Outcome CMR_D_3.1

By 2026, gaps in key socio-economic indicators are reduced, reflecting greater gender equality and progress in the empowerment of youth, women and girls, and other vulnerable groups, including in humanitarian contexts. (Outcome 2.2 /UNSDCF)

Strengthened Legal Framework for Gender Equality Cameroon has made significant progress in its legal framework to protect women's rights . In December 2024, the country adopted Law No. 2024-016 on the Organization of the Civil Status Registration System , which introduces electronic registration of civil status events, alongside traditional paper methods. This innovation is expected to reduce the need for supplementary judgments for civil status reconstitution and decrease the rate of non-registration of births , ensuring better legal documentation for children across the country. A new law on violence against women and girls is also underway, thanks to UN Women’s support . The Ministry of Women Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF) has developed a preliminary draft law aimed at closing legal gaps in the protection of women and girls. This draft has been reviewed and amended by the technical review committee and will soon be transmitted to the Ministry of Justice for validation, before being presented to the National Assembly for adoption. Strengthened Coordination and Support for GBV Response Improved coordination and response to gender-based violence (GBV) has been achieved through the establishment of a robust coordination mechanism in several municipalities, including Babadjou, Dschang, Loum, Njombe-Penja, Bafia, and Ombessa. Through capacity-building sessions for government and civil society actors, stakeholders are now better equipped to handle GBV case management . This has resulted in improved collaboration , regular coordination meetings, and an enhanced response to GBV incidents. Enhanced Mainstreaming of Gender in Humanitarian Action Humanitarian action has become more inclusive and responsive to gender needs with the integration of GBV protection measures and support for women IDPs in municipal development plans. Following a consultation workshop organized by UN Women with MINPROFF and the Ministry of Decentralization and Local Development (MINDDEVEL), 40 Mayors and elected officials participated in strengthening gender-sensitive humanitarian strategies for IDP women and girls, specifically survivors of GBV. These efforts have enhanced the capacity of local authorities to provide holistic support and protection for GBV survivors in humanitarian settings. Increased Resilience for GBV Survivors Resilience has been significantly increased for GBV survivors . In total, 1,653 GBV survivors from various municipalities, including Babadjou, Dschang, Bafia, Ombessa, Loum, and Njombe-Penja, benefited from psychosocial support in safe spaces . These spaces have provided survivors with critical support in dealing with issues such as rape, psychological abuse, child marriage, sexual assault, and physical abuse, helping them rebuild their lives and recover from trauma. Improved Economic Well-being for GBV Survivors 500 vulnerable women and GBV survivors have gained increased economic independence . Through capacity building in bookkeeping and small-scale business management , as well as the distribution of livelihood kits , these women can now better support their families. 37 beneficiaries also received cash transfers that were deposited in financial institutions to enhance their financial autonomy and support their business ventures. Empowering Vulnerable Women for Leadership and Self-Protection The empowerment of 500 women and girls in Babadjou, Dschang, Loum, Njombe-Penja, Ombessa, and Bafia has been a major achievement in 2024. These women and girls, from both IDP and host communities , underwent capacity-building sessions on disaster risk reduction , self-protection , leadership , and psychological and physical first aid . This training has significantly increased their protection and enabled them to participate safely in humanitarian actions, enhancing their leadership and resilience in their communities. Community Engagement in GBV Prevention and Peacebuilding Community mobilization efforts against GBV and for peacebuilding have been successful. 120 women and girls are actively leading initiatives to combat GBV and promote peace and security in their communities, particularly in the West, Littoral, and Centre regions . These leaders, members of Women’s Leadership Organizations (WLOs) and Regional Coordination Platforms (RECOPs) , are playing an instrumental role in the prevention and response to GBV in their localities. Improved Management of Menstrual Hygiene Improved menstrual hygiene management has been achieved for 20,500 young girls and GBV survivors in multiple regions, including the South-West, North-West, West, Littoral, Centre, East, and Far-North. Dignity kits , containing essential items such as sanitary pads, cotton underwear, soap, and toiletries, were distributed to these girls, helping them manage their menstrual health with dignity. In addition, the construction of 2 gender latrines in Bafia, in collaboration with CAMYOSFOP , has improved menstrual hygiene facilities in the region. Expanded Awareness of GBV and Gender Equality Increased awareness of GBV, social cohesion, and gender in emergencies has been achieved among 16,815 individuals (including 7,613 women, 5,319 girls, 2,146 men, and 1,737 boys ) across several municipalities. These individuals have gained a deeper understanding of GBV prevention , peacebuilding , disaster risk reduction , and gender equality through door-to-door sensitization , community dialogues , and radio programs using IEC materials . Improved Quality of Services for Vulnerable Women and GBV Survivors The capacity of MINPROFF to provide quality psychosocial support, literacy, and vocational training to vulnerable women and girls has been strengthened with the construction of a Women Empowerment and Family Center in Kekem. This facility, developed in partnership with UNDP , enables MINPROFF to offer essential services that contribute to the empowerment and economic independence of vulnerable women and girls. UN Women’s Contributions UN Women has been instrumental in providing technical and financial support to various stakeholders, including MINPROFF , local governments, and civil society organizations, to drive these impactful results. Through capacity-building , policy development , and coordination efforts , UN Women has facilitated inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches to tackling GBV, enhancing the resilience and empowerment of women, girls, and marginalized groups, and promoting sustainable development in the country.

By 2026, gaps in key socio-economic indicators are reduced, reflecting greater gender equality and progress in the empowerment of youth, women and girls, and other vulnerable groups, including in humanitarian contexts. (Outcome 2.2 /UNSDCF)

In 2025, conditions conducive to the prevention of violence against women and girls (including digital violence) were strengthened, through combined progress in social norms, access to services, and the use of evidence for improved intervention planning. A total of 5,412 women enhanced their knowledge and skills through training and awareness-raising services covering gender equality, gender-based violence, use of digital platforms, improved agricultural practices and vocational skills (sewing, hairdressing, ICT, hospitality/catering). In parallel, women and girls increased awareness of digital violence against women and girls and the importance of birth registration, contributing to improved understanding of rights and protection issues. At the economic empowerment level, 24 girls strengthened the operationalization of their income-generating initiatives through the provision of equipment for businesses established with funding from the SCE project. Women’s and girls’ access to safe and structured spaces for empowerment and skills development was enhanced through the construction and equipping of a Women Empowerment and Family Centre in Kekem. Within five months following the handover of the centre to MINPROFF , the facility supported 65 trainees (62 girls and 3 boys) across three vocational training tracks (ICT, tailoring and catering). In addition, 12 young girls gained short-term professional exposure through a one-month internship with UN Women , implemented in collaboration with UNV , contributing to their engagement in advocacy and operational activities under the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls. In parallel, the technical capacities of 987 cooperative members — including 847 women and 110 men, among them 47 persons with disabilities — from 50 cooperative groups across 17 Councils in the North-West Region were strengthened through training on improved fallow techniques, soil conservation methods and the development of shaded crops, supporting increased readiness to apply more sustainable agricultural practices at cooperative level