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    Life-Saving Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) Interventions for Crisis-Affected Populations in the North West and South West Regions

    Life-Saving Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) Interventions for Crisis-Affected Populations in the North West and South West Regions

    Since 2016, the North West and South West regions of Cameroon have been gripped by a devastating sociopolitical crisis that has caused extensive human suffering and social dislocation. What began as localized grievances rapidly escalated into widespread armed confrontations, triggering massive population displacement, the destruction of livelihoods, and the collapse of essential social services. According to humanitarian reports, over 700,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, many finding refuge in makeshift shelters, forests, or neighboring regions, while others crossed into Nigeria as refugees. Amidst this turmoil, the brunt of the crisis has been borne by women, girls, children, and persons living with disabilities—groups most vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and neglect.  

The breakdown of community structures and protection mechanisms exposed thousands of women and girls to gender-based violence (GBV), sexual exploitation, and trafficking. Many were subjected to rape, early and forced marriage, and intimate partner violence. The destruction or closure of health facilities further compounded the crisis, leaving survivors without access to reproductive health services or psychosocial support. In several communities, the fear of stigma and reprisals prevented survivors from seeking help, while displacement and poverty forced many into high-risk coping mechanisms such as transactional sex. Meanwhile, men and boys also suffered psychological trauma and economic disempowerment, eroding family stability and social cohesion.  

Before the intervention, humanitarian coordination on GBV and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) in the affected regions remained fragmented and underfunded. Community awareness on GBV prevention and response was limited, and local actors lacked the technical capacity and logistical support to deliver lifesaving services. The absence of safe spaces or referral systems for survivors meant that cases went unreported, perpetrators acted with impunity, and victims suffered in silence. The social fabric of entire communities began to deteriorate, as violence and mistrust replaced solidarity and protection.  

It was against this background that LUKMEF–Cameroon, with support from UNFPA through the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), designed and implemented a comprehensive project to deliver lifesaving GBV and SRH services to crisis-affected populations in Fako and Manyu Divisions. The project responded to the most urgent protection and health needs by establishing a One-Stop Safe Space in Buea, providing integrated GBV case management, psychosocial support, legal aid, and livelihood assistance to survivors. It also launched extensive door-to-door sensitizations, focus group discussions, and media campaigns, reaching more than 51,000 people with awareness messages and over 5,000 women and girls with dignity and mama kits.  

The achievements of this project demonstrate that when resources meet the will, impact follows. The lives restored, survivors empowered, and communities mobilized through this initiative show that meaningful change is possible even in the most challenging humanitarian contexts. Yet, many areas remain unreached, and the needs of women, children, and persons with disabilities continue to grow as the crisis persists.  

LUKMEF–Cameroon therefore invites development partners, humanitarian agencies, and donors to join hands in scaling up or replicating this proven model across other affected regions. Together, we can save lives, restore dignity, and strengthen community resilience.  

Contact: partnerships@lukmefcameroon.org  
Tel/WhatsApp: +237 677 947 449

    Life-Saving Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) Interventions for Crisis-Affected Populations in the North West and South West Regions

