Njomo Esther Omam, Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon and internationally recognized peace advocate, has received the REDVOCATE Honorary Award 2026 in recognition of her contributions to menstrual health advocacy, mentorship, humanitarian action, and women’s empowerment.
The award was presented on Sunday, May 24, 2026, during a ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé. According to the organizers, the recognition celebrates Omam Esther’s “outstanding efforts in advancing menstrual health and hygiene, breaking barriers and creating meaningful lasting change for individuals and communities.”
The honour was conferred by the International Health and Menstrual Hygiene Coalition and signed by REDVOCATE General Coordinator Dr. Mokwe Welisane Nkeng and REDVOCATE National Coordinator Elvis Nkuete.
Esther Omam, widely known for her work in peacebuilding and community advocacy across Cameroon’s conflict-affected regions, used the occasion not to focus on personal recognition but to renew calls for stronger action on menstrual dignity and gender equality.
“Menstrual health is not a luxury,” she said during her address. “It is a matter of dignity, health, education, and opportunity. Too many girls and women still face barriers that can and should be removed.”
The global peace crusader called on governments, institutions, and development partners to expand access to free or subsidized menstrual products in schools and public facilities. She also stressed the importance of investing in gender-responsive sanitation infrastructure, including access to clean water, soap, privacy, and safe disposal systems in schools and workplaces.
She further urged communities to confront long-standing myths and taboos surrounding menstruation through dialogue involving traditional, religious, and community leaders. “Policies and investments must be guided by evidence and the lived realities of girls and women,” she added, highlighting the need for stronger data collection and research in menstrual health programming.
Despite the seriousness of the message, Esther Omam briefly lightened the atmosphere with humour, noting that after years spent encouraging others to shine, “someone finally decided to hand me a trophy so I would pause long enough for a photograph.”
She dedicated the award to mentors, volunteers, advocates, development partners, and young people working daily to drive social change and improve the lives of vulnerable communities.
Under her leadership, Reach Out Cameroon has collaborated with numerous international and local organizations, including International Civil Society Action Network, UN Women Africa, Women's Peace & Humanitarian Fund, Global Centre for Pluralism, and SNWOT—South West/North West Women's Task Force.
Esther Omam has become one of Cameroon’s most visible voices for peace, women’s rights, and humanitarian protection, particularly in communities affected by violence and displacement. Her work combines grassroots advocacy, mentorship, mediation, and humanitarian outreach aimed at empowering women and young people.
As the global movement for menstrual dignity gains momentum, organizers of the REDVOCATE initiative said the award recognizes leaders who are helping to transform public understanding of menstrual health from a private issue into a broader conversation about human rights, education, and equality.
Comments
Post a Comment