COWOPNET Empowers 30 Conflict-Related GBV Survivors from Momo, Boyo, and Mezam Divisions with Psychosocial Support
In the ongoing quest to address the devastating impacts of conflict on women and girls, CAGEAD through the Community Women Peacebuilders Network (COWOPNET) has taken a significant step forward by empowering 30 survivors of GBV from Momo, Boyo, and Mezam Divisions in the North West Region of Cameroon. Through a comprehensive psychosocial support training, CAGEAD is fostering resilience, healing, and economic independence among the most vulnerable.
The crisis in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon has persisted since 2016, leaving women and girls disproportionately affected by violence, and trauma. Gender-Based Violence, including sexual violence, domestic abuse, exploitation, and other forms of abuse, has surged amid ongoing insecurity, affecting the psychosocial wellbeing and livelihoods of countless survivors. Many of these women face profound trauma and feelings of isolation that perpetuate their vulnerability.
Recognizing these challenges, CAGEAD held an innovative capacity-building initiative aimed at providing survivors with vital psychosocial tools. The three-days training, in Bamenda, brought together women from Bafut, Mbengwi, and Njinikom areas heavily impacted by the conflict. The activity is part of the broader project titled “Reinforcing Conflict Resolution Mechanism and Strengthening GBV Prevention and Protection of Survivors in Crisis-Affected Communities of the North West Region of Cameroon”, funded by a consortium of prominent partners including the Association de Lutte Contre les Violences Faites aux Femmes (ALVF) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
This training focused on holistic recovery, combining psychosocial support with economic skills development to foster resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Participants engaged in sessions that addressed trauma understanding, healing processes, safety planning, and rights awareness. Through facilitated discussions and healing exercises, survivors learned that their experiences do not define their worth, emphasizing that seeking help and speaking out are vital steps toward recovery.
One core moment was the sharing of survivor stories, highlighting the resilience of women who have endured unimaginable violence yet continue to fight for their dignity and future. After several recounts of their harrowing experiences, they still expressed hope and gratitude for the training received. Such testimonies serve as powerful reminders of the importance of community-based support systems.
This initiative underscores the importance of a survivor-centered approach, emphasizing rights, safety, and empowerment. The activity promotes community awareness about GBV, encourages protective behaviors, and fosters solidarity among women. The use of healing villages; emotional exercises designed to promote emotional release and resilience helped survivors reclaim their power and move forward.
As the training concluded, participants left with renewed confidence, and a sense of solidarity as through the lighting of candles, and burning down of the various tissues participants used during healing sessions. They are now better equipped to rebuild their lives, support each other, and contribute to peace and stability within their communities.
The training of these survivors exemplify a holistic response to conflict-related GBV, integrating psychosocial healing with economic empowerment. By investing in these women’s resilience and independence, the organization is not only transforming individual lives but also strengthening the social fabric of conflict-affected communities. Through such initiatives, hope is rekindled, and the path toward recovery and peace becomes clearer for survivors and their communities alike.
By Muh Yvonne Nchim