HESSCAM: Award-winning WWO project that empowers women in Cameroon

Sr. Rosemary Arrah - Cameroon

WWO ambassador

HESSCAM is a recipient of one of the three WWO projects for Africa awarded in December 2024 to empower women and girls especially victims of gender-based violence and discrimination. From January 2025 HESSCAM has given workshops and connected with about 125 victims of gender-based violence in Wosing-Bali community in Mezam Division North West Region and Okoyong community in Manyu division in the South West Region of Cameroon. The coordinator Sr. Rosemary Arrah, HHCJ is WWO ambassador.

So far 50 women have been trained in soup making and pastries in Wosing and ten have been trained in soup making only in Okoyong.

Six women Receive 50 Chicks and a Bag of Feed each-Empowering women One Flock at a Time.  This is the first direct beneficiary activity on March 9th 2025. In a bid to promote economic empowerment and self-sufficiency among women, the World Women Observatory (WWO) through Handmaids Education and Social Services Cameroon (HESSCAM) in Cameroon Mission of the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus recently donated 50 chicks and a bag of feed to 6 women in Wosing-Bali community. This initiative aims to provide the women with a sustainable source of income and nutritious food for their families. The Recipients: Etegel Vivian, Lesiga Adeleine, Comfort Ndoke, Kwenti Anna, Alice Nahkuma, Vera Kinyuy. The Catholic Women’s Association of Our Lady of Fatima Division were present to witness the program.

All from different quarters within Wosing-Bali community were selected based on their economic needs, enthusiasm, and commitment to poultry farming. They underwent a rigorous training program, where they learned the basics of chicken rearing, feeding, and healthcare. They signed a contract indicating that after six months, they will in return empower another woman within their own community and that is how it will keep going round until every woman benefits from this.

The Impact

This first empowerment initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of the 6 women and their families. With their new flock, they will be able to:

• Generate a steady income through the sale of chickens.

• Provide nutritious food for their families.

• Create employment opportunities for themselves and others in their community.

"I am so grateful for this opportunity. I have always wanted to start a poultry farm, but I didn't have the resources. Now, I can provide for my family and create a better life for myself and my children." – Etegel Vivian, one of the recipients.

"This initiative is not just about giving us chicks and feed. It's about empowering us to take control of our lives and create a better future for ourselves and our families." – Kwenti Anna, another recipient.

The empowerment of women is crucial for promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and enhancing food security. Initiatives like this one, which provide women with the resources and support they need to start their own businesses, are essential for creating a more equitable and prosperous society. There are still many women waiting to benefit from subsequent initiatives.