Two-Day Events Organized by CamCCUL Network for Women’s Day 2026

Report on the Two-Day Events Organized by CamCCUL Network for Women’s Day 2026

FROM SKILLS TO RIGHTS: CamCCUL NETWORK EMPOWERS WOMEN AHEAD OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2026

In the lead-up to the International Women’s Day 2026, the Cameroon Cooperative Credit Union League (CamCCUL) Network organized a series of activities aimed at empowering women economically while strengthening awareness of their rights.

The two-day programme, held across the CamCCUL Chapters of Fako, Bafoussam, Douala and Yaounde, brought together women from diverse professional and social backgrounds, including members and aspiring Members of Credit Unions.

Through skills training, entrepreneurship coaching and dialogue on women’s rights, the initiative sought to strengthen women’s capacity to build sustainable livelihoods and actively participate in economic and social development.

Key Highlights

Two-day empowerment programme organized ahead of International Women’s Day 2026
Skills training in pineapple juice processing and preservation for up to one year
Entrepreneurship training on Business Model Canvas to help women structure and present business ideas
Practical training in donut preparation as a small-scale income-generating activity
Ladies Round Table Conference discussing the rights of women and girls
Presentations from representative of the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family and legal experts
Building Women’s Skills for Entrepreneurship
Tackling challenges faced by women and girls as Credit Union members as well as Credit Union staff

Activities began on the 5^th of March 2026 with a capacity-building workshop on agro-processing, focusing on how to transform pineapple into juice and preserve it for up to a year while maintaining quality and hygiene standards.

The training was designed to provide women with practical skills that can easily be turned into small businesses, particularly within local markets where processed fruit products are in high demand.

In Yaounde, participants also attended a session on the Business Model Canvas, a strategic tool that helps entrepreneurs design and explain their business ideas. The session guided women on how to structure their business plans and communicate the story behind their products and services.

The workshop also included a hands-on demonstration on donut preparation, equipping participants with another accessible skill that can generate income.

Dialogue on Women’s Rights and Opportunities

The programme continued on 6^th March 2026 with the second edition of the CamCCUL Ladies Round Table Conference in Yaounde, Fako, Bafoussam and Douala, which had as theme: “Economic, Social and Cultural Right of Women and Girls”.

The conference also focused on the global theme for the 2026 Women’s Day celebration: “Rights. Justice. Action for All Women and Girls.”

Participants engaged in discussions on the importance of protecting and promoting the economic, social and cultural rights of women and girls, particularly within the context of financial inclusion and cooperative development.

Government Perspective on Women’s Empowerment

Representing the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Mme NDAGHA Cordelia , Sub-Director, provided participants with an overview of the significance of the Women’s Day theme and its relevance to women’s empowerment efforts in Cameroon.

“The theme ‘Rights, Justice, Action’ reminds us that women’s empowerment goes beyond celebration. It requires concrete actions to ensure that women and girls fully enjoy their rights and opportunities in society,” she said.

She encouraged women to stay informed about their rights and actively participate in economic and social initiatives that promote gender equality and development, while commending the efforts her ministry and the ministry of justice have been doing to ensure that some laws are reviewed. Reminding the women that they have a vital role to play in their well-being by speaking out when needed.

Legal Insight on Women’s Economic and Social Rights

Legal practitioner Barrister N.S. Tumasang, guest speaker, also addressed the conference, highlighting the economic, social and cultural rights of women and girls, particularly in relation to access to financial services and economic participation.

She emphasized the role of Credit Unions as platforms that can strengthen women’s financial independence and entrepreneurial growth.

“Financial independence begins with knowledge. When women understand their rights and opportunities, they are better equipped to build businesses, support their families and transform their communities,” she stated.

Barrister Tumasang further encouraged participants to embrace financial literacy, join cooperative financial institutions, and support one another through mentorship and networking.

Empowering Women in Finance: Panel Addresses Credit Union Barriers and Opportunities

A panel discussion highlighting the challenges faced by women and girls as CamCCUL Network brought together Credit Union members, cooperative leaders, and participants to examine barriers to economic participation and possible solutions.

During the session, panelists underscored that while credit unions play a vital role in promoting financial inclusion, many women still encounter difficulties in accessing loans. Among the key challenges discussed were loan granting procedures, which often require collateral or guarantees that many women, especially small-scale entrepreneurs, struggle to provide.

The panel also emphasized the importance of developing solid business plans when applying for loans. Many women entrepreneurs were encouraged to seek training and mentorship to strengthen their proposals and improve their chances of securing financing. Another major issue raised was proper business record keeping, as inadequate financial documentation frequently limits women’s eligibility for credit and growth opportunities.

