By Guy Feugap, World BEYOND War, July 8, 2024
Cameroon for a World BEYOND War is the partner of WILPF Cameroon in the implementation of the project “Fostering social cohesion among youth to prevent hate speech and political violence in Cameroon”. The project began in September 2023, aiming at addressing a growing concern for peace and social cohesion in our society. By working closely with youth and local communities, WILPF Cameroon and its local implementing partners including World BEYOND War in the Centre region are committed to creating inclusive and safe spaces where young people can express themselves, participate actively and contribute positively to preserving peace in the political landscape and to the development of their municipality. Young web influencers for peace have been trained and on a daily basis they raise awareness among young people of the dangers of hate speech and promote peace, tolerance, mutual respect and intercultural understanding through social networks.
On 25 June 2024 in Yaoundé, the project partners were proud to officially launch two education and training guides, namely the Guide for Political Education in Respect of Diversity and the Promotion of Peace and the Guide for Youth Education in Multiculturalism, Social Cohesion and Peace. These educational tools have been developed with the aim of strengthening social cohesion and preventing hate speech and political violence in Cameroon. Nathalie Wokam Foko, President of WILPF Cameroon, said: “This project is a proactive response to the challenges facing young people in Cameroon. By investing in promoting social cohesion and preventing hate speech and political violence, we are building a future where peace and democracy can prevail.”
WILPF Cameroon is the Cameroonian section of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, an international non-governmental organisation working for peace and social justice since 1915. The Cameroon chapter of WBW is a group of Cameroonians who work together to find new solutions to the long-standing problems that the country has been facing for the past few decades, that have led the country into conflicts and a loss of human lives. The chapter was established in November 2020, following exchanges with many peace activists around the world, especially on alternatives to force as a means of conflict resolution. In Cameroon, WBW works to consolidate actions of volunteers who adhere to the vision of rebuilding peace through methods that are not only non-violent, but that also educate for sustainable peace.
