Work Places : So That Gender-based Violence Is Truly Tamed

The international charity, CARE Cameroon and the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, MINPROFF on Thursday, December 5, 2024 launched a national campaign to guard against the rampant incidence of Gender-based Violence, GBV in enterprises. “Cameroon Stand Up Against GBV” coincides with 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence in the country. As Cameroon has so far recorded 67 reported cases of femicides in 2024.

Charter To Foster Fight 
According to Miriam Stein Mezui, CARE Cameroon Deputy Country Director in charge of Programmes, the initiative shows that everyone is involved in efforts to end GBV. “Gender-based Violence manifests in work places, thus the need for every enterprise and institution to commit to the campaign. CARE Cameroon has proposed a voluntary charter for enterprises to join and commit to end GBV in their work places, for their male and female staff to feel free and secure from harassment at work,” Mirian Stein noted. 

Enhancing Staff Dignity 
Mrs. Joelle Nwind Mebara, CARE Cameroon Coordinator of the Justice and Gender Programme, explained that the Commitment Charter on the Fight Against Gender-based Violence in Work Places is to be signed by enterprises and institutions that commit to the cause, which is a voluntary act. Member enterprises and institutions then commit to take action against GBV abuses and also prevent it. They will pledge to create a work environment that enhances staff dignity, accompanied by the requisite anti-GBV policies and practices. 

Prizes, Certification 
For enterprises and institutions that scrupulously comply with the conditions, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family will publicly offer prizes and certify them “Zero tolerance against GBV” during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence in 2025. Mrs Mebara said certification plaques and stickers will be posted and used by the receiving enterprise. 

Commitment, Commitment 
In addition, enterprises that join the campaign set their own objectives on tackling GBV, sensitise their staff on the ill, put in place clear internal policies against GBV, and provide avenues for reporting incidents of GBV. Similarly, they must care for victims of Gender-based Violence, which could include physically, psychologically and economically.

Charter Provisions 
The Commitment Charter on the Fight Against Gender-based Violence in Work Places comprises key principles. Which are respect and dignity, inclusion (of all willing enterprises and institutions), collective responsibility and transparency (in granting certification). “It is important for every enterprise and institution to join the campaign because sexual harassment reduces productivity,” Mrs. Joelle Nwind Mebara counselled. 

A Human Rights Violation 
Gender-based Violence, CARE insists, is a human rights violation that disproportionately affects women and girls, including in the work place. It takes various forms such as sexual harassment, discrimination or physical and psychological violence, and causes harm not only to the victims, but also the productivity and working climate of organizations.

Charter Objective
The Commitment Charter on the Fight Against GBV in Work Places is a safe initiative aimed at mobilizing companies, institutions and other stakeholders to promote a respectful, fair and equitable working environment. The official launch of the Charter constitutes a key step in raising awareness among the parties, formalizing their commitment and promoting concrete actions against GBV.

Calling All Enterprises, Institutions 
The Charter seeks to mobiliz...