Strengthening Men’s Leadership Roles in the Implementation of UNSCR 1325 in Bamenda III and Tubah Municipalities

In a strategic effort to advance gender-inclusive governance and strengthen peacebuilding processes, the Center for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action Development (CAGEAD), in partnership with GIZ, facilitated a capacity-building workshop for 30 male leaders drawn from Bamenda III and Tubah municipalities.

The participants included mayors, municipal councilors, religious leaders, and village development associations all playing key roles in decision-making and community development within their respective municipalities. The training aimed to strengthen their capacity and enhance their involvement in promoting the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) and Cameroon’s National Action Plan II.
The workshop provided comprehensive sessions on the principles and objectives of UNSCR 1325 and the National Action Plan, emphasizing the critical role of women in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and community development. Participants were also presented with the outcomes and achievements from a prior training conducted for 30 women leaders from the same entities as the men, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between male and female leaders.

One of the key highlights of the training was the development of action plans by the participants. These plans are designed to promote gender-sensitive policies and strengthen inclusive governance structures within councils, religious institutions, and village development associations.
The sessions were characterized by vibrant discussions, knowledge sharing, and practical group work, making the training highly interactive and impactful. Participants demonstrated strong commitment to supporting gender equality initiatives and ensuring the effective implementation of UNSCR 1325 within their respective institutions.
The overall objective of the training was to support the functionality of 30 male mayors, councilors, leaders of religious and Village Development Associations (VDAs) within their entities through policy development.

Speaking during the workshop, the CEO of CAGEAD reiterated the crucial role of civil society in governance, stating, “Civil Society is not out to fight the government or councils. Civil society organizations are out to support them.”
This initiative marks another milestone in fostering inclusive leadership and sustainable peacebuilding in the region, reinforcing the importance of partnerships between government institutions, civil society, and international development partners.

By Emmanuela Monie