Latest news with #NORCAP
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Promoting women's leadership in Cameroon peace processes
Women in Cameroon face unique challenges such as trauma, displacement and stigmatisation because of the Boko Haram insurgency. Recognising the pivotal role women can play in re-building, NORCAP supports women-led organisations to lead disarmament, demobilisation and re-integration efforts. The ongoing effects of the Boko Haram insurgency in Cameroon have left thousands of individuals displaced, communities fractured, and former combatants in need of reintegration. Women, often caught in the crosshairs of such conflicts, face unique challenges, from trauma and displacement to stigmatisation. Recognising the pivotal role women can play in rebuilding their communities, NORCAP has supported UN Women's efforts to amplify the voices and leadership of women-led organisations in Cameroon's disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) processes. These efforts are fostering not only the reintegration of ex-combatants but also the restoration of communities profoundly affected by conflict. The DDR Challenge in Cameroon Cameroon hosts three entres that work on disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of members of armed forces and groups. Currently, these centres house nearly 3,000 fighters formerly associated with Boko Haram. The inclusion of local actors – particularly women-led organisations – in the operations of the centres is increasingly recognised as essential to these efforts. These organisations bring vital perspectives to DDR processes, addressing the distinct needs of women and girls impacted by conflict whilst fostering community healing and resilience. However, the organisations face significant barriers, including limited access to resources, capacity constraints, and cultural norms that often marginalise women in leadership roles. To address these challenges, NORCAP has implemented a programme to strengthen women-led organisations and ensure their meaningful participation in both DDR programmes and wider humanitarian response initiatives. Building capacity for leadership NORCAP's engagement with women-led organisations began with an organisational capacity assessment to identify gaps and develop targeted support. One organisation, the Association for Development and Community Participation in Cameroon (ADECOPA- CAM), exemplifies the impact of this approach. Located in Maroua, ADECOPA-CAM initially lacked the foundational policies and governance frameworks required to manage projects that required significant funds. 'Before NORCAP's support, we had no internally- developed policy documents,' recalls Fanne Yaya, ADECOPA-CAM's coordinator. 'Their assessment shed light on these weaknesses and led to comprehensive improvements in our organisation's capabilities.' Through NORCAP's capacity-building programme, ADECOPA-CAM developed essential policies, including a code of conduct and a gender policy, and gained expertise in governance, financial management, and advocacy. This strengthened foundation has enabled ADECOPA- CAM to take on a leadership role in reintegration efforts, focusing on the unique needs of women and girls. As Yaya notes, 'We are now equipped to contribute meaningfully to DDR processes, ensuring that women's voices are heard and their needs addressed.' Integrating gender perspectives One of the hallmarks of NORCAP's approach is its emphasis on gender-responsive programming. Women-led organisations are uniquely positioned to address the gendered dimensions of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR), from supporting female ex-combatants and allies to ex- combatants to providing psychosocial support for women and girls impacted by conflict. NORCAP has facilitated training sessions on mainstreaming gender in humanitarian response and strengthening advocacy, better equipping organisations to advocate for the inclusion of gender-specific considerations in DDR planning and implementation. Daouda Serifou, NORCAP gender and localisation specialist working with UN Women in Cameroon, highlights the importance of this work. 'The participation of women-led organisations in DDR processes is not just about equality – it's about effectiveness. Their contributions ensure that DDR initiatives are holistic and responsive to the needs of all community members.' Rebuilding lives and communities The impact of NORCAP's support is already visible in the communities served by women-led organisations. In the Far North Region, women-led groups have developed initiatives to address the stigma faced by female ex-combatants and survivors of sexual violence. These programmes include vocational training, counselling, and community dialogues aimed at fostering reconciliation. Through these efforts, ex-combatants, particularly women, are finding pathways to reintegration that not only restore their dignity but also contribute to community development. 'Reintegration is not just about the individual – it's about the community,' says Daouda. 'When women-led organisations take the lead, they bring a level of empathy and understanding that is crucial for rebuilding trust.' Overcoming challenges While progress has been significant, challenges remain. Cultural norms and patriarchal structures continue to limit the influence of women-led organisations in some areas. Additionally, the lack of sustainable funding poses a barrier to scaling successful initiatives. To address these challenges, NORCAP has advocated for increased investment in women-led organisations and the establishment of long-term partnerships. By building networks and facilitating mentorship opportunities, NORCAP is fostering collaboration among organisations, enabling them to pool resources and amplify their impact. A vision for the future As Cameroon moves towards the next phase of its disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programme in 2025, the role of women- led organisations will be more critical than ever. NORCAP's work has laid the groundwork for their sustained participation, but continued support and investment are essential to ensure lasting success. Looking ahead, NORCAP plans to expand its capacity- strengthening efforts, with a focus on developing leadership pipelines for women in local communities. These efforts aim to capitalise on progress already made, while creating a model for gender-inclusive DDR processes that can be replicated in other conflict- affected regions. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
Zawya
17-03-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Former Norwegian Capacity (NORCAP) Expert new Head of Burkina Faso National Met Agency
Mariam joined NORCAP in 2023 through the Climate Action Accelerator Programme. Under the guidance of her NORCAP mentor, Emmanuel Poan, she successfully validated and operationalised the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, adapting it to Burkina Faso's unique climate conditions. The team´s collective efforts significantly strengthened ANAM's technical capacity for climate services, improving forecast accuracy and making climate predictions more reliable and actionable for agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and water resource management. 'These improvements have helped decision-makers and communities make better-informed choices, enhancing resilience to climate risks,' says Mariam. Mariam's application to NORCAP's Climate Action Accelerator Programme stood out among the many applicants. Mariam highlights ANAM's debut at FESPACO 2025, Africa's largest film festival, as a significant milestone. By mobilising a team of meteorologists and communication experts at an interactive stand, Mariam and her colleagues showcased how weather impacts film production, logistics, and public safety. 'This initiative expanded ANAM's reach, demonstrating that meteorology is not just about forecasting but also a crucial tool for risk management, logistics, and creative industries,' says Mariam. Bridging the gap Through her work with NORCAP and ANAM, Mariam has been successful in bridging the gap between science and society. Mariam expresses her deep gratitude to the Burkinabè authorities for placing their trust in her and for their commitment to integrating gender inclusivity into climate governance. She reminds us that Burkina Faso, like many countries in the Sahel, faces some of the most comprehensive and complex impacts of climate change, and tackling these challenges requires diverse perspectives and strong leadership. 'Women, especially those in rural communities, experience climate change differently, often facing disproportionate risks while playing a crucial role in adaptation strategies. Yet, their voices remain underrepresented in climate science, meteorology, and decision-making spaces,' says Mariam. Thanks to their resilience and knowledge, women can be the most powerful agents of change. Empowering women to lead in climate action isn't just an opportunity; it's essential for building a sustainable future. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Norwegian Refugee Council.
