advocate for survivors of GBV, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Workshop Highlights:

• Expert-Led Legal Insights: The workshop featured presentations from leading legal experts, who provided in-depth analysis of global, regional, and domestic legal instruments relevant to GBV and human rights.
• Collaborative Legal Indicator Development: Participants collaboratively reviewed and validated proposed legal indicators, ensuring they accurately reflect legal standards and community needs.
• Strengthening Case Management and Referral Systems: HEDECS Cameroon presented strategies for building strong referral pathways, emphasizing client-centered approaches and effective monitoring.
• Actionable Advocacy Strategies: The workshop concluded in the development of actionable advocacy plans to promote legal reform and improve access to justice for GBV survivors.
• Strategic Stakeholder Engagement: The workshop created a space for collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, legal experts, and community leaders.

Key Outcomes and Impact:

• Enhanced CLM tools with integrated legal indicators for more effective GBV monitoring.
• Strengthened capacity of HEDECS Cameroon and partner organizations to advocate for legal reform.
• Improved understanding of legal frameworks and their application in GBV response.
• Increased awareness of the importance of community-led monitoring in promoting human rights.
• We created clear recommendations for the future, to help improve the lives of the people we serve.

This workshop represents a significant milestone in HEDECS Cameroon’s ongoing commitment to fostering a society where gender equality is a reality and the human rights of all individuals are respected and protected. By empowering communities with the legal knowledge and tools they need, HEDECS Cameroon is taking concrete steps towards ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence find justice, their voices are amplified, and their rights are completely upheld. The journey continues, and HEDECS Cameroon remains steadfast in its mission to create lasting positive change in the lives of the most vulnerable.