
At COMAGEND, we believe that lasting change can only happen when those who are directly affected by an issue are the ones leading the charge. This principle is at the heart of our latest initiative with Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), who are taking matters into their own hands to address the pressing health challenges in their communities. The mantra “Nothing for us without us” perfectly encapsulates their commitment to empowering their peers and transforming their own realities.
As part of our ongoing efforts to tackle the most prevalent health issues affecting AGYW, we are thrilled to announce that a group of these young women has committed to creating a Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) manual. This manual will focus on critical health topics such as HIV/AIDS, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Malaria, Tuberculosis (TB), and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), issues that deeply affect the lives of AGYW in Cameroon and across the globe.
What makes this initiative truly impactful is that the manual will be created by the AGYW themselves, for the AGYW community. This approach ensures that the information is not only accurate but also resonates with the realities and challenges young women face. It takes an AGYW to understand the unique challenges AGYW go through—making them the ideal advocates for change within their own communities.

To further amplify the impact of this manual, another group of AGYW has been trained as peer educators. These educators will use the manual as a tool to engage their peers in open, honest conversations about the health issues that affect them. By equipping young women with the knowledge and skills to educate their communities, we are empowering them to become the leaders of tomorrow—championing healthier lifestyles and breaking the stigma surrounding critical health topics.
Peer education is one of the most powerful ways to engage youth. It fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among the youth and creates a safe, relatable environment for discussions. “It takes an AGYW to understand AGYW,” and these peer educators will be the bridges to vital information, support, and guidance.

As part of this groundbreaking initiative, the AGYW peer educators will establish “My Sister, My Friend” clubs in communities across the region. These clubs will serve as safe spaces for AGYW to come together, share their experiences, and have open dialogues about their health and well-being. In these clubs, participants will address issues such as HIV prevention, SRHR awareness, and combating gender-based violence, while also fostering strong relationships of support and solidarity among AGYW.
The “My Sister, My Friend” clubs will be a place where young women can speak freely about their challenges, access resources, and receive mentorship from their peers. This approach builds a sense of community and encourages AGYW to support one another in making informed decisions about their health.
This initiative will not be limited to one area, it will stretch across multiple regions, leaving no stone unturned. From Bali to Tubah and Mankon, we are committed to reaching as many AGYW as possible, ensuring that the voices of young women are heard and that they have access to the tools they need to lead healthy lives.
These regions, which are deeply affected by the issues we are addressing, will be key to the success of this project. By engaging local communities and stakeholders, we are ensuring that the AGYW-led approach to health education becomes an integral part of the larger efforts to improve the health outcomes of young women in Cameroon.
The AGYW-led creation of the CSE manual and the establishment of peer-led educational clubs mark a significant shift in how we approach youth health education. We are no longer simply providing solutions for AGYW—we are empowering them to create their own solutions, build their own networks of support, and lead the way in making lasting change.
We are incredibly excited to see the positive impact these young women will have on their peers, and we are proud to support their efforts every step of the way. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to transforming their communities are truly inspiring. The journey ahead will be challenging, but with the collective action of AGYW from Bali, Tubah, Mankon, and beyond, we are confident that we will create a future where every young woman has the tools and knowledge to live a healthy, empowered life.