In Cameroon just like in many parts of Africa, cases of early and forced marriages abound. According to the World Bank, child marriages are by far higher in far north Cameroon than in other parts of the Central African country.
By Dorcas Ekupe in Cameroon
The region is also Cameroon’s poorest. The Boko Haram crises has further exacerbated bitting poverty with many girls dropping out of school as a result of the crisis.
But a Community Based Organisation, Action Pour le Développement et la Cohabitation Pacifique au Cameroun (ADECOPA-CAM) has been committed to mitigating Gender- Based Violence in the community. It does so using Digital Technology.
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” We have alot of online programs where we Interact with women and girls in our community” says Fadimatou Bashirou, Gender Coordinator at ADECOPA-CAM.
The platforms are used to educate the target population.
“Through our online platforms, we always Sensitise both parents and girls on the need to let girls go to school and not marry against their wish. Recently we had an online campaign where we worked with 14 girls.
“I quite remember we also launched a call for girls to write on how to prevent violence in the community. We did this using our social media handles and we saw many young women aged 18 to 35 take part. It was a beautiful experience as we saw many write-ups that were against Gender-Based Violence”. Fadimatou adds.
She said that the determination to effect change motivated the creation of the association. “I live in a patriarchal community. I have seen many of my family members marry off early and so I didn’t just want to complain but be a part of the solution. That is why we decided to incorporate digital technology in our local organisation” says Bashirou.
One of the girls who have benefited from the Association’s online campaign says she has learnt alot on gender-based violence.
“I am happy I used my phone responsibly. When I went online and saw that the organisations were looking to train young girls, I quickly applied and I can tell you I am now equipped with knowledge on gender-based violence. I always tell other ladies to pursue their studies”, said Marngata Élisabeth.
As the fight for gender-based violence continues, local organisations in the region say they will continue to push for gender equality so that many girls can stay in school.