    Start Date

    20190101

    End Date

    20251231

    Budget

    250.000

    Donor

    UNFPA, CERF

    Coordinator

    Amabo Blessing

    Sector

    Gender Rights, EVAG&G

    Related Pillars

    Related SDGs

    Region

    South West

    Localities

    Fako:  Buea, Mutengene, Tiko, Limbe Manyu:  Mamfe

    Beneficiaries

    Total Persons Reached with GBV/SRH Services & Awareness:  51,726 Total Survivors Assisted via Safe Space:  798 Total Kits Distributed: 5,167 Total Reached via Media Sensitization: 252,300 Total Local Actors Trained:  50
    The CERF–UNFPA 2019 Project, implemented by LUKMEF–Cameroon, was designed to deliver lifesaving gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response services and improve access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care for crisis-affected populations in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon. Based on the project report and its results, the main objectives were as follows:
    1. Provide Timely and Lifesaving GBV/SRH Services: Ensure that women, girls, and other vulnerable persons affected by the crisis have immediate access to lifesaving GBV and SRH services, including clinical management of rape, psychosocial support, legal aid, and referral services through the establishment of a One-Stop Safe Space in Buea.
    2. Enhance Community Awareness and Prevention of GBV: Increase knowledge and awareness of GBV prevention, SRH, and human rights among displaced and host communities through door-to-door sensitizations, focus group discussions, school outreach programs, and media campaigns, ultimately reaching over 51,000 persons with key messages.
    3. Strengthen Local Capacities for GBV and SRH Response: Build the technical and operational capacities of service providers, community focal persons, and local organizations to identify, manage, and refer GBV cases appropriately. This included training 20 service providers and 30 community mobilizers in Buea, Mutengene, Tiko, Limbe, and Mamfe.
    4. Improve Access to Essential Hygiene and Reproductive Health Supplies: Support women and girls of reproductive age, including survivors of GBV, with Dignity Kits and Mama Kits to promote menstrual hygiene, safe childbirth, and restore dignity. Over 5,000 kits were distributed to identified vulnerable beneficiaries.
    5. Promote Survivor Empowerment and Livelihood Recovery: Provide livelihood training and economic support to GBV survivors to help them rebuild self-reliance, reduce vulnerability, and prevent cycles of dependency and exploitation.
    6. Foster Coordination and Partnership in GBV/SRH Interventions: Strengthen coordination between humanitarian actors, community mobilizers, and local service providers through training workshops and working sessions with UNFPA leads and experts to improve accountability, data collection, and referral systems in the field.
    Through these objectives, the project sought to reduce the incidence and impact of gender-based violence, restore dignity to survivors, and enhance access to quality reproductive health services in the crisis-affected North West and South West regions of Cameroon.
    The CERF–UNFPA 2019 project implemented by LUKMEF–Cameroon delivered impactful and lifesaving GBV and SRH interventions across Fako and Manyu Divisions in the South West Region. Over 51,726 individuals (31,721 females and 20,005 males) were reached through sensitization campaigns, focus group discussions, and outreach activities in schools, churches, and communities. A One-Stop Safe Space was established in Buea, providing comprehensive case management, psychosocial support, legal aid, and livelihood services to 798 survivors. Over 5,039 kits (Dignity and Mama Kits) were distributed, alongside 128 economic support packages. The project also trained 50 local actors—service providers and community mobilizers—enhancing community-based response mechanisms. Through extensive media campaigns on radio and television, over 252,000 people were sensitized on GBV prevention and SRH. These achievements significantly improved awareness, survivor assistance, and coordination of GBV/SRH responses in crisis-affected communities
    Implementation was hampered by persistent insecurity, frequent lockdowns, and the volatile nature of the crisis in the North West and South West regions. Many communities remained inaccessible, leaving vulnerable populations in remote “bush” settlements unreached. Limited funding restricted the scale of interventions, particularly for survivors requiring continuous psychosocial or livelihood support. Cultural barriers, stigma, and fear of reprisal discouraged some survivors from reporting GBV incidents. The shortage of trained psychosocial counselors and legal practitioners within the crisis zone further constrained response capacity. Weak infrastructure and the destruction of health facilities also affected service delivery and referral pathways. Additionally, logistical difficulties such as poor road networks, high transport costs, and communication breakdowns during field activities reduced efficiency. Despite these constraints, the project achieved remarkable results due to strong coordination, community trust, and the commitment of frontline actors under very challenging circumstances.
    The project highlighted the importance of integrating GBV and SRH services within humanitarian response frameworks. Establishing a One-Stop Safe Space proved that a centralized, survivor-centered model enhances accessibility and confidentiality, fostering trust among survivors. Engaging community mobilizers and local structures strengthened community ownership and ensured sustained outreach even in hard-to-reach areas. Collaboration with media houses amplified message coverage, showing the power of communication in behavioral change. Training local actors built a foundation for sustainable service delivery beyond the project’s lifespan. Furthermore, distributing Dignity and Mama Kits not only met immediate needs but restored dignity and encouraged health-seeking behavior. The project also demonstrated that effective coordination between local NGOs and UN agencies enhances accountability, standardization, and impact. Above all, it underscored that local organizations, when adequately resourced and trained, can deliver high-quality humanitarian services comparable to international actors.
    Future interventions should prioritize scaling up the Safe Space model to other divisions and improving mobile outreach to reach survivors in inaccessible areas. Strengthening partnerships with local CSOs and health institutions will ensure wider coverage and sustained impact. Increased and predictable funding is essential to maintain continuous psychosocial and livelihood support for GBV survivors. More investment in capacity building—especially for social workers, legal aid providers, and health personnel—is needed to enhance quality service delivery. Expanding media campaigns and community dialogues can further reduce stigma and promote behavioral change. Integrating disability-inclusive approaches and targeted interventions for adolescents and men will fill existing gaps. Improved coordination between government, humanitarian actors, and local NGOs should be institutionalized to harmonize GBV/SRH response frameworks. Above all, sustained donor support and community-driven participation remain critical for consolidating the project’s gains and replicating its success across other affected areas.

