Category Archives: Women’s Rights

Capacity Building, Children's Rights, Democracy, Girl Child, He 4 She, Health, Her Voice Club, Humanitarian Assistance, MenEngage, Women's Rights, Youth in the Picture

Let’s Beat COVID-19 and Peacebuilding Conversations

Posted on by denismikifoundation
08
Jun

Introducing our #LetsBeatCOVID and Peacebuilding Conversations

Individuals and organizations around the globe have mobilized to tackle the global pandemic that has caused so much uncertainty; yet most of us still have unmet aspirations and fears. The Coronavirus pandemic has shaken the world but despite that peace, security and human rights issues are still a major concern across different nations.

This initiative seeks to provide young people and women with a platform to have meaningful conversations on how the Coronavirus pandemic has affected their access to their basic human rights and also their meaningful engagement and participation in development and peacebuilding processes. Share educational resources, support, and guidance to make a meaningful difference that they can apply to real life situations in an engaging atmosphere.

Participants will have an opportunity to engage in weekly virtual conversations geared towards improving their resilience in tough situations, as well as practice important disasters and emergency management skills.

We are creating a safe space and platform for meaningful and practical exchanges for ensuring peace in times of uncertainty.

To join the Virtual Weekly #LetsBeatCOVID19 and Peacebuilding Conversations beginning on the 15th of June, 2020 at 12.30 PM GMT+1 to the 29th of June, 2020.

When:

Week 1: Jun 15, 2020 12:30 PM Africa/Douala (GMT+1)

Week 2: Jun 22, 2020 12.30 PM Africa/Douala (GMT+1)

Week 3: Jun 29, 2020 12.30 PM Africa/Douala (GMT+1) 

Register in advance for this meeting at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/upIuceutpj0iG9AH8lwCYLyqmzKbh7GPSuva

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

#COVID19 #Peacebuilding #Youth4Peace #Women4Peace #YoungPeacebuilders #WomenPeacebuilders

He 4 She, Health, Her Voice Club, Human Rights, Humanitarian Assistance, Volunteerism, WASH, Women's Rights, Youth in the Picture

Lets Beat COVID-19

Posted on by denismikifoundation
20
Apr

In an effort to #StopCOVID19 in Cameron, Denis Miki Foundation has been distributing free Reusable Face Masks to churches, starting with Christ Evangelical Ministry International while practicing social distancing, ensuring youth participation and gender mainstreaming with adolescent girls of the Her Voice Club and kid activists taking an active role in our #LetsBeatCOVID19 initiatives. The Face Masks are made following WHO and Center for Disease Control (CDC) prescriptions. This is following our training on the production of locally made Hand Sanitizers and distribution of free Reusable Face Masks in Bokwango village, in Cameroon.

In Cameroon the number of confirmed cases keeps increasing with a total over 900 and over 18 recorded deaths. In response to this alarming situation, the government of Cameroon through the Prime Minister on March 17, 2020 in a press conference announced some 13 actions and measures as government’s response in curbing COVID19. We keep seeing new actions being imposed on the community at both the national and decentralized levels. 

In our immediate community, we still on a daily basis try to convince the lay man or woman of the existence of COVID-19. This sad reality goes to show how the community is still in high denial of the realities of this global pandemic. In our outreaches to distribute resources, train and educate on the preventive measures of this disease we discover the local man or woman has limited knowledge on the virus, it’s symptoms and preventive measures.

As an effort to contribute to #StopCOVID19, Denis Miki Foundation (DMF) has been producing and distributing free Reusable Face Masks, training on the production of locally made Hand Sanitizers in vulnerable communities in Cameroon. The Face Masks and Hand Sanitizers are made following WHO and Center for Disease Control (CDC) prescriptions. We are also running an awareness and education campaign both online and offline using social and local media and platforms like churches, door-to-door sensitization. We ensure social distancing, youth participation and gender mainstreaming in the processes as we involve adolescent girls of the Her Voice Club and Kid activists in our #LetsBeatCOVID19 initiative. We have a fundraiser to mobilize resources to continue with other activities like the translation of key messages on COVID-19 to local languages, produce educative Cartoon books and eLearning games to educate children on the prevention of COVID19. We have impacted 1500 people in 3 villages and 2 towns and over 30,000 by media awareness.

Call to Action: Join us as we #BeatCOVID19 today at https://www.globalgiving.org/fundraisers/letsbeatcovid19/

Children's Rights, Girl Child, He 4 She, Her Voice Club, Human Rights, MenEngage, Partnerships, Women's Rights, Youth in the Picture

Cameroon Women’s Global Strike

Posted on by denismikifoundation
04
Mar

Denis Miki Foundation (DMF) will be organising the first ever Women’s Global Strike in Cameroon as part of the activities to commemorate the International Women’s Day. We will be mobilizing 30+ grassroots women and girls, women human rights defenders (WRHDs), feminists and gender activists.

