Empowerment: Women Gain Entrepreneurial Skills

As part of the 2026 International Mother’s Day celebrations, the Network of Women’s Associations of the Douala I Subdivision (RAFED) organised a three-day capacitybuilding workshop. The event that took place at the Women Empowerment Center in Akwa was aimed at equipping local women with sustainable economic, health, and legal tools. The initiative was organized in partnership with the Mulema Mua Ngomé Association and the Women and Family Promotion Centre. While opening the workshop on May 25, the Regional Inspector in charge of Prefectorial Administration at the Littoral Governor’s Office Mboke Naz Senta, urged the women to maximize the platform provided to them. Held under the theme “Bringing us together, Sustainable Empowerment, Health, and the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence”, the event placed women at the very heart of social development. The governor’s representative stated that “by continuing this event in Douala following your official accreditation in 2024, you demonstrate a profound commitment to solidarity. This ambitious 2026 program provides a concrete, pragmatic response to the operational challenges women face in our region.” He highlighted that the week’s agenda acts as a catalyst for both personal and professional transformation. Some of the events during the three days included, motivational coaching sessions for entrepreneurs and successstory sharing to instil market confidence. Hands-on workshops, particularly in fabric dyeing, to offer immediate income-generating skills. A mobile clinic offering free screenings and vital signs monitoring to foster a healthy community. Socio-legal clinics to break the silence surrounding inheritance rights, domestic abuse, and extreme gender-based violence like femicide. The matron of the event, Ndome Engome Michèle (3rd Assistant City Mayor of Douala and Coordinator of the Mulema Mua Ngomé Association), emphasized that municipal authorities will spare no effort in advancing women’s independence. She also acknowledged the vital support of men in the ...