Paris, France | June 22–24, 2026
Cameroonian peace builder and women’s rights advocate Omam Esther has joined leading women mediators from across the Francophone world in Paris for the launch of the International Network of Francophone Women Mediators (Réseau International des Médiatrices Francophones), a landmark initiative aimed at advancing mediation, conflict prevention, dialogue, and sustainable peace.
The three-day gathering, organized by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) and Conciliation Resources, brought together experienced women mediators, diplomats, policymakers, academics, and peace practitioners to collectively shape the vision, governance structure, and strategic priorities of the newly established international network.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in intensive consultations and collaborative discussions focused on strengthening women’s leadership in peace processes and promoting greater inclusion in conflict prevention and resolution efforts across the Francophone world.
The launch also featured high-level engagements with representatives from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Institut National du Service Public (INSP), and renowned academic institutions including Sciences Po. These exchanges highlighted the importance of linking grassroots peacebuilding experiences with diplomacy, public policy, and academic research to build sustainable peace.A notable moment of the event was the participation of Madame Éléonore Caroit, Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships and French Nationals Abroad, whose presence underscored France’s commitment to supporting women’s leadership in peacebuilding and international cooperation.
As part of the public programme, Omam Esther served as a panelist alongside distinguished women leaders and mediators, including former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza and former French Ambassador Delphine Borione.
The panel provided an opportunity to share experiences, lessons learned, and innovative approaches to mediation and peacebuilding in diverse contexts.One of the network’s defining priorities is its commitment to intergenerational leadership and mentorship.
Beyond strengthening the capacities and visibility of current women mediators, the initiative seeks to prepare and equip the next generation of peacebuilders to address emerging global challenges such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, climate change, democratic decline, and evolving forms of conflict.
The International Network of Francophone Women Mediators is expected to serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, policy influence, and professional development, ensuring that women’s voices and expertise are effectively represented in peace processes across the Francophone space and beyond.
Representing Cameroon, Omam Esther contributed insights drawn from years of grassroots mediation, humanitarian action, women’s leadership, and community-led peacebuilding efforts, particularly in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon. Her participation highlighted the critical role of local actors in informing regional and international peacebuilding strategies.Reflecting on the significance of the gathering, Omam Esther emphasized that women are not merely victims of conflict but essential actors in preventing violence, facilitating dialogue, building trust, and sustaining peace.
The creation of the International Network of Francophone Women Mediators marks an important milestone for the global Women, Peace and Security agenda, strengthening solidarity, collaboration, visibility, and collective influence among women mediators worldwide.
About Omam Esther
Omam Esther is a renowned Cameroonian peacebuilder, humanitarian leader, and advocate for women’s leadership in peace processes. She serves as Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon and is the Vision Bearer of the South West North West Women Task Force (SNWOT). She is also a member of several regional and international peacebuilding networks, including Women Mediators Across the Commonwealth (WMC), the Network of Women Mediators in Central Africa (REFEMAC), and the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN).Her contributions to peacebuilding and conflict transformation have earned her several international recognitions, including the Africa-Germany Peace and Security Award and recognition under the Global Pluralism Award.
