The Paramount Fon of Kom, His Royal Majesty Fon Clement Ndzi I, has conferred the traditional title Na Mboini, translated as Mother of Peace, on seasoned peace advocate Andiensa Clotilda Waah, in recognition of her sustained contributions to peacebuilding, women’s empowerment and community development.
The honour was bestowed during a traditional ceremony held in Bamenda on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, bringing together palace officials, civil society actors, and community members.
Andiensa Clotilda Waah is the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD) and National Coordinator of the South West–North West Women’s Task Force (SNWOT). For nearly 20 years, she has worked closely with conflict-affected communities in Boyo Division and other parts of the country, with a strong focus on women, girls and social cohesion.
Speaking after the ceremony, Andiensa Clotilda described the recognition as humbling and encouraging.
“I have worked in Boyo Division for close to two decades, and being recognized by the Paramount Fon of Kom tells me that the efforts made at the community level are seen and appreciated. It gives me renewed strength to continue,” she said.
In a message earlier shared on social media, she dedicated the title to her team and beneficiaries, describing it as evidence of the impact of grassroots peace initiatives. She called on communities to remain committed to peace and unity.
Her work includes adolescent girls’ empowerment, sexual and reproductive health education and peacebuilding at the community level. According to Andiensa Clotilda, her interventions in Boyo Division started in schools and youth groups.
“We have worked in over 20 schools, providing education on sexual and reproductive health rights, menstrual hygiene management and establishing weekly clubs for adolescent girls,” she said. “We also organize fireside dialogues that strengthen relationships between parents and girls while promoting children’s rights.”
Her peacebuilding initiatives further include the establishment of community peace clubs across the three subdivisions of Boyo, socio-cultural activities that bring women together and programmes that engage men as partners in the fight against gender-based violence.
“We have trained more than 50 men to support women and girls and to stand against violence in their communities,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the Kom Palace, notable Ngam Nsom said the title was conferred in deliberate recognition of Andiensa Clotilda’s humanitarian and peacebuilding work.
“To His Majesty, peace is the foremost need of any society,” Ngam Nsom said. “This title acknowledges her efforts in promoting peace and defending the rights of the girl child, not only in Kom but beyond.”
A close collaborator, Esther Loh, who attended the ceremony, said the Fon was impressed after listening to Andiensa Clotilda’s presentation of her work.
“She was allowed to explain her peacebuilding activities, and the Fon expressed satisfaction and encouraged her to continue, ensuring that the Kom population feels the impact of her work,” Loh said.
As part of the traditional rites, the Fon decorated Andiensa Clotilda with royal regalia and granted her the privilege of wearing the doma cloth, a fabric reserved for individuals aauthorizedby the palace.
According to Andiensa Clotilda, the title carries a responsibility beyond honour.
“Na Mboini is an assignment,” she said. “Peace must be deliberately built. Our communities can only survive and develop if we live together in harmony.”
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