From Survivors to Peacebuilders: Bright Light Projects Empowers Conflict-Affected Young Women in Bamenda

Wirngo Peter Tardzenyuy  

*Bamenda, Northwest Region | July 31, 2026

Conflict-affected young women in the Northwest Region have committed to taking a leading role in peacebuilding and community recovery following a regional consultation held in Bamenda on July 30, 2026.

The one-day event was organized by Bright Light Projects, BLP, in partnership with the Bamenda I Women’s Empowerment and Family Center, WEFC. It was held under the theme "Young Women Leading Peace, Recovery and Community Resilience" and drew participants from across civil society, government, traditional and religious institutions.

The consultation brought together young women survivors, youth leaders, council officials, UN Women agencies, educators, media practitioners and community stakeholders to share experiences and develop practical recommendations for peace in the region.

The programme covered women’s leadership and advocacy, the impact of conflict on young women, healing through storytelling, and community dialogue with stakeholders. The day ended with action planning, the award of certificates to participants, and the adoption of a declaration that will guide future work.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Ngwafu Anna Tangang, 1st Deputy Mayor of Bamenda I Council, commended the organizers for focusing on young people at a time when many are exposed to violence on social media. She said the training would help change mindsets and promote unity in Bamenda I.

"Organization is out to do by coming to train these children to know the importance of peace. By the end of this seminar I trust that these children will go back with a changed mentality," she said. "Once these children know the importance of peace building and community sustenance, they will be able to live in unity, they will be able to love one another. We are living in unprecedented times within a crisis period and most of our children are victims of this crisis."

Mme Emmanuella Djomoa, Director of the Women’s Empowerment and Family Center Bamenda I, also welcomed the partnership with Bright Light Projects and called for more of such trainings in the community. She urged young women to take advantage of every opportunity to participate so that their voices can be heard when decisions on peace are being made.

"I would like to say that more of such workshops should be organised in partnership with us by Bright Light Projects Organisation. When they go, they should not just go and disappear. We are looking forward to the partnership that we have started today," she said. "I would like to call on the women to seize every opportunity and participate in such activities. So that when men are called on the table to talk about peace, they should also have a word to offer. They should not just be in the dark."

Shing Praise Wandia, Program Manager of Bright Light Projects, said the workshop was designed to empower young women in the Mendankwe community and beyond to become ambassadors of peace. He noted that the initiative went beyond a single event with the creation of a network to sustain the work.

"Development can only be sustainable when there is peace. Without peace there can be no development," Wandia said. "We actually had a declaration where we’ve created a network where the network will continue driving the peace ensuring that we have the desired peace that we are longing for within the conflict affected regions. The network has already started working today."

Facilitators at the workshop stressed the importance of including young women in peace processes and of beginning recovery with personal healing. Dr. Lawong Kendra told participants that their voices matter in ending violence. Chi Margerate added that recovery requires collective action that starts from the individual, to the household, and then to the community.

Participants said the training gave them tools they intend to use immediately. Sindo Earnestine, Chairperson of the Women's new Executive Network, said she would carry out sensitization in her community. "I have learned a lot in this workshop today. I will preach peace in my community, make them understand the importance of peace, working in the network to do sensitization, bring people together to preach peace to them," she said.

*Abongwa Bessem of the Women's Empowerment and Family Center said communication would be central to her work going forward. "I’m going back knowing that I can create peace in my society from what I have learned," she said.

*Shang Petra, a participant  also pledged to support conflict resolution efforts in different communities.

The high point of the consultation was the adoption of The Bamenda Declaration on Young Women's Participation in Peace and Recovery. In the declaration, participants recognized the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on women, girls and families in the Northwest and Southwest Regions. They affirmed that sustainable peace and development cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of women and young people, and that young women are essential partners in conflict prevention, mediation, reconciliation and recovery.

With the launch of the Young Women Peace and Recovery Network, Bright Light Projects says it will continue to support conflict-affected young women to lead initiatives that promote peace and resilience in their communities.

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