By Boris Esono Nwenfor
Stakeholders in Cameroon have renewed calls for stronger economic empowerment as a critical tool in the fight against gender-based violence, during a capacity-building workshop organised by the Cameroon Economic Policy Institute under the Henri Kouam Foundation.
Held at the Apostolic Church on March 6, the training brought together women entrepreneurs from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the informal sector to deepen their understanding of gender-based violence (GBV) and explore strategies for social and economic empowerment.
The initiative comes at a time when violence against women remains a persistent challenge in Cameroon, affecting not only the safety and dignity of women but also the broader social and economic development of communities. Experts note that GBV manifests in multiple forms, including domestic abuse, economic deprivation, psychological harm and structural discrimination.
Addressing these challenges requires more than awareness campaigns. Instead, it is important to equip women with the tools, skills and knowledge needed to achieve financial independence and assert their rights. Women who possess entrepreneurial skills, access to financial resources and knowledge of their rights are better positioned to protect themselves and make independent decisions.
Alarming Statistics
During the workshop, Dr Egbe Fride, a research fellow at CEPI, provided participants with an in-depth overview of gender-based violence and its impact in Cameroon. The trainer described GBV as violence directed at individuals because of their gender or disproportionately affecting a particular gender, with women and girls bearing the greatest burden.
Citing figures from the United Nations Population Fund, Dr Fride highlighted the scale of the crisis. According to the data, more than half of married women in Cameroon experience intimate partner violence, with 34 per cent subjected to physical abuse and 13 per cent to sexual violence.
The trainer pointed to the persistence of harmful traditional practices such as forced marriage and female genital mutilation, as well as the limited availability of support services for survivors. “Since January 2024, 77 cases of feminicide have been recorded, mostly involving intimate partners.”
Economic Empowerment as a Solution
Participants were introduced to the concept of economic empowerment as a practical pathway to reducing GBV. Trainers explained that financial independence can help women escape abusive environments, negotiate safer relationships and actively contribute to their communities.
The session also explored opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which offers a platform for women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses across African markets.
Henri Kouam, founder of the Cameroon Economic Policy Institute, CEPI, highlighted the AfCFTA protocol on women and youth in trade, which seeks to promote financial inclusion and equal participation in economic activities. He linked this to AU Agenda 2063, particularly its aspiration for a people-driven Africa that leverages the potential of women and youth.
He noted that Cameroon’s 2026 Finance Law includes a special allocation of 50 billion CFA francs to support women’s economic empowerment and youth employment. The fund is expected to boost entrepreneurship, support women-led businesses and promote financial inclusion.
The workshop also highlighted the significant contribution of women to Cameroon’s economy. Trainers noted that women account for up to 80 per cent of agricultural production, own about 40 per cent of SMEs and represent roughly 70 per cent of the informal sector workforce.
Despite these contributions, many women remain excluded from formal value chains, limiting their ability to maximise profits and access larger markets. To address this gap, participants were introduced to tools such as the African Trade Observatory and non-tariff barrier reporting mechanisms designed to facilitate cross-border trade. Improving women’s access to these tools, alongside targeted training on export and import procedures, would be key to unlocking their full economic potential.
Call for Continued Action
Facilitators called for increased sensitisation campaigns and policy support to ensure that women fully benefit from opportunities under AfCFTA. They also emphasised the need for sustained training programmes to build capacity and confidence among women entrepreneurs.
Women from six regions of Cameroon attended the training, which Atlas Network and Ed Africa Group supported. Such initiatives are vital in addressing the root causes of gender-based violence while promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development. The Cameroon Economic Policy Institute (CEPI) is a non-partisan think tank that is advancing economic development through fact-based research, policy advocacy, and events that promote entrepreneurship and free-market ideas.