    Success Stories

    From Silence to Strength: The Journey of a Survivor in Buea

    When Mary (name changed), a 24-year-old internally displaced woman from Muyuka, arrived in Buea with her two children, she carried scars deeper than the visible burns on her arm. After months of sexual abuse by armed men, she had lost faith in humanity. Through community mobilizers trained under the CERF–UNFPA project, Mary learned about the LUKMEF One-Stop Safe Space. At first hesitant, she finally visited the centre where she received psychosocial counselling, medical support, and legal assistance. Her dignity was restored when she was enrolled in livelihood training and later received a dignity kit. Mary now manages a small tailoring business that helps her provide for her family. “The Safe Space gave me more than help—it gave me back my life,” she says. Her story represents thousands of women who have found healing and empowerment through LUKMEF’s compassionate intervention.

    A Girl Saved from Child Marriage in Mamfe

    Fifteen-year-old Linda (name changed) had never imagined her future would be decided for her. When her father arranged her marriage to a 45-year-old trader in Mamfe to “secure family safety,” she felt trapped. A vigilant community mobilizer trained under the project noticed signs of distress and intervened. Working with local leaders and the Safe Space team, the marriage was halted, and Linda was placed under protection. She received counselling, continued her education, and participated in awareness sessions on GBV and reproductive health. Today, Linda is back in school with dreams of becoming a nurse. Her case inspired the creation of a local child protection committee that now monitors similar risks in Mamfe communities. Linda’s story is a living testament to how timely community engagement and empowered local actors can save lives and secure the future of young girls in crisis-affected areas.

    Restoring Hope through Livelihood Empowerment in Limbe

    After losing her husband and home in Ekona, Esther (name changed), a 36-year-old widow, relocated to Limbe with nothing but grief. Depression consumed her until she joined one of the project’s livelihood training programs organized through the Safe Space. With training in soap-making and small business management, Esther regained her confidence. She received start-up support and now runs a small household soap enterprise that supplies local shops. Her income supports her children’s education and basic needs. “Before this project, I was invisible; now, I feel seen, capable, and valued,” she says proudly. Esther has become a peer mentor, teaching other women how to start small businesses and rebuild their lives. Her transformation exemplifies the project’s holistic approach—restoring dignity not just through relief but through empowerment and long-term resilience building for GBV survivors in conflict-affected communities.

    The Student Who Found Courage to Live Again

    In a secondary school in Mutengene, a 17-year-old student, Annette (name changed), endured months of sexual assault from a relative. Afraid and ashamed, she stopped attending classes until LUKMEF’s school outreach reached her institution. During a GBV awareness session, she privately confided in one of the counsellors. She was immediately referred to the Safe Space in Buea, where she received medical treatment, trauma counselling, and psychosocial support. Annette was also placed on ARV therapy after testing positive for HIV due to the abuse. Over time, she recovered emotionally, re-enrolled in school, and became a vocal advocate for other girls’ safety. She now volunteers during school sensitization programs, reminding her peers: “Silence protects abusers, not victims.” Annette’s story reflects the power of accessible GBV response systems and the courage that blossoms when survivors are met with care, protection, and hope.

    Men as Partners in Change: The Story of Emmanuel

    Emmanuel, a 32-year-old teacher in Tiko, once believed gender-based violence was a “private family issue.” That changed after he attended a focus group discussion organized by LUKMEF under the CERF–UNFPA project. The session explored men’s roles as allies in preventing GBV and promoting women’s rights. Deeply moved, Emmanuel joined subsequent community sensitizations and became an outspoken advocate against intimate partner violence. He began holding talks in his school and church, encouraging men to treat women as equals and to report abuse. “I realized silence makes us accomplices,” he says. Today, Emmanuel coordinates a local men’s club that works with LUKMEF’s mobilizers to educate other men about healthy relationships and shared responsibility. His transformation underscores a vital truth: when men understand their role in ending violence, communities become safer, and equality becomes achievable. Emmanuel’s journey symbolizes hope for cultural change rooted in awareness and empathy.