EmpowerHer Cameroon the story

The story

 

EmpowerHer Cameroon began as a heartfelt response to the challenges faced by women and girls in Southwest Cameroon, particularly in the town of Buea. It all started with two childhood friends who, after living abroad for over a decade, decided to return home to Cameroon to reconnect with their roots and rediscover the place where they had grown up and studied.

 

Buea, a town nestled at the foot of Mount Cameroon, held countless memories for them. It was where they had attended nursery school, excelled in primary and secondary education, and eventually graduated from the University of Buea. However, their return was met with a bittersweet realization: the town they cherished had changed dramatically.

 

A Town in Crisis

 

The unrest in Cameroon, marked by the ongoing Anglophone crisis, has profoundly impacted the Southwest Region. Once a thriving hub of education and opportunity, the region has been deeply affected by social and political turmoil. Schools have closed, businesses have been abandoned, and the once-vibrant streets now bear the weight of uncertainty and despair. The crisis has disrupted access to quality education, healthcare, and economic stability, with women and girls bearing the brunt of these challenges.

This unrest has led to a rise in poverty, overpopulation in certain areas like Buea, limited safe spaces for women, and increased instances of gender-based violence.

Many families struggle to make ends meet, and young girls, who should be in school, are instead forced into vulnerable situations, such as fetching water in areas plagued by water shortages.

 

A Vision for Change

 

Moved by the stark realities around them, the two friends felt compelled to act. They realized that the only way to rebuild their beloved community was to empower its people—especially women and girls. From their shared vision, EmpowerHer Cameroon was born.

The organization was founded with a simple but powerful mission: to fight poverty and social injustice in Southwest Cameroon by creating opportunities for women and girls to thrive. EmpowerHer Cameroon focuses on three key pillars:

Education: Ensuring access to quality education and vocational training for girls to unlock their potential.

Healthcare: Improving access to essential healthcare services and raising awareness about reproductive health and gender-based violence.

 

Economic Opportunities: 

Empowering women with skills training, entrepreneurship programs, and access to financial resources.

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