© GFA

EMPOWERING LOCAL FEMALE LEADERSHIP IN CAMEROON

This week marked a major milestone in our shared journey toward inclusive governance: Four days of trainings, workshops and discussions of the Académie de Leadership des Femmes Élues Locales (ALFEL) successfully took place in Yaoundé.
Organised by GFA Consulting Group, GIZ, and REFELA-CAM, ALFEL is a flagship initiative to strengthen the political leadership and influence of 30 local elected women from the Littoral and North regions.

• Over four intensive days, participants were engaged in:
• Leadership development and political participation
• Gender-sensitive local governance and budgeting
• Women’s rights and equality of opportunity
• Conflict management, negotiation, and advocacy
• Mentorship and network building
• Public speaking, strategic communication and political campaigning

The energy, vision and commitment these women brought to every session were truly inspiring. Panels featuring experienced mayors, local government actors and civil society leaders enriched the discussions and connected theory with practice. Among the voices that stood out was Mayor Djenabou Marie of Madingring, one of Cameroon's youngest female mayors, who shared her inspiring journey into politics and emphasised the value of early mentorship and community engagement. She reminded participants: "When we support one another and speak with courage, we don't just win elections - we change the future of our communities."

With local elections now scheduled for 2026, this training is more relevant than ever. It empowers aspiring female candidates to prepare strategically for their electoral campaigns and to take bold steps towards more inclusive and gender-equitable local governance.

> There were  various press reports in local newspapers and TV reports. You can read a report online from “Direct-Info” under this link.

> Learn more about the project on our website