By Judithpride N.

Women of the National Peace Convention have announced that the first- ever Women’s Negotiation for Peace in Cameroon will take place on September 21, 2022, celebrated as the International Day of Peace.

Cameroon National Women’s Convention for Peace Logo

This announcement was made recently during a press briefing in Yaounde at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, during a come together of the women.

With the damaging effects of the ongoing socio-political conflict in the Far North, Northwest and Southwest regions of the country, women-regarded as impartial actors to the different conflict, have declared an unequivocal desire for the return of peace and an unwavering conviction in dialogue as an ideal route to peace and stability in the country.

“The women are out to stop the most serious manifestations in women’s lives which includes rape, torture and extra-judicial killings”.NormanTaku, Project Officer fora Friedrich Ebert told the press.

Norman Taku in his address during the event quoted Nelson Mandela “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” and that it’s common knowledge that women are the first educators of all children.So,the deaths of children, especially the girl and of mothers and educators are stumbling blocks to the development of Cameroon.

According to Serah-Derval-Derval Lifanda, the insecurities in our society have given women with the sacred duty to link and bind communities together and build peace, piece by piece.

“Many women are now heads of our homes, children are no longer safe in most schools because their limps are amputated,they are being forced to undress in public and these are those in whose hearts lie the hope and aspirations of every society”She added.

It should be noted that in July 2021, about 1800 women from all 10 regions of Cameroon converged in Yaounde for the First-Ever National Wopmen’s Convention for Peace in Cameroon.

Nina Netzer, resident representative of Friedrich Ebert foundation advised “if you want peace don’t talk to your friends,talk to your enemies”, while calling on the media to be supportive and bring the peace that is needed through the practice of peace journalism.

The National Women’s Convention for Peace while reiterating the need for dialogue as the best path to peace, also warns against war crimes metted on people and properties, and commits stakeholders to let their actions be guided by UN Security Council Resolutions.