Harmful Gender Norms and GBV Dominating Cameroon, But UYO and UN Women Join Forces for Change
Harmful social norms and gender-based violence (GBV) continue to plague Cameroon, with men exerting dominance over women and communities perpetuating beliefs that reinforce GBV. However, United Youths Organization (UYO) and UN Women are collaborating to challenge these harmful norms and combat GBV in the country.
According to Loveline Musah, the CEO of UYO, the prevailing social norms in Cameroon have led to men exercising power over women. Acts of physical or sexual violence against women are often justified by the belief that men are superior. These beliefs serve to perpetuate GBV and its damaging effects.
Melvin Songwe, UYO’s Chief of Administration, further highlights that women and girls fear reporting cases of GBV due to potential retaliation from their husbands. The fear of the unknown and concerns about what may happen to them inhibit victims from seeking help. Additionally, the lack of accountability for perpetrators discourages women from speaking out, as they worry that the violence will only escalate. This oppression is particularly prevalent in crisis-affected regions of the country.
Recognizing the urgent need for change, UYO and UN Women have partnered to address GBV and challenge discriminatory gender norms in Cameroon. This initiative is supported through the Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), which provides a global grant allocation for GBV prevention and response in six countries, including Cameroon.
One key aspect of their approach involves engaging men and boys to eradicate GBV. Musah emphasizes the importance of educating men and boys on appropriate conflict resolution techniques and promoting positive masculinities. By challenging prevailing gender norms and cultivating respectful attitudes, the organizations hope to curb GBV in the long term.
Given the limited access to justice mechanisms and protection services in crisis areas, community support is crucial in ending GBV. UYO has taken the initiative to organize grassroots discussions, bringing together men, women, religious leaders, and traditional rulers. Through these dialogues, UYO has facilitated training sessions that raise awareness about GBV among men who were previously ignorant about the issue. The emotional impact of these discussions has led to increased empathy and understanding, with participants acknowledging their past harmful behavior towards women and girls.
Women leaders from the community play an essential role in these workshops, sharing their personal experiences with GBV and highlighting the physical and emotional toll it takes on women and girls. Their testimonials captivate men’s attention, forcing them to confront the different forms of violence within their relationships.
Songwe recognizes that achieving gender equality cannot be solely the responsibility of women; men must advocate for change as well. He emphasizes the importance of being a HeForShe advocate, standing in solidarity with women to promote equal rights and empowerment. By educating and cultivating a sense of responsibility among men, Songwe hopes to transform social norms and eliminate gender inequalities in their communities.
In Cameroon, UN Women, in collaboration with UYO and other partners, has already made significant progress in their efforts to combat GBV. Through sensitization campaigns, workshops, dialogues, and community engagements, they have reached 42,547 individuals, including men and boys. These initiatives focus on GBV prevention, promoting positive social norms, and striving for gender equality. Additionally, 20 community-based HeForShe groups comprising 599 men and boys have been established and trained on positive masculinities as part of their commitment to preventing GBV.
The joint efforts of UYO, UN Women, and other organizations are providing hope for a brighter future in Cameroon. By challenging harmful gender norms and engaging men and boys to be allies, they are taking significant strides towards ending GBV and creating a more equitable society. Through community support and education, they aim to break the cycle of violence and foster an environment of respect, compassion, and gender equality in crisis-affected regions and beyond.
