What Can Women Do in Peace Building and Conflict Resolutions?

The Anglophone crisis has dragged on for two years now. Reactions and calls for dialogue and an end to hostilities came from diverse headquarters; international bodies, human rights organisations, civil society yet the crisis has continued to escalate.

Peace and justice are the messages on the need lips of many. The question Is how do we get there?

Women recently joined their voices to advocate for the much needed peace under the banner of South West- North West Women Task Force( SNWOT). On the occasion of the world peace day, this is the message of SNWOT to the Cameroonians

“The South West and North West Women’s Task Force(SNWOT) add their voices to that of all actors for peace on this day to strongly decry the excessive killings of civilians and wartime violence against women and girls.

“We call on all concerned to stop the killing of children, the no school campaign, the destruction of property and the reign of terror that immobilizes the society and puts life as a whole at risk”. Omam Esther Njomo, founder of SNWOT

On her part, Sylvie Ndongmo, founder of Women for Peace Initiative and Coordinator of WILPF Cameroon, quoted Ronal Reagan’s definition of peace:

“Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means”.

Award winning journalist and gender promoter, Comfort Mussa said, “There is no way to peace. Peace is the way. There is need for ceasefire in the Anglophone crisis”

The role of women in peace building can therefore not be undermined especially in crisis situation like in Cameroon.