40 Female Tailors, Hairdressers and Embroiders Educated on Their Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights
In a groundbreaking effort to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promote women’s rights, UNFPA, in collaboration with CAGEAD hosted the “Women Know Your Rights Conference”. This impactful event held in Bamenda brought together 40 women hairdressers, tailors, and embroiderers who are often violence victims in their communities but frequently overlooked in advocacy efforts.
The overarching mission of the conference was clear: Achieve zero GBV and harmful practices, ensuring safety, dignity, and empowerment for every woman and girl in Cameroon. Under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” the conference served as a rallying cry to strengthen participants' capacity to identify, report, and combat GBV while equipping them with practical skills to defend their rights and improve their livelihoods.
Dr. Ombaku Kingsly, a gynecologist, opened the event by engaging participants on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), highlighting key rights like bodily autonomy, reproductive decision-making, and sexual rights, which are recognized and promoted by the Cameroonian government. He acknowledged cultural beliefs and misinformation as barriers to exercising these rights and emphasized the need for ongoing education, integrating SRHR into curricula, and involving men as allies to promote gender equality.
Following this, participants engaged eagerly in discussions about cancer prevention, HIV/AIDS vaccines, and the importance of health screenings highlighting the need for accessible health services and awareness campaigns in their communities. Participants explored their purpose and aspirations, with a focus on entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. They learned practical tips on multi-tasking, creativity, and consistency skills vital for enhancing their businesses and personal development. The message was clear: empowered women can be catalysts for change both within their families and communities.
A crucial segment of the conference focused on women’s human rights and the realities of GBV. The facilitator challenged participants to define their rights. The session shed light on various forms of GBV, including early marriage, forced marriages, and domestic abuse, urging women to speak out and report abuse. Participants learned how cohabitation locally called “came we stay” does not equate to marriage as women in such relationships remain vulnerable to violence. The importance of community activism and advocacy was underscored, encouraging women to join efforts to end violence against women and girls.
The Women Know Your Rights Conference was a powerful reminder that women like hairdressers, tailors, and embroiderers often excluded from mainstream advocacy are vital agents of change and by equipping them with knowledge, skills, and confidence, will lay a foundation for lasting societal transformation. As Dr. Ombaku aptly concluded, SRHR is a right for all women regardless of age, status, or occupation. With continued education, community engagement, and unwavering support, our communities are moving closer to a future where every woman and girl can live free from violence and discrimination.
By Muh Yvonne Nchim