Addressing the question, “How innovative is your proposed solution?” Grant applications can be a challenging task. For Dr. Sally Mboumien, Director of COMAGEND Cameroon, this question has been both a point of reflection and an opportunity to showcase the groundbreaking work her team undertakes. Over the years, Dr. Mboumien has successfully led transformative initiatives and supported various project teams, but her experience with the Adjust for Me Project, funded by AmplifyChange, stands out as a journey of impact, discovery, and alliance building.

The Adjust for Me Project addresses critical social issues such as toxic masculinity, harmful traditional practices, and restrictive religious norms that limit access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Under the leadership of Project Lead Asoh Etheldreda, supported by a dedicated team including Achem Eviaya, Ngwengu Sharon, Nchang Emmanuela, and Fai Conscience, the project has demonstrated exceptional community engagement and impact.

One of its key components, Drama Therapy for Advocacy, exemplifies the project’s innovative approach. This activity harnesses the power of theatre to foster dialogue, challenge stereotypes, and empower communities to advocate for change.
Drama therapy has emerged as a powerful tool within the project, combining storytelling, interactive performances, and role-playing to debunk toxic masculinity, question harmful practices, and promote SRHR awareness. The participatory nature of these performances has been particularly impactful.
The inclusion of spec-actors—community members who engage directly with the performances—ensures that the narratives reflect lived realities, making the advocacy more relatable and actionable. Additionally, the involvement of local and traditional authorities has strengthened the credibility of the initiative, fostering acceptance and encouraging meaningful change.

The success of this initiative is rooted in collaboration and capacity building. Dr. Mboumien acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Akumbu Bubu from La Liberte Arts Group, whose training sessions empowered the project team to leverage drama as a transformative advocacy tool. This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in amplifying the impact of advocacy efforts.
Dr. Mboumien emphasizes that the innovation of the Adjust for Me Project lies in its practicality, inclusivity, and cultural relevance. By combining the arts with advocacy, the project has bridged cultural divides and inspired community-driven solutions.
“This initiative proves that innovation isn’t always about creating new technologies; it’s about finding creative, meaningful ways to connect with people and address their realities,” Dr. Mboumien notes.
As COMAGEND Cameroon continues to implement and expand the Adjust for Me Project, the organization remains committed to pushing boundaries in advocacy. The team encourages other organizations and stakeholders to adopt innovative approaches that are both impactful and sustainable.
Through initiatives like Drama Therapy for Advocacy, COMAGEND Cameroon is setting a benchmark for what creative, community-centered advocacy can achieve. Their work underscores the power of art to entertain, educate, and empower—a trifecta that is reshaping the future of advocacy in Cameroon and beyond.