The activities include;

a) Mobilize women and girls to join us on Women’s Global Strike March Past on the 8th of March in Limbe holding plackades carrying key messages to be communicated to key decision makers and the general public.
b) Organize media campaigns at both local, national and international media platforms to amplify the voices of grassroots women and girls
c) Run a #HerVoiceMyVoice Podcast Series of stories from women and girls at the grassroots level and publish on Apple and Google Podcasts and amongst different stakeholders to influence decision making processes for the improvement of the conditions of women.
d) Host a Women’s Cirlce for women to have a conversation about issues that affect them which will be recorded and streamed live on our YouTube Channel and Social Media pages to create awareness on the situations women face and bring to notice solutions that work for this situations.
e) Officially launch our Women Support and Empowerment Network and Her Voice Club through a one day Fundraising Gala for Women and Girls Rights.

To join us, call us or email us today at join@denismikifoundation.cm and 652975274 or 670264947 or 677985413 and grab you T-shirt at 5000frs and STRIKE for the Rights of every Woman and Girl in Cameroon.

Capacity Building, Human Rights, Internet Rights, Partnerships, Women's Rights

TRAINING DONE BY NTUI MIRIAM AGBOR THE PROJECT CORDINATOR ON BACK UP OF DATA AS A DIGITAL SECURITY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS

Posted on by denismikifoundation
19
Dec

Today, she was able to train on backup of data as a digital security for Human right activists, journalists etc. It is interesting to know that back up of data is very important as it enables valuable information to be stored in safe places like the external hard drives, cloud ( google severs, drop box) and USB flash etc separately from the originals such that in the event where the original documents are compromised due to virus attacks theft etc, there will still be a copy of your valuables somewhere else.

Training in process

However, there is no one perfect security plan for data. Make a security plan that works for you and for the risk you face. Remember, ” what’s safe today might not be secure tomorrow ” . Hence, it is imperative to continually reevaluate your security practices. Take note that security is a continual process.

Capacity Building, Democracy, Governance, Internet Rights, Partnerships, Women's Rights, Youth in the Picture

Miriam Agbor, Project Coordinator Represents DMF at the Digital Rights Coalition Capacity Building Workshop in Yaounde

Posted on by denismikifoundation
09
Nov

The training workshop organized by CYEED and AFRO LEARDERSHIP in Yaounde Azur Hotel on November 1st and 2nd 2019 was a commitment to build capacity for the members of the Cameroon digital rights coalition on Public Awareness Raising Techniques/ Messaging and Communication Strategies. The workshop started at 8am with introduction of participants, followed by a word of welcome from both organizers, Mr. Charles of Afro Leadership and Mme Sophie Ngassa of CYEED. Next, was presentation proper by Mr. Kamdem who drilled the participants on Public awareness raising techniques referred to as tools for positive communication for digital rights advocacy. It was quite an interactive session and exchange of ideas between members of the different CSOs therein present. They all listed the different tools they used both online and offline (like flyers, posters, videos etc) and how they’re used in their different organizations to disseminate information to a wider audience.

GENERAL PARTICIPANTS

 The facilitator’s approach in presentation was amazing. He used videos especially those that concerns gross human rights violation, security issues to draw the attention of CSOs on the issues unraveled in our society and how to better communicate/advocate for such a course. Participants were asked to comment on lessons learnt from the videos watched, paying particular attention to the content of the video, emotions conferred, what message was shared by the video, was it clearly understandable? And what better way to transmit the message.

WATCHING A VIDEO
VIDEO TIME

The presentation on day two was on Public Awareness and Self Awareness. The facilitator defined Self awareness as a skill that anyone can learn to improve on the right exercises and habits (that is, paying attention to the way you think, feel and behave). Meanwhile public awareness is the public level of understanding about the importance and implication of a course or a topic of common/personal interest. Participants were enlightened on two ways to focus on in raising public awareness, which included through community mobilization and specific plan events like open door days, using poster cards for campaign, websites, social medias, documentaries, influential persons in society, musicians, bloggers and visiting schools etc. In using planned event to raise public awareness, a case study was presented to participants in order to enable them have a better understanding of how plan events work. In the case study presented, the following questions were asked: what was the event?, Was your CSO organizer or participant to the event? Why did your team think the event could be used to reach you target? Do you think your objectives were achieved? If yes, why and if no, what doesn’t work well? These questions are to help the implanting organization to improve on its communication strategy.

