Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) poses a significant challenge for women and girls in crisis-affected areas of Cameroon. Men and boys often become indirect victims and, in some cases, survivors of GBV themselves.

The 2022 report from the GBV Area of Responsibility (AoR), published in July 2023, emphasized that Cameroon is plagued by deep-rooted gender inequalities stemming from socio-traditional and patriarchal norms. The ongoing crises in the North-West, South-West, and Far North regions have intensified all forms of GBV. This includes harmful coping mechanisms such as forced marriages and survival sex, which arise from the loss of livelihoods and dire living conditions, as well as the targeting of civil infrastructure and community support networks.

In 2022, humanitarian partners in these regions offered GBV prevention and response services to over 640,000 individuals. They implemented strategies to mitigate risks across various humanitarian sectors, ensuring that women and girls could feel safe at home, during displacement, and within their host communities while receiving necessary assistance.

In 2024, RAGJ was given the chance to reach the hard-to-access community of Boyo in the North-West region to address the risks associated with ongoing political instability and its consequences.

RAGJ’s holistic approach in Boyo not only meets the immediate needs of GBV survivors but also fosters long-term societal change by enhancing awareness, prevention efforts, and community responsibility. This comprehensive strategy ensures that women and girls get the support they need while also creating a welcoming environment for men and boys seeking help without fear of stigma.