UN Women and UNDP support vulnerable women in South West and North West Regions of Cameroon
Date:
In Bamenda, on July 16 2020, 21 participants took part in the official launch of the project: “Support for women's socio-economic activities around the value chains induced by COVID-19 in the North-West and South-West Regions of Cameroon”, initiated jointly by UN Women and UNDP, in the conference room of the Regional Research Delegation of the North-West region in Bamenda.
This is part of a project that aims in total to strengthen the capacities of 40 seamstresses in the towns of (20 in Bamenda and 20 in Buea) and give them some financial aid to produce barrier masks in reusable fabric in accordance with standards, to strengthen the capacities of 40 women leaders in the production of antiseptic soap and hydro-alcoholic gel ans to support with starter kits for the activities of these 80 women.
The main objective was to equip the participants with the necessary skills on how to manage income-generating activities and protection from COVID-19 contamination, namely, the production of standardized reusable fabric barrier masks in accordance with existing standards, and the production of antiseptic soaps and hydro-alcoholic gels.
During this activity, the participants were sensitized about COVID-19 in Africa and in Cameroon, on the socio-economic consequences on women and girls, as well as on the main barrier measures put in place. They were also trained on entrepreneurship and simplified business management to build their capacities for adequate financial management of their capital and the profits of their income-generating activities.
At the end of the activity, participants expressed their satisfaction with the newly acquired skills. According to Mrs. Boja MANKA, one of the beneficiaries, "my dreams are coming true since I now have the necessary knowledge to plan and budget my activities."
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has limited the progress made in recent decades, which is likely to be reduced. In all areas, from health to the economy, from security to social protection, the effects of COVID-19 are exacerbated for women and girls. This project initiated by UN Women with UNDP support is a rapid and targeted response aimed at mitigating the gender impact of the crisis on the most vulnerable and ensuring that they benefit from long-term recovery measures, especially economic recovery.