Peace In Their Steps: Women Walk for Unity, Justice, and Peace In Bamenda

Waka Waka 4 Peace

By Anne-Valien Berinyuy 

On July 31, 2025, the streets of Up Station in Bamenda came alive with songs, chants, and hope as women from all backgrounds came together for a peace march called “Waka Waka 4 Peace.”

The walk started at Mile 1 Junction, Up Station, Bamenda I Municipality and ended at the Governor’s Office. It was organized by the North West Chapter of the National Convention for Peace to celebrate Pan African Women’s Day.

This year’s walk marked two important events, the 63rd Pan African Women’s Day and the 4th edition of the National Peace Convention, first held in Yaoundé in 2021.

The women carried placards with peaceful messages, sang songs of unity, and reminded everyone about the vital role women play in promoting peace, especially in conflict-affected areas like the North West region.

Munteh Florence Chea Regional Coordinator, Peace Convention

Munteh Florence Chea, the regional coordinator of the Peace Convention, shared the purpose of the event:

 “We are walking for peace. Women are celebrating the peace efforts that they have done since the beginning of this crisis.”

She added that the event renews the spirit of the 2021 Peace Convention in Yaoundé, which brought together 1,800 women from across Cameroon to discuss peaceful solutions many of which are now showing results.

According to her, this day celebrates the progress made by women, even as the region continues to face serious security challenges. Florence also urged government leaders, whom she called “our partners,” to work hand in hand with women to bring back peace to the region.

“We have seen our children killed, and they are still being killed, we have seen entire families displaced, we have seen a lot of pain and impunity especially on the woman,” 

she said. She called for justice that can bring true change to people’s lives.

Dr. Sally Maforchi Mboumien, Executive Director of Common Action for Gender Development (COMAGEND) and a member of the Peace Convention, said the walk was both a call to action and a celebration.

“It is a reminder, it is a celebration and it is a commitment,”

she said, pointing out that there is still much to be done to achieve lasting peace.

Clotilda Andiensa, General Coordinator of the North West and South West Women’s Task Force(SNWOT) and a member of the Council of the Wise for the Peace Convention, explained the meaning behind Pan African Women’s Day:

“Pan African Women’s Day is set aside to recognize and appreciate the efforts of women in positions of leadership especially in peace building,”

she said, especially those supporting women and girls affected by the ongoing crisis.

She added that, while the event brings joy, 

“it is a big reminder to everyone that is concerned to make sure that peace returns. We are ready for dialogue and open to partnership.”

These women are asking for safety and support as they continue their peace efforts. They hope for a future where the North West region and all of Cameroon can return to its former days of unity and harmony.

A representative from the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family joined the event and shared an encouraging message:

“Women are the mother of humanity and therefore, we want that through you, peace will return to this region. We have started seeing it because many of us who left this region are back.”

At the Governor’s Office, Saidouna Ali, Secretary General representing the Governor, addressed the women with a message of support:

“We are together and will make all effort in our level to build our country, hand in hand with women.”

This year’s celebration was held with the theme:

“Advancing Social and Economic Justice for African Women through Reparation.”

It reminds everyone that African women have faced hardship and injustice for many years, but they continue to rise, lead, and fight for a better future not just for themselves, but for entire communities.

As the songs faded and the crowd left, one message echoed: peace is a journey that begins with every community member.

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