A national workshop aimed at implementing the project to support policies, programmes and actions geared towards mainstreaming gender in the fight against the trafficking and diversion of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) in Cameroon has opened in Yaounde. The three day workshop started Monday 31 May 2021 and will run till Wednesday 2 June.
Ngalim Eugene Nyuydine, indefatigable civil society member, fighting proliferation of small arms and light weapons
The European Union (EU) funded training which brings together representatives of women-led Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and defense and security units, falls in line with the UN Resolution 13/25 which basically focuses on women, peace and security.
It is organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) through its Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) in partnership with the Ministry of External Relations (MINREX) and Cameroon Youths and Students Forum for Peace (CAMYOSFOP) – a member CSO with the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA).
Participants pose with organisers, experts
Opening the training, the Representative of MINREX, Esenezer Mouandjo Mouandjo, told participants that women and girls remain the highest victims during violence. He stated that their participation in curbing illicit circulation of arms is an important way to reduce gender-based violence and guarantee safe, non-violent homes and communities.
“Until women are fully integrated into the decision-making process in the fight against the proliferation of small and light weapons, these arms will not be silenced in many parts of Africa and Cameroon in particular,” Mouandjo stated, adding, that the workshop will enable participants to further contribute to peace, security and gender equality and sustainable development and help promote the equitable and meaningful participation of women in all decision-making spheres pertaining to arm control and build capacities their into the effective implementation of weapons control policies nationally.
Ngalim Eugene Nyuydine, Cameroon Focal Point of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) who equally doubles as President of the Cameroon Action Network on Small Arms (CANSA) said the situation of small and light weapons circulation is increasingly becoming serious due to the porous borders and conflicts in several parts of the country like the North West, South West, Far North and to a lesser extent the East regions.
“Women have got a very big role to play especially in negotiating peace as provided for by the UN Resolution 13/25 which is basically about women, peace and security,” Ngalim said, adding, that a look at the number of internally displaced persons and refugees indicates women constitute more than three quarter of such a population.
The Executive Director of CAMYOSFOP, a longstanding member IANSA saluted MINREX, UNREC and UNODA for initiating the training and pledged to share their expertise as civil society as well as learn and collaborate further.
While reiterating their commitment to create safer communities, Ngalim, underscored the role of CSOs in realizing the objective of the workshop which hinges on ensuring regional peace. He said the coincidence about the workshop is the fact that is falls within the 2021 Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence – a campaign led by IANSA which will run from May 31 to Friday June 4 under the theme “Make Your Voice Heard: United Against Gun Violence”.
H.E. Philippe Van Damme, Representative of the EU Commission in Cameroon pledged EU’s continues support to peace initiatives throughout the continent and Cameroon in particular. He challenged all citizens to contribute in the initiative, noting that curbing circulation of illicit weapons cannot be left in the hands of the government alone. Van Damme while recalling steps taken by the EU in this direction added that the training will go a long way in enhancing women and girl’s rights.
Yabouri Anselme, Director of UNREC highlight the dangers of the circulation of illicit weapons in the country and the Sub-region and other steps that have been taken by the structure to limit the spread.
By Doh Bertrand Nua
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