Cameroon’s Second National Action Plan covers the years 2023 to 2027. The second NAP builds on the work conducted during the first NAP cycle and cites key lessons from the First-Generation NAP (2018-2020) that it seeks to address in the second NAP’s implementation. These include: the lack of a robust coordination mechanism, the need for a clearer framework for collaboration and oversight, funding challenges, low participation of women in formal processes, and minimal community ownership. The second generation NAP also cites positive steps forward, such as the increased representation of women in political decision-making roles, with more women elected and appointed to leadership positions; and enhanced involvement of CSOs, particularly women-led organizations, in promoting the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda and advocating for gender equality.
Cameroon adopted its first National Action Plan (NAP) in 2017 for the period 2018-2020. The NAP was developed by the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, with technical and financial support from UN Women and contributions from the public administrations, civil society organisations, and community leaders. The main data for identifying NAP priorities was compiled by WILPF Cameroon, which also played a crucial role in mobilising Women, Peace and Security (WPS) efforts across the country and developing the NAP.
Cameroon gained independence from France in 1960, after an extensive period of colonial rule under the German, British, and French empires. In the current moment, Cameroon experiences political instability as a result of the spillover effects of conflicts in neighboring countries, internal attacks by Boko Haram, and uprisings across the English-speaking areas of the country. This instability has had a disproportionate impact on women and girls, specifically through the increase in gender-based violence as a result of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.