16 days of Activism against GBV: Phase two of the Project “Using Arts to Strengthen the Resilience of Communities against Gender Based Violence”

X-Maleya Association supported by Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and in collaboration with Local Youth Corner Cameroon initiated the second phase of the project “Using Arts to Strengthen the Resilience of Communities against Gender-Based Violence” in the Far North Region of Cameroon. The project seeks to respond to the prevalence of physical and sexual violence against women and young girls by developing audiovisual tools for mass sensitization and using influential champions to raise community awareness of the dangers of GBV and provide support to victims and survivors.

X-Malaya at one of the school during the sensitization campaign 

Context

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a life-threatening, global health and human rights issue that violates international human rights law and principles of gender equality. In the Far North Region of Cameroon, GBV remains one of the most prevalent human rights violations and the biggest challenge suffered by young women and girls. The Far North Region of Cameroon faces unique challenges in addressing GBV due to its cultural norms and limited access to resources and services. Efforts to combat GBV in this region require a comprehensive approach that includes sensitization, community engagement, and the empowerment of women and girls.

Campaign objectives

This initiative had the following objectives:

1. Raise awareness through a 3-day speak-out training within the refugee camp: Increase knowledge and understanding of GBV among young girls and women, ensuring they can identify various forms of violence and their impact.
2. To enhance the skills of young women refugees to prevent, report, and effectively respond to incidents of GBV through practical training and workshops.
3. To strengthen networks and support systems within the camps for survivors of GBV, providing access to essential services and resources.
4. To advocate for gender equality, challenging harmful social norms and cultural stereotypes that perpetuate GBV in the selected communities in the North region.
5. To engage community members, including religious leaders, local authorities, and traditional councils, to actively participate in addressing GBV and creating a safer space for young girls and women.

Key Activities

The initiative will have the following Key Activities:

1. Sport Walk
2. Training in Minawao Refugee Camp
3. Awareness-Raising In Schools
4. Advocacy with Authorities
5. Grand Musical Concert

Media interview with X-Malaya after sensitization

The key outcome of the Activities

We engaged over 15,000 students in 5 secondary schools and one university.

The sports walk gathered over 400 participants.

The giant concert had over 1,000 young people.

The sensitization training in the Minawao refugee camp touched 100 participants, who were women, men, young girls, and boys. Dignity kits were shared with the young girls and women.

Gender-based violence is an issue that affects millions of people globally. We must take action to put an end to this pandemic. The musical band’s initiative to build the ‘resilience of communities against GBV by using their art is a great step towards creating awareness against GBV given that this approach can reach a wider audience, making it more impactful. This kind of initiative highlights the importance of innovation in fighting Gender-Based Violence. We must support initiatives like this to ensure significant progress towards ending GBV.