Dr. Sally Mboumien: Empowering Women Peacebuilders at the University of Yaoundé II Symposium for International Women’s Day 2024.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2024, Dr. Sally Mboumien, Executive Director of COMAGEND Cameroon, had the distinct privilege of participating as a panelist at a symposium hosted at the University of Yaoundé II. The event, organized by the Vice Rector in charge of Research and Cooperation, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Yaoundé, centered around the theme of opportunities and challenges faced by women peacebuilders in Africa. This event was not only a celebration of women’s achievements but also a powerful reminder of the significant role women play in fostering peace and security within their communities. 

The symposium provided a unique opportunity to explore and discuss the vital contributions of women in the peacebuilding process across the African continent. As a passionate advocate for the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, Dr. Mboumien utilized the platform to shed light on the essential role of academia in documenting, amplifying, and conducting research on the peacebuilding efforts of women

Dr. Mboumien emphasized that it is crucial for academic institutions to not only conduct research on the subject but also to ensure that the contributions of women peacebuilders are valorized and highlighted. She stated that recognizing their efforts can inspire future generations and provide communities with role models who exemplify courage, resilience, and commitment to building sustainable peace. 

Dr. Mboumien’s remarks were grounded in her deep belief that education and research have the power to shape and influence societal perspectives. She urged academic institutions to collaborate with advocates and policymakers to create a body of work that reflects the lived experiences of women involved in peacebuilding while also highlighting the challenges they face. Her call was for more research, documentation, and the integration of women’s peacebuilding efforts into academic curricula. This approach would not only highlight the critical role of women but also inspire other women to take part in peace initiatives, knowing that their work would be recognized and celebrated. 

Dr. Mboumien’s own commitment to this cause is reflected in her years of work as an advocate for gender equality and her role in advancing the WPS agenda through COMAGEND Cameroon. Her leadership in these areas continues to pave the way for women’s empowerment, especially in the context of peacebuilding and conflict resolution

A significant aspect of Dr. Mboumien’s participation in the symposium was her involvement in sharing the stories of Cameroonian women peacebuilders. She expressed her sincere gratitude to Fes Kamerun, who recommended her as a woman peacebuilder and WPS advocate/consultant for the event. Dr. Mboumien took the opportunity to honor the courage and resilience of Cameroonian women peacebuilders, particularly through the Cameroon Peace Convention. These women have consistently worked towards the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the promotion of social harmony within their communities. 

Dr. Mboumien acknowledged that these women’s work often goes unrecognized, yet they are the backbone of peace efforts in Cameroon and beyond. By sharing their stories, she sought to amplify their voices, ensuring that their invaluable contributions are acknowledged both locally and internationally. In her words, “It is not enough to celebrate women’s contributions in peacebuilding—we must also ensure they are heard, understood, and recognized.” 

As the event concluded, Dr. Mboumien’s call to action was clear: empowering women and promoting peace requires continuous collaboration, advocacy, and the celebration of women’s work. She believes that the empowerment of women is not just a moral imperative but also a catalyst for peace and security. By providing women with the necessary support, resources, and platforms, we can create a future that is more inclusive, peaceful, and just. 

Her message was a powerful reminder that the work of women peacebuilders is not only essential for the present but also crucial for shaping a better, more harmonious future. She concluded by urging everyone to continue the efforts of supporting women, promoting peace, and building a society where gender equality and social justice are the foundations of a thriving community. 

Dr. Mboumien’s participation in the symposium is a reflection of her continued commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. As the Executive Director of COMAGEND, she remains dedicated to fostering a society where women are recognized not only as agents of change but also as essential drivers of peace and security. 

Her involvement in such significant forums underscores the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders, including academic institutions, policymakers, and advocates. This type of collective effort is critical to amplifying the voices of women peacebuilders and ensuring their work is fully integrated into both policy and practice. 

Dr. Mboumien’s message continues to resonate with everyone who strives for a world where peace, gender equality, and social justice prevail. Through her work, she is not only contributing to the advancement of the WPS agenda but also shaping the future of Cameroonian women and their role in building lasting peace in their communities.