Overall
Objective
To advocate
for greater women’s representation in leadership positions and promote gender
equality in decision-making roles across political, economic, and social
spheres.
Context and
Justification
The
struggle for gender equality is ongoing worldwide, with sub-Saharan Africa
still lagging behind despite significant progress. The inclusion of women in
leadership has proven to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and
strengthen sustainable development.
In Cameroon, the situation
reflects both progress and persistent gaps. For example:
Women in
Parliament grew from 11% in 2000 to 33% in 2025, a notable advancement in
national policy participation.
Yet, at the
local level, only 9 out of 90 regional councilors elected in 2020 were women in
the Southwest Region.
Similarly,
there are just 31 female mayors out of 360 nationwide, highlighting the weak
representation of women in grassroots leadership and local governance.
This
limited participation is fueled by entrenched gender stereotypes, patriarchal
norms, and social stigma, which erode women’s confidence and enthusiasm to
pursue leadership. Many women internalize these barriers, resulting in low
self-confidence and reluctance to step into decision-making spaces.
The project
therefore seeks to empower women and girls in the Southwest Region by building
leadership capacity, boosting self-confidence, and sparking critical dialogue
on dismantling barriers to women’s equal participation in politics, academia,
business, and corporate life.
Specific Objectives
1. Raise
awareness on the importance of women’s representation in leadership and
decision-making.
2. Equip
women with leadership skills, self-confidence, and tools to pursue and succeed
in leadership roles.
3. Advocate
for gender equality policies and practices in political, social, and economic
spheres.
4.
Brainstorm and propose strategies to increase women’s access to leadership
opportunities.
5. Foster
mentorship, networking, and solidarity among current and aspiring women
leaders.
6. Inspire
young women especially students, fresh graduates, and those in STEM fields to
pursue leadership and remain motivated in their career journeys.
7. Provide a safe and supportive platform for single mothers to acknowledge stigma, share experiences, and transform challenges into leadership opportunities.
Expected Outcomes
Increased
public awareness of the importance of women’s representation in leadership
At
least 30 women equipped with practical leadership skills and renewed confidence
to pursue leadership opportunities.
Stronger
networks and solidarity among women leaders and aspirants across diverse
fields.
Scholarships
awarded to young girls pursuing STEM education and leadership pathways.
Enhanced
recognition of single mothers’ resilience and potential as leaders.
Target Audience
Women
currently in leadership positions and those aspiring to step into such roles.
Decision-makers
with influence over recruitment, promotion, and policy.
Young women
and students, particularly single mothers, seeking pathways into leadership.
Girls and young women pursuing STEM education and entrepreneurship.
Detail participants:
|
Type of stakeholder |
Quality of participant |
Number of participants |
|
Women focused CSOs and
Allies of VF |
- |
06 |
|
-
SERVE THE
PEOPLE INC
|
CEO/REP |
01 |
|
-
CASAF
|
CEO/REP |
01 |
|
-
DENIS-MEKI
foundation
|
CEO/REP |
01 |
|
-
AYUK TAKEM
Foundation |
CEO/REP |
01 |
|
-
DARE TO LIVE |
CEO/REP |
01 |
|
-
ANNA NABUH
FOUNDATION |
CEO/REP |
01 |
|
Women leaders in Executive
positions including top women entrepreneurs |
|
06 |
|
Female officer in the
military |
Doctor/colonel |
01 |
|
Political leaders |
Female Regional councilor |
02 |
|
Outstanding female CEO in
Beauty & cosmetics |
Beauty shop owner |
01 |
|
Outstanding female CEO in a
company |
Corporate manager |
01 |
|
Outstanding female CEO in
TECH |
Tech practitioner |
01 |
|
Outstanding male CEO
in fashion |
Fashion Designer |
01 |
|
Decision makers (male &
female) with Influence over hiring and promotion decisions |
-
|
02 |
|
Parastatal (SONARA/CAMTEL) |
Senior manager |
01 |
|
Hospitality (FINI, Marcson
etc.) |
Senior manager,
Hotel, restaurant |
01 |
|
Influential women in civil
society |
|
05 |
|
UN Agency for women |
UNFPA Rep |
01 |
|
INGO working for Women |
UN women |
01 |
|
National NGOs working for
women |
-
NGO CEOs |
02 |
|
Female Lawyer advocating
pro-bono for women |
President FAKLA |
01 |
|
Academia |
|
05 |
|
Private university |
Female PhD in TECH |
01 |
|
Public works |
Female Engineering |
01 |
|
AIMS |
Female Doc in Mathematics |
01 |
|
Healthcare |
PhD student in Medicine |
01 |
|
Young girls (Students) in
STEM education |
|
04 |
|
University TECH/Engineering
students |
Best students |
01 |
|
Mathematics student (AIMS) |
Best in STEM subjects |
01 |
|
GHS/GTHS |
Best student in science |
02 |
|
Young girls just starting
their career especially single mothers |
|
20 |
|
Self employed |
|
10 |
|
employee |
|
10 |
|
Others (facilitators,
keynote speakers, trainers, consultants) |
|
02 |
|
Master of ceremony |
|
01 |
|
Keynote speaker |
|
01 |
|
Total Number of
Participants |
50 |
|
Practical Organization
& Agenda:
|
No |
Activity |
Responsible |
Time |
|
1 |
Welcome and registration of
participants |
Event Secretariate |
30 Minutes |
|
2 |
Call to order, presentation
of the agenda and order of the day |
Master of Ceremony |
15 Minutes |
|
3 |
Word of prayer |
Master of ceromony |
3 Minutes |
|
4 |
Welcome speech. Vision,
mission, Reasons for the conference and opportunities/plans for the future |
CEO/Rep Verklin Foundation |
10 minutes |
|
5 |
Speech by UN agency Rep
(UNFPA/UN Women) |
UNFPA/UN Women Rep |
15 Minutes |
|
6 |
1st Keynote presentation: Poetry |
Keynote speaker |
20 Minutes |
|
7 |
Performance by Artist |
peotry |
15 Minutes |
|
8 |
2nd Keynote
presentation: LUNCH |
Facilitator and panel
members |
30 Minutes |
|
9 |
Panel Discussion: Women in leadership:
challenges & opportunities, GBV in workplaces, secondary & higher
institutions of learning; trends, consequences on young girls, proposed
mitigation strategies including relevant prevent and response Action. Networking Session:
Rotate and connect |
facilitator |
1 hour |
|
10 |
1st Plenary.
Guided Q & A session |
Facilitatior |
20 Minutes |
|
11 |
Scholarship Award to
female students |
|
1hour |
|
12 |
Breakout session into
groups for the vision board express exercise |
Facilitator &Audience |
45 Minutes |
|
13 |
Networking Session &
Closure |
|
30 Minutes |
Event Location, Date and time:
This event will take place on November 1st, 2025, at FINI Hotel Bobende, Limbe.
The Better You Africa Initiative proudly presents our annual "Back to School" outreach program, a cornerstone effort dedicated to smoothing the transition for primary and secondary students as they return to school after their long break. This event is strategically held in September, aligning with the commencement of the new academic session when students advance to a new class.
In Cameroon, approximately half of our young population faces significant barriers to accessing quality education. Our outreach is aimed at addressing this critical issue by targeting underprivileged students who deserve not only material resources but also emotional support to thrive in their educational journeys. Each year, through the provision of essential educational supplies and motivational activities, we strive to empower these students, giving them the tools and confidence needed to succeed.