30 Community Peace Ambassadors Equipped to Strengthen Conflict Resolution and Gender-Based Violence Prevention in Cameroon’s North West Region
As part of the project "Reinforcing Conflict Resolution Mechanisms and Strengthening Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Protection of Survivors in Crisis-Affected Communities in the North West Region of Cameroon" the Community Women’s Peacebuilders’ Network (COWOPNET), the flagship network of CAGEAD, successfully organized a three-day capacity-building training on the for Community Peace Ambassadors (CPAs) from Mezam, Momo, and Boyo Divisions.
The training, held from 17th –19th June 2026 at the Immaculate Conception Center (ICONAH Center) in Bamenda, brought together 30 male and female Community Peace Ambassadors committed to promoting peaceful communities and strengthening the prevention of conflict-related Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The initiative was implemented with the support of ALVF Association and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and contributes to advancing the Prevention and Protection pillars of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on Women, Peace and Security.
The three-day training was designed to strengthen participants' knowledge and practical skills in conflict resolution, GBV prevention, survivor protection, and community-based peacebuilding. Through interactive presentations, group discussions, case studies, role plays, and practical exercises, participants explored the realities of conflict-related GBV in the North West Region and enhanced their capacity to respond effectively and ethically within their communities.
The first day focused on building a common understanding of Gender-Based Violence, including its concepts, different forms, and the underlying drivers within the context of the North West Region. Participants also examined the role of Community Peace Ambassadors in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, discussed effective community engagement strategies, and explored the importance of involving men and boys in GBV prevention. Sessions further emphasized challenging harmful social norms, addressing stigma, and applying survivor-centered communication approaches.
On the second day, participants deepened their understanding of survivor-centered response mechanisms, including the principles of first-line support and the "Do No Harm" approach.
The training also covered the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), professional codes of conduct, the fundamentals of GBV case management, and safe referral pathways available within the North West Region. Practical referral mapping exercises and role plays enabled participants to apply their learning to realistic community scenarios.
The final day concentrated on conflict analysis and community-based peacebuilding. Participants learned to identify conflict drivers and key actors within their communities and strengthened their skills in mediation, negotiation, and dialogue facilitation. Discussions also highlighted how GBV prevention can be integrated into peace building initiatives through early warning mechanisms and the establishment of safe spaces. The training concluded with the development of individual community action plans, enabling each Community Peace Ambassador to outline concrete interventions they will implement upon returning to their respective communities.
One of the highlights of the training was the introduction of practical tools that participants can immediately apply in their work. Reflecting on the experience, Rev. Lawrence Fomuyen shared:
"As a spiritual leader, we resolved problems from our members and others with no specific structure or step-by-step procedure. But from this training, I have learned about the LIVES model which I will use effectively in case management."
Similarly, Ngwa Comfort, a Community Peace Ambassador from Mezam Division, expressed her appreciation for the practical knowledge gained during the training:
"I have learned through this training the different organizations that make up the response and protection structure within local communities, and I am happy because knowledge is power. We will use these bodies as need arises."
At the close of the workshop, all 30 participants successfully completed the training and received certificates recognizing them as Community Peace Ambassadors trained in Conflict Resolution Mechanisms, Conflict-Related Gender-Based Violence Prevention, and Protection of Survivors. These newly certified CPAs are expected to serve as community resource persons, promoting peaceful conflict resolution, supporting survivors through safe referral pathways, raising awareness on GBV prevention, and strengthening community resilience across Mezam, Momo, and Boyo Divisions with the aid of the Peace building manual handed to each CPA.
Through this initiative, COWOPNET continues to reinforce the critical role of community actors in promoting sustainable peace and protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls in conflict-affected communities. By investing in local leadership and community-based protection mechanisms, the project contributes to building safer, more inclusive, and more resilient communities where women and girls can live free from violence and participate meaningfully in peace building processes.
By Ngwayi Tangiri Marcel