Held under the theme “My Voice Matters, My Future Too”, the forum marked the first national platform fully dedicated to amplifying the rights, voices and leadership of girls across the country.
Organised jointly by UNICEF and the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, the forum is a key step in the participatory process leading to a major national framework: the National Girls’ Rights Agenda.
“Make your voices heard as the girls you are. Stand up for your rights,” said Nadine Perrault, UNICEF representative. “Not only because violating girls’ rights is an injustice, but also because depriving society of the energy, creativity and resilience you demonstrate is a political, economic and social absurdity.”
The forum is the culmination of the Girls’ Movement, officially launched in Cameroon in April 2025 under the leadership of the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF) with UNICEF support.
A Girls’ Rights Caravan covered all ten regions, consulting more than 5,000 girls (urban, rural, internally displaced, refugee and living with disabilities) together with boys, traditional chiefs, mayors and religious leaders. Alongside the consultations, MINPROFF and UNICEF rolled out the “Ma COTA” mentoring programme, enabling hundreds of girls to receive support aimed at strengthening their skills, confidence and leadership potential.
Organisers emphasised that the forum aligns with a broader continental momentum, following the Regional Girls’ Summit held in Dakar on 11 October 2025.
In her closing speech, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family Marie Thérèse Abena Onda, highlighted the importance of this collective effort.
“This forum strongly reinforces the actions undertaken by public authorities to guarantee the well-being of all children, with special attention to girls whose vulnerability requires tailored protection measures. Based on initial reports, I am convinced that your expectations have been heard and that this forum has delivered on its promise.”
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the girls’ collective priorities to national authorities. Their appeal centred on:
- A life free from violence
- Education for all
- Health and well-being
- Equality and an end to discrimination
- Participation and leadership
- Stronger intergenerational dialogue
These priorities form the backbone of the National Girls’ Rights Agenda aligned with national and international commitments. The girls also have a plan, outlining concrete mechanisms for implementing the priorities and strategies of the National Girls’ Rights Agenda, including promising solutions at the national level.
A Girls’ Manifesto and the foundational elements of a National Girls’ Movement for girls’ rights have also been established. Throughout the day, thematic sessions, expert panels and interactive workshops enabled girls and stakeholders to sharpen their proposals and articulate a clear call for decisive government action to safeguard and advance girls’ rights.
The forum closed on a strong note of commitment. Authorities pledged to honour the girls’ priorities, while the young participants affirmed that they would remain vigilant and engaged to ensure that their demands translate into concrete progress.
“I know we still have a long way to go for this bright future for girls in Cameroon. Laws, structures, mindsets must change. But we have roadmap,” concluded Nadine Perrault.
https://vimeopro.com/afpservices/unicef-cameroun-forum-national-du-mouvement-des-filles/video/1147702715
