After four days of intensive exchanges, practical sessions and strategic reflections in Yaounde, stakeholders from public institutions, civil society and development organizations have renewed their commitment to building gender-responsive institutions capable of addressing inequalities and promoting inclusive development in Cameroon.
Participants and facilitators pose for a group photo during the closing ceremony of the PFIP Cameroon Gender Focal Points Training Workshop in Yaounde, after four days dedicated to strengthening capacities for inclusive and gender-responsive development.
The Training Workshop for Gender Focal Points of the Professional Training and Insertion Platform (PFIP) Cameroon officially closed on Friday, 08 May 2026, at the Conference Hall of the Annex Building of the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family in Yaounde.
Organized under the RELIEEF Project, implemented by IECD in consortium with ESSOR and funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), the four-day workshop brought together Gender Focal Points from ministries, Civil Society Organizations and international partners around a common ambition: strengthening gender integration within governance systems and development initiatives.
The workshop was officially launched by the representative of the Honourable Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, who underscored the crucial role of gender-sensitive policies in fostering equitable social and economic transformation. In the same vein, representatives of IECD highlighted the urgency of embedding gender considerations into institutional practices, especially within programs targeting youth employability and professional insertion.
Throughout the sessions, participants deepened their understanding of gender mainstreaming tools and approaches. Discussions focused on key themes such as the prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), gender diagnostics, the design of Gender Action
Plans and the integration of gender perspectives into development projects and institutional strategies.
Beyond theoretical learning, the workshop also served as a platform for experience-sharing among institutions and organizations working daily to reduce inequalities and improve opportunities for vulnerable populations. Participants exchanged practical approaches aimed at making development interventions more inclusive, participatory and sustainable.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Ms. JEMEA MAYON Christelle, National Animator of the Training and Insertion Platform, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family for its continued support toward the success of the initiative. She equally outlined future perspectives aimed at consolidating the achievements of the training and reinforcing collaboration among stakeholders.
The RELIEEF Project Manager, Mr. Alexandre SAINT-UPERY, also delivered a vote of thanks to the Honourable Minister, commending the institutional commitment shown throughout the process and the active engagement of participants during the workshop.
The ceremony ended with the award of certificates of participation and facilitation to participants and trainers in recognition of their contributions and commitment over the four days.
As Cameroon continues to pursue inclusive growth and social transformation, initiatives such as this workshop reflect a growing determination among institutions and partners to place gender equality at the center of development policies and professional integration strategies.
Ornéla ZANGA
