The project will commit local decision makers to transform their structures and cultures that presently discriminates against women to enforce 30% inclusion of women in local councils.
Women make up more than 51%of the population of the south west region of Cameroon, and carry out most of the economic investment and social services in the communities yet their representation and participation at the decision making level in the local councils of these communities is less than 30%.The governments recent decentralization with more powers given to local decision makers calls for a commitment from decision makers to include more women in local governance to ensure equity.
The project will conduct a study to establish the present female representation in southwest local councils, organize a restitution workshop to discuss field study results,carry out a media campaign and lobbying to influence the council decision makers to establish a Gender Task Force in their councils for gender mainstreaming and to increase female representation and participation at the decision making level.A Memorandum of understanding to this effect will be signed.
The project will hold decision makers to increase female representation at the decision making levels by 30% permitting them to address issues that hinder female advancement and poverty reduction.More than 50% of the population will rise out of poverty and primitive cultural practices.The violation of women`s rights and socio-economic violence will be minimized. The general well being of most families and the community in general will improve.