PRESENTATION ON SELF AWARENESS
ROUNDING UP

Rounding up, the facilitator advised the participants (CSOs) who used videos for public awareness to make a video structure not exceeding three minutes, for posters, it should be simple with keynote message on it, organizational websites should be simple, having the organizational logo at the top of the page, clear mission of the organization, its members, pictures showing activities engaged while avoiding unnecessary details and listing all partners at the bottom of the page. Day two ended with taking of group pictures, filling of an evaluation form and participants had a transportation fare of 25000 FRS each.

Capacity Building, Leadership, Partnerships, Women's Rights

African Women In Leadership Organisation (AWLO) Workshop Attended by two DMF Volunteers

Posted on by denismikifoundation
25
Oct


On the 23rd October 2019 marked a great day for AWLO( African Women In Leadership Organisation) Cameroon Chapter as they saw the success of their first ever event since its inception on the 2nd of March 2019 in Cameroon.The event that took place at the prestigious Djeuga Palace Hotel Yaounde , under the theme- “Women Leaders , Influencing the Next Generation of Female Leaders ” ,saw Over 200 young female leaders who came ready to overcome the challenges encountered in Leadership Roles and offer holistic mentorship to the next generation of young female leaders .

Speaking at the official opening of the event, the Vice president of AWLO,Cameroon Chapter, Madam Bertha Yenwo challenged women to dare their fears and appreciate the efforts of fellow women rather than run them down.

One of the speakers , Mrs.Marie Paul Niat reminded the women that self branding is primarily the building of a positive mindset which then translates to what we see on the outside. They were also challenged to use ICT innovations in upgrading their competencies and educational level.

Adding her voice to Barrister Onambele Anchang Conceilia’s, who said that, women should look beyond societal constructs which make them think like robots, motivational speaker Marja Motanga asked women to identify skills innate in them, improve on them and brand, then make it a selling point in the corporate world. A world in which many companies are now giving positions of responsibility to women, thus the need for every woman to keep adding value to what she already knows.

To these, the youngest speaker, CEO of Green House Ventures, Roland Fomundam, through practical examples demonstrated to the women that the moment a woman begins to see the value in another, her value also adds, given that a leader is not an island.

To add some colour to the event, the Awlo Cameroon Youth Council, graced the event with a wonderful display of different African Cultures via a fashion parade with different African Country outfits and music..thus celebrating the name African Women in Leadership and the different countries that makeup the organisation.

In all the women left this maiden AWLO event in Cameroon, with a sound understanding that their network is their net worth.. We can boldly say that the event achieved the goals of AWLO which are aimed at building empowering platform for women and harnessing the synergies of alliance..

We extend a big thank you to all participants and everyone who contributed morally , physically , psychologically to the sucess of this event.God richly bless you.

Once more a big thank you to Our Founder Dr Elisha, for this great vision changing the world,
A big thank you to Mommy Bertha Yenwo for her unfliching dedication to the growth of Alwo Cameroon
Thank you to Our Heforshe Boss Mr Gilbert Ewehmeh
And the entire Youth Council Cameroon Chapter.

“Truly together we are stronger” , “Together lets Carry the Ball.”

Long live Awlo Global
Long Live Awlo Cameroon
Long Live our founder Dr Elisha
Long live our Matrons
Long live Youth Council Members.

God bless us All

Reporting For Awlo Cameroon.
MIMI KAYLA .Communicator Awlo YC

Capacity Building, Democracy, Leadership, Partnerships, Talent Promotion, Volunteerism, Women's Rights, Youth in the Picture

DMF Mentees

Posted on by denismikifoundation
10
Jul

We believe that investing in community members through mentorship and coaching is a way of building a new trend of thoughtful and caring changemakers. Who can Pass-On the knowledge, skills and capacities we transfer to them to more people across different communities both locally and globally.

Our Mentorship Program runs through our DMF’s Financial Empowerment Mentorship Program (FINEMPRO), Hubs and Accelerator Programs, Intergenerational Mentorship Programs and Clubs. The main objectives being mentoring youth, women, girls and other targeted beneficiaries to start social ventures, create jobs, secure funding for projects, encourage job creation and entrepreneurship.

This is done through a 3 months intensive Mentorship program that provides selected Mentees with skills, knowledge and access to critical tools to become impact-oriented changemakers and business and social enterprise creators. The Mentorship program is also aimed at connecting DMF Mentees to available opportunities both nationally and internationally.

The Mentorship program includes:

  1. Training: 3 months of online and in-person (where feasible) training which guides creating and managing a business
  2. Mentoring: A world-class mentor to guide during the business transformation stages
  3. Funding: Training of Mentees on grants writing and lessons on how to secure seed capital to prove their concepts and how to secure further funding for their concepts and ventures.
  4. Network: Gain access to large networks of African start-ups and DMF’s global contacts
DMF Mentee Isabelle Teghen participating at a Consultative Meeting in Nigeria

DMF Mentee Mofor Ghislain Atanga is the Founded of Mofor Green Ventures (MGV); an Agribusiness growing Watermelon, Corn, Plantain, Cassava, Palms, Fish, Snails and Chicken in Cameroon to create employment and contribute to food security for sustainable development. Founded by 28 years old Cameroonian Mofor Ghislain Atanga, MGV has over 2 hectares of farmland employing over 10 staff with women being most of their workforce.

