US to award female Cameroonian rights activist for courage, exemplary leadership

Maximilienne C. Ngo Mbe, Executive Director of the Central Africa Human Rights Defenders Network, REDHAC has been recognized by the United States of America for her service ad leadership qualities.

On Monday, March 8, International Women’s Day, she and other extraordinary women from around the world will be handed their recognitions at the annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards, a virtual ceremony hosted by the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.

“Maximilienne C. Ngo Mbe,” the US government said, “has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, courage, and perseverance through adversity in promoting human rights in Cameroon and Central Africa. She has been an outspoken voice among civil society actors, often sacrificing her personal safety, in the push for a peaceful solution to the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon”.

The rights activist, it added, “… has called for an end to human rights abuses committed by separatists and security forces in the Northwest and Southwest regions and by security forces in the Far North.

Maximilienne has also spoken out against the increased constraints placed on civil society, journalists, and political opposition by the Government of Cameroon”.

“Her commitment to promoting human rights has been unwavering despite the intimidation, threats, and assault she has endured.

Now in its 15th year, the Secretary of State’s IWOC Award recognizes women from across the world for their efforts in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s rights.

*Who is Maximilienne C. Ngo Mbe?*

In addition to supporting civil society organizations in Africa and activists in their drive to defend and protect human rights, Maximilienne C. Ngo Mbe doubles as a member of the Board of Directors of the Pan African of Human Rights Defenders Network.

Covering 8 of 10 Central African countries, Maximilienne’s RHEDAC has among its goals, ensuring the recognition of the status and protection of human rights defenders, helping to strengthen the capacities of human rights defenders for their safety and protection in their work, conducting effective advocacy on behalf of defenders, investigating and analyzing the situation of defenders and finding necessary resources its activities.

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