Yaoundé, Cameroon — Dozens of young girls and teenagers in the nation’s capital have been empowered with vital knowledge on how to identify, prevent, and report gender-based violence, during a sensitisation campaign organised by Sky Limit International.
The awareness seminar, held over the weekend at Achibou Hall in the Etoug-Ebe neighbourhood, brought together participants from Obili, Acacia, Rond-Point Express, Biyem-Assi, Etoug-Ebe, Centre and TKC. The initiative was organised under the theme “The Protection of the Girl Child.”
The campaign comes at a time when cases of gender-based violence continue to rise across communities in Cameroon, raising concerns among civil society organisations and authorities.
Speaking during the event, Chumban Landry Forche, CEO of Sky Limit International, stressed the urgency of educating young girls on the various forms of abuse they may face.
“There is a growing need to empower young girls with the knowledge and confidence to speak out against abuse and seek help,” he said.
He cited recent disturbing incidents, including a tragic case in the Kolbisson neighbourhood of Yaoundé, as an indication of the severity of the problem and the need for proactive measures.
Raising Awareness and Building Confidence
During the three-hour session, participants were educated on different forms of gender-based violence, including rape, forced marriage, physical abuse, emotional violence, and what organisers described as “silent torture.”
Beyond awareness, the training also focused on:
- Understanding fundamental human rights
- Personal safety and self-protection strategies
- Confidence building among young girls
- The importance of reporting abuse to trusted individuals and authorities
Participants were encouraged to break the culture of silence and seek support from parents, teachers, community leaders, or security officials when faced with abuse.
Government Support and Call for Action
The event was attended by a representative of the Ministry of Territorial Administration, who praised the initiative and called for increased collaboration among stakeholders.
The representative urged more organisations and institutions to join efforts in protecting the girl child and promoting a violence-free society.
Looking Ahead
Organisers say the campaign is part of a broader mission to empower vulnerable groups, particularly young girls, across Cameroon.
Another sensitisation campaign of similar scale is expected to take place later this week, as Sky Limit International continues its advocacy for awareness, protection, and community engagement in the fight against gender-based violence.