Become a DMF Mentee

Are you ready to join our flagship Mentorship program at Denis Miki Foundation? We receive applications on a rolling basis. To apply request for an application form today at contact@denismikifoundation.cm. Making this decision and signing up at a minimal fee of 25,000 XAF ($50) you are onto the most amazing life and career changing experience.

Capacity Building, Internet Rights, Women's Rights

Rural Android (RuDroid) Women

Posted on by denismikifoundation
10
Jul

The Rural Android (RuDroid) Women and Girls project by Denis Miki Foundation is a Digital Empowerment project aimed at putting up Digital infrastructures (Community Cyber Café) in rural communities in order to support community access to the internet. It is a project to teach the women and girls of suburb and under-served communities on how to use a computer and their digital phones to empower themselves.

The expected impact is to train rural women and girls on how to use a computer and record their success stories after every 6 months and run the #RuDroidWomen and #RuDroidGirls campaign to stir up and inspire other rural women and girls to take up computer classes and connect to the varying opportunities found on the internet. We have the pilot project running in Zangtembeng village with support from a U.S. based partner.

Internet Rights, Leadership, Women's Rights

Tech 4 Development

Posted on by denismikifoundation
10
Jul

Our Tech 4 Development programmes play a major role in empowering people to improve their communities via the Internet. These programmes have reached thousandshundreds of people by helping to bring to life community-driven projects that teach digital skills, set up Community Cyber Cafe in remote communities, bridge the digital gender divide, enable continued trust in the Internet, build infrastructure in rural and underserved areas, and connect Indigenous communities.

We currently have running programmes in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon.

Agriculture, Partnerships, Women's Rights

Report of DMF’s Participation at the South West Women and Youth In Agribusiness Network (SOWYAB-NET) Meeting Attended by DMF Gender Officer; Nancy Efeme

Posted on by denismikifoundation

The meeting which held on the 29th of June 2019 at Buea Town opposite the Police Station started at 10:45 am . It was said the following will be discussed.

-Matters arising from the minutes.
-Way foward of SOWYAB-NET.
-Each group has to come out with a plan of action.
-Secretariat needs office equipment and Stationaries.
-Each group should explain their achievements after the workshops.
-Finances
-Closing remarks.

SOWYAB-NET was created in 2015 with Head office in Kumba. The head office was later changed to Buea due to insecurity. Planning for the official launching of SOWYAB-NET is on the way and members are to host activities during the launching. Members have to work together to develop new projects. Some of the materials needed are flyers, banners and T- Shirts. Each person is to pay 3500 for the T- Shirts and the colours will be white and green. The reason for this launching is to make people know what
NEPAD – GICABS (Gender Climate Change Agricultural Support Group PROJECT (NETWORK) is all about (that is to sensitize people) .We are to understand that SOWYAB-NET is just part of GICABS.

History of GICABS
Out of 58 countries only 5 countries were chosen to support small holder farmers among which Cameroon was one. It started in 2012 but implementation took place in 2017. NEPAD- New Plan for African Development is for small holder farmers. The program was a concern of states so countries came together to fight against climate change which is a threat. In Africa, women are mostly the ones promoting climate change due to forest destruction. Therefore, groups were identified and policies were put in place by people mostly involved in agriculture.

The launching of GICABS is to create awareness and that GICABS targets a few number of people that is the rural women. Note should also be taken to the fact that, the Gender Climate change agricultural support program initiated by NEPAD is now known as AUDA- NEPAD meaning African Union Development Agencies.

58 countries met in Equatorial Guinea due to climate change challenges (over heating,global warming). This is because when the climate changes, it affects the planting season.

Aims of GICABS

  • To build people’s capacities.
    -Innovative best practices. (Create women platforms,register 10 groups).
    -Create policies.

Descisions for the Launching.
-Each organisation can decide to show things they have done while in their organisation’s concerning farming,planting. Every group should identify what he or she can bring.
-Each organisation needs to show case NEPAD by exposing what we’ve been doing.

SOWYAB-NET visited farms owned by members in Tiko and Mutengene and were so happy. An organisation dried plums, sweet potatoes and transformed it into flour and made sweet potato biscuits. They also dried pineapple, paw paw and different vegetables using the Drying Oven.
-Annual dues were read for those who had not paid to pay and it was said a sum of 50000 frs will be given for the Action Plan.

It was decided that the next meeting will be in September and it was said that a word document will be sent in the group so that all organisation’s fill to know the activities they will carry out on that day.