Sustainable Women Organization (SWO) has launched a 12-month project aimed at strengthening the economic resilience of women and girls in Santa Subdivision, Mezam Division, in Cameroon’s North West Region.
Speaking during the project inception meeting at the Women and Family Empowerment Center in Santa on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, SWO Executive Director Tebi Honourine said the initiative will equip women and girls with skills, resources, and support to manage cooperatives and build sustainable income-generating activities.
The Socio-Economic Empowerment and Resilience Building (SEERB) Project is being implemented by SWO under the PROSCIG program, with support from the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), through GIZ.
“We want women and girls to increase their income and build the resilience they need to live healthy and empowered lives in their communities,” Tebi said.
The project brings together 30 beneficiaries and local stakeholders. It will provide psychosocial and mental health support, business and vocational training, cooperative management skills, and startup assistance.
Two cooperatives will be established in Santa, focusing on poultry production and maize processing. SWO will also support their legalization and train beneficiaries in marketing their products, including through e-commerce platforms.
The project also includes a referral mechanism for survivors of gender-based violence to ensure they receive appropriate protection and services.
According to Tebi Honourine, a baseline survey has already established the beneficiaries’ current income levels. SWO expects the women to record at least a 20 percent increase in income within six months of receiving training and material support.
She said the project was designed in response to the challenges faced by women and girls affected by the ongoing crisis in the North West and South West regions.
“Despite the challenges, these women have remained in their communities and continued to survive. By giving them the skills and resources they need, we can strengthen their resilience and help them build better livelihoods,” she said.
Tebi added that the Santa project is part of SWO’s broader work since its creation in 2018. The organization has implemented projects in Menchum Division and Bamenda, focusing on women’s empowerment, gender-based violence prevention, Women leadership and community resilience.
For beneficiaries, the project offers hope for a better future. Mami Maria (Not her real name), a farmer and internally displaced person from Mbei Village, said she joined the poultry cooperative because of her previous experience raising table birds.
“I believe I will do well because I already have some experience in poultry farming,” she said, adding that she intends to share what she learns with other women in her community.
Amira Woseni (Not her Real name), a trader from Hausa Quarter in Santa, also welcomed the initiative. She has chosen poultry farming and hopes the project will help improve her family’s living conditions. “Life has been very difficult, but I am ready to put in my best to make this project work,” she said.
Beyond income generation, SWO says the initiative is designed to help women and girls become more resilient, confident, and economically independent.
The organization’s work focuses on gender-based violence prevention and response, economic empowerment, health promotion, and women, peace and security, with activities ranging from psychosocial counselling and vocational training to cooperative management, startup support, and GBV awareness.
SWO’s vision is to see women, girls, and marginalized populations thrive, lead, and claim their rights while enjoying equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making.
@Laarry Times
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