DDR Adopts gender inclusive project with attainable objectives

Fai Yengo Francis, National Coordinator DDR

The National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Committee (NDDRC) has validated a  gender strategy project for 2021 to 2025. This came after a two day workshop that ended at the headquarters of the committee in Yaounde on Wednesday 26th October 2022. It has as aim to get women actively involve in the disarmament and reintegration process. 

The workshop was chaired by the national coordinator of the committee, Fai Yengo Francis who made the objectives clear. 

 "The objective of the DDR gender strategy is to ensure that the practical needs and strategic interests of women and men are taken into account and that women, girls and families associated with armed groups have greater access to Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration operations and services." Fai Yengo.

According to the committee, the document for this gender strategy had been in process and its validation will boost the inclusion of the female gender in the activities of the committee in regions affected by the crises like the Far North, North West and South West regions. 

Prof Marie Therese Ondoa

Among members of state who attended the workshop was the minister of Women empowerment and the family, Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa who stressed on the importance of this project to the women in particular and the public in general. 

 "There is need for a social protection base, particularly in the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls as well as men and boys. Women can be used as vital tools in mechanisms and processes for conflict prevention, resolution, peace building and social cohesion." Marie Thérèse 

The project has as vision to achieve a lot of things by 2025 which include the contribution to peace and security in the country. The establishment of a framework in which socio-cultural constraints are reduced and in which women and girls affected by the crises are free from all forms of discrimination and gender based violence. The vision spans to creating an increased and equitable access for women and girls affected by conflict to health, legal, judicial, educational, psychosocial and economic services. 

Paina Fabo

Speaking to the press after the workshop, the head of the monitoring and evaluation division, Paina Fabo further ex-rayed the objectives of the project. 

 "Women are not just victims of crises but are also artisans of peace. This project will increase the involvement of women and girls ex-combatants with arm groups and families in disarmament process. There is supposed to be community, economic, social, political and security integration of gender sensitive ex-combatants, in particular women and girls and families associated with armed groups within their communities."

Participants departed from the workshop poised to take action in due course. 

MANGEK PROMISE