Schweizerische FriedensstiftungSwisspeace

Published purpose

This project works to promote a constructive and effective role of civil society, through advocacy and a balanced participation of women and men, in political decision making related to the peace process, as well as in national and local peacebuilding. Responding to the need to end armed violence and build peace in the Northwest and Southwest (NWSW) regions of Cameroon, this project supports a legitimate, inclusive and sustainable peace process through an increased contribution to this process by Cameroonian civil society. The project aims to foster the creation of trust and collaboration across political, geographic, religious, ethnic and linguistic lines. Project activities include: (1) providing capacity building to key civil society actors, with a particular focus on women and youth; (2) promoting bridge building among civil society; (3) offering accompaniment and organizational support to selected local partners; and (4) conducting collaborative practice-based research. The project focuses on promoting synergies and platform building to prevent a fragmentation of civil society. Emphasizing a sustainable engagement, the project also applies a participatory, conflict-sensitive and gender-inclusive approach, promoting local ownership and empowerment.