In addition, the challenges faced by members was brought to the fore, speakers also highlighted difficulties encountered by Credit Union staff, particularly women employees. These include heavy workloads, balancing professional and family responsibilities, and the need for greater professional capacity building to better support members.

The panel reaffirmed the importance of continued training, inclusive financial policies, and stronger institutional support to empower women and girls within the Credit Union movement.

Advancing Women’s Participation in Economic Development

The Ladies Round Table Conference created a valuable platform for women to exchange experiences, ask questions and explore ways of strengthening their economic participation.

By combining practical entrepreneurship training with dialogue on women’s rights, the initiative demonstrates CamCCUL’s continued commitment to promoting financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and the empowerment of women across Cameroon.

The event concluded on a celebratory note, firstly, a symbolic second anniversary cake was shared and then, a prize award ceremony, recognizing outstanding women managers who are dedicated credit union staff for their commitment and achievements. Participants also visited an exhibition showcasing products and services developed by the women, demonstrating the potential of women-led businesses when provided with the right support and financial access.

From Learning to Earning: CamCCUL Network Equips Fako Women with Practical Skills for Financial Independence

In a powerful demonstration of empowerment, women across the CamCCUL Network came together in Fako and Bamenda to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026 through hands-on training, reflection, and inspiration. These historic gatherings highlighted the network’s commitment to equipping women with both practical skills and leadership knowledge, paving the way for financial independence, personal growth, and community impact.

Fako: Skills That Transform Lives

On Friday, March 13, 2026, nearly 40 women from various credit unions in Fako gathered at the CamCCUL Chapter Hall in Mutengene for a hands-on empowerment training. The hall buzzed with enthusiasm as participants dived into practical sessions designed to equip them with income-generating skills.

The day began with an official address from Ekollo Lious, encouraging participants to approach the training with commitment, noting that the initiative is part of CamCCUL’s broader strategy to alleviate poverty, promote financial independence, and strengthen members’ capacity to meet loan obligations.

Guided by Hepsiba Mukeba, Chief of the Internal Protection scheme at CamCCUL, participants engaged in the production of powdered soap, locally known as “Omo,” learning step-by-step techniques that could be transformed into small-scale businesses. The training then progressed to crafting stylish bags using colourful Ankara fabrics, with many women expressing interest in producing matching earrings—a testament to their enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Fako Chapter President, Evangelist Mafany Queen Abunaw, encouraged participants to seize this life-changing opportunity, using their newly acquired skills to uplift themselves and their families. The day concluded with a round-table discussion under the theme “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls,” where representatives from several credit unions shared ideas and strategies on to strengthen women’s economic position within the cooperative movement.

Participants left the event inspired, equipped, and motivated to translate their learning into tangible results for themselves and their communities.

Bamenda: Leadership and Mentorship in Action

Meanwhile, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, women of CamCCUL in Bamenda convened at Ayaba Hotel for a historic first-of-its-kind celebration. Close to 25 women came together for reflection, empowerment, and inspiration under the themes “Give to Gain” and “Rights, Justice, Action: For All Women and Girls.”

The celebration featured an insightful talk on the importance of generosity, mentorship, and collaborative progress. Addressing the participants, Gwefang Micheline described the initiative as “a baby the women themselves have given birth to,” emphasizing their responsibility to nurture and grow it into a strong, impactful platform.

Reflecting on the day’s themes, she encouraged women to embrace leadership roles and mentorship, highlighting the need for them to be positive role models within CamCCUL and beyond. The event served not only as a celebration of International Women’s Day but also as a reminder of the strength, unity, and potential of women working together to inspire change and create opportunities for all.

Empowerment Across Cameroon

Together, the Fako and Bamenda events illustrate CamCCUL’s holistic approach to women’s empowerment—combining practical skills training with discussions on rights, leadership, and community impact. From soap-making and Ankara bag crafting to mentorship and leadership sessions, women are gaining tools to achieve financial independence, strengthen their communities, and advocate for their rights.

By turning skills into opportunities and nurturing leadership potential, CamCCUL continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering women and girls across Cameroon, ensuring that International Women’s Day 2026 is not just a celebration, but a Launchpad for lasting change.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

Sporting Activities in Bafoussam

Women participants engage in a hands-on training session on pineapple juice processing during a CamCCUL capacity-building workshop held in Yaoundé

A facilitator demonstrates donut preparation as part of entrepreneurship training for women ahead of International Women’s Day 2026.

Fako showcases Ankara purse production as part of women’s entrepreneurship training ahead of International Women’s Day 2026.

Participants in Fako engaged in the production of powdered soap, commonly known as “Omo,” as part of their skills development and entrepreneurship training.