HUMFRIEH Participates in the Formation of the North West and South West Women-Led Organizations Forum

Introduction

On 19 June 2026, HUMFRIEH proudly participated in the Constituent General Assembly for the formation of the North West and South West Women-Led Organizations Forum, a landmark initiative designed to strengthen collaboration, advocacy, and leadership among women-focused organizations in Cameroon. Held under the inspiring slogan, “Woman eh, Wuna Place Dey,” the assembly brought together women-led organizations, civil society actors, grassroots groups, and development partners committed to advancing women’s rights and empowerment.

The Women-Led Organizations Forum represents a significant step toward creating a stronger and more unified platform for women leaders to advocate for gender equality, influence policy, and address challenges affecting vulnerable women and girls across the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon. HUMFRIEH’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to community development, public health advocacy, social inclusion, and the empowerment of marginalized populations.

Why This Activity Matters

Women and girls continue to face numerous barriers that limit their opportunities, participation, and access to resources. Challenges such as gender inequality, limited representation in decision-making spaces, economic vulnerability, and inadequate protection mechanisms continue to affect women across many communities.

In the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon, women-led civil society organizations have been at the forefront of addressing these challenges through advocacy, community mobilization, education, and support services. However, fragmented efforts can reduce the collective impact of these organizations.

The formation of the Women-Led Organizations Forum seeks to address this gap by establishing a coordinated Women-Led Organizations Network capable of amplifying women’s voices, strengthening women’s rights advocacy, and promoting sustainable gender equality initiatives throughout the region.

For HUMFRIEH, supporting initiatives that strengthen community structures aligns closely with its mission of improving health outcomes, promoting social justice, and empowering vulnerable populations.

What HUMFRIEH Did

HUMFRIEH joined representatives from women-led organizations, community-based women’s groups, civil society organizations, government institutions, and development partners during the Constituent General Assembly.

The assembly was supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and implemented through local partners including TeenAlive WOA, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF), and other collaborating organizations.

The event provided a platform for participants to discuss the structure, vision, objectives, and governance framework of the emerging Women-Led Organizations Forum. Through inclusive dialogue and collaboration, participants worked toward establishing a coalition that will represent the interests of women and girls while advocating for policies that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the assembly was its commitment to inclusivity. In addition to established civil society organizations, smaller grassroots women’s groups were actively represented and engaged in discussions. This ensured that the perspectives of women from diverse communities and backgrounds contributed to shaping the future direction of the forum.

HUMFRIEH actively participated in discussions focused on strengthening partnerships, enhancing collective advocacy efforts, and creating sustainable mechanisms for advancing women’s leadership and empowerment across the region.

Key Activities Conducted

During the Constituent General Assembly, participants engaged in several important activities, including:

• Formation of the North West and South West Women-Led Organizations Forum.
• Discussions on the vision, mission, and objectives of the forum.
• Development of a framework for collaborative advocacy and action.
• Engagement of women-led civil society organizations and grassroots groups.
• Stakeholder consultations on women’s rights and empowerment priorities.
• Networking and partnership-building among participating organizations.
• Discussions on policy advocacy opportunities affecting women and girls.
• Identification of strategies to strengthen women’s leadership development.
• Promotion of inclusive participation from community-based women’s organizations.
• Establishment of a foundation for future regional coordination and collaboration.

Impact Achieved

The Constituent General Assembly generated significant outcomes that will contribute to long-term empowerment and advocacy efforts for women and girls in Cameroon.

Key Results

• The Constituent General Assembly was successfully convened on 19 June 2026.
• Women-led organizations from multiple divisions across the North West and South West Regions participated.
• Community-based women’s groups and civil society organizations were represented.
• A regional framework was established for the creation of the Women-Led Organizations Forum.
• Collaboration among women’s rights organizations and advocates was strengthened.
• New networking and partnership opportunities were created.
• Increased commitment was secured toward coordinated advocacy for vulnerable women and girls.
• A platform was established for future policy engagement and women’s empowerment initiatives.
• Women’s voices were elevated through collective participation and representation.
• Greater momentum was created for gender equality initiatives throughout the region.

These outcomes lay the groundwork for stronger collaboration and a more coordinated approach to addressing issues affecting women and girls in Cameroon.

Community Voices

The formation of the Women-Led Organizations Forum generated enthusiasm and optimism among stakeholders.

A HUMFRIEH representative emphasized the importance of collective action:

“The formation of this forum demonstrates the strength of collective action. By bringing together women-led organizations under one platform, we can amplify our advocacy efforts and create lasting change for vulnerable women and girls across our communities.”

A representative from UNFPA highlighted the value of women-led networks:

“Women-led organizations play a vital role in promoting gender equality and community development. This forum provides an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration and drive impactful advocacy.”

A participant representing local organizations shared:

“This network gives women organizations a stronger voice and a shared platform to address the challenges affecting women and girls in our regions.”

These perspectives reflect the shared commitment among stakeholders to build a future where women and girls can thrive and participate fully in community development.

How This Supports HUMFRIEH’s Mission

At HUMFRIEH, community empowerment is central to achieving sustainable development and improved public health outcomes.

While HUMFRIEH is widely recognized for its work in HIV prevention, tuberculosis prevention and care, community health education, counseling and psychosocial support, referral services, active case finding, and public health advocacy, the organization also recognizes that social determinants such as gender inequality significantly influence health and wellbeing.

Empowering women and girls contributes directly to healthier families, stronger communities, and improved access to health services. By participating in the Women-Led Organizations Forum, HUMFRIEH strengthens partnerships that can help address both social and health-related challenges affecting vulnerable populations.

The forum also provides opportunities for coordinated advocacy, resource mobilization, knowledge sharing, and community engagement that align with HUMFRIEH’s broader mission of promoting dignity, equity, and opportunity for all.

Looking Ahead

The creation of the Women-Led Organizations Forum marks the beginning of a long-term journey toward stronger collaboration and collective impact.

Moving forward, participating organizations intend to:

• Strengthen regional coordination among women-led organizations.
• Expand advocacy efforts for women’s rights and gender equality.
• Increase engagement with policymakers and decision-makers.
• Support leadership development opportunities for women.
• Promote community-driven solutions to challenges affecting women and girls.
• Strengthen partnerships with government institutions and development agencies.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives.
• Create sustainable mechanisms for collective action and social change.

HUMFRIEH remains committed to supporting initiatives that advance women’s empowerment and create opportunities for vulnerable women and girls throughout Cameroon.

Conclusion

The Constituent General Assembly for the formation of the North West and South West Women-Led Organizations Forum represents an important milestone in advancing women’s rights, empowerment, and leadership in Cameroon.

By bringing together women-led organizations, community groups, civil society actors, and development partners under a common vision, the forum creates a powerful platform for coordinated advocacy and meaningful change.

HUMFRIEH is honored to have participated in this historic gathering and looks forward to contributing to a strong Women-Led Organizations Network that will champion the rights, wellbeing, and empowerment of vulnerable women and girls for years to come.

Call to Action

Support HUMFRIEH’s efforts to advance women’s empowerment, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable women and girls across Cameroon.

You can help create lasting impact by:

• Becoming a sponsor of community development initiatives.
• Partnering with HUMFRIEH to expand outreach and advocacy efforts.
• Volunteering your time and skills to support vulnerable communities.
• Donating to programs that promote health, empowerment, and social inclusion.

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