Cameroonian Women Improve Family Relations

In 2005-6, WLP partner Community Education and Development Services (CEDS) has reached out to two rural communities in Cameroon - Ako and Fundong - to host Leading to Choices leadership workshops for women.

Many of the participants coordinated local women's groups to improve conditions in their communities. Yet the majority of them did not think of themselves as leaders when they began the workshop. One participant said of her group, "We cannot be considered leaders, as many of us can neither read nor write."

Through exploring the concept of participatory leadership, many participants were able to recognize that they already held leadership roles in their families and communities. "I now realize that anyone can be a leader who teaches others. I feel more confident in expressing my views," said one participant.

When discussing the challenges they faced in their day-to-day lives, many participants found that their most difficult struggles took place in their families, with children, husbands, and other relatives.

"Sometimes there is so much conflict in my home that it is hard for me to do anything at all, including work in my community," one participant said.

Working as a group to practice new skills was new for many participants, particularly a group made up of women of many ethnicities. But as they got to know one another better, participants enthusiastically engaged in small group exercises and large group discussions to develop effective communication, negotiation, persuasion, and conflict management skills they could use to improve the quality of their family lives.

Many participants felt they could use these new skills to reduce conflict with their husbands. "When I came to this workshop, I thought it would cause more troubles with my husband. But now I feel confident that I can go home and talk to him about some of the issues which have been worrying me," said one participant.

Others hoped to initiate dialogue with their children about the sharing of roles and responsibilities within the home. "When I would like my children to do more in the home, I often begin an argument. Now I believe that I can negotiate with them and come to an agreement about responsibilities at home."

As active members of women's groups, many participants also believed the skills they learned would increase the impact of their community work. "These skills will help us work with men towards our goals and improve gender relations in our community," said the coordinator of one group.

CEDS will remain in touch with participants through phone calls with the coordinators of women's groups. They will also make a follow-up visit to both Ako and Fundong later in the year to meet with participants and learn about the ways in which the workshop has made a difference to their lives over time.