NEWS

Within the framework of Water Climate Development Program- Gender (WACDEP-G), GWP-CAf organized the first WACDEP-G capacity building workshop in the region on October 14th 2020 in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Every year, all GWP Regions meet to brainstorm, share knowledge and learn about current challenges and future opportunities for the network at the annual regional days. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, this year’s regional days was held virtually for a period of four days, starting June 1st with over 100 participants at the opening plenary chaired by the outgoing Executive Secretary (ES), Monika Weber-Fahr . All regions were fully represented including GWP-CAf which was represented by the Regional Chair, Regional coordinator, as well as the Finance and Communications officers.

GWP Cameroon and its partners have trained women leaders in the Meri District, Northern Cameroon on community sensitization on fluorosis and its health impacts. The aim was to help change mentalities and break stereotypes related to dental fluorosis. An evaluation shows that the training and the activities of the women leaders has had a positive impact on the community's perception of the disease. The approach also created momentum for awareness activities in the entire Mayo Tsanaga River Basin.

Following on GWP’s engagement for gender equality, GWP Cameroon has carried out a study on gender-related impacts of fluorosis in northern Cameroon. The report, which is due to be published shortly, shows that impacts are significantly worse for girls and women and that gender-sensitive responses are needed. The report was discussed and validated at a workshop on 24 May in Maroua, Cameroon, by key institutional actors, development partners, and civil society groups.

GWP Cameroon, in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental and Development Studies in Cameroon (CEDC), organised a training workshop in Maroua on 13 February for ten women leaders from two communities (Meri and Mokolo) affected by fluorosis. The training was focused on how to use fluoride removal filters and was the result of a project on how to improve WASH services.