Empowering Financial Growth Through Community Engagement

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 5th 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 6th 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

CAMCCUL NETWORK AT THE HEART OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT In prelude to International Women’s Day, commemorated in Cameroon and the world at large every March 8th, The Cameroon Cooperative Credit Union League ( CamCCUL) MFI. COOP BoD organized a round table conference on March 7th  at the Bali Cooperative Credit Union hall in Yaounde to mark this day, bringing together women belonging to different credit unions and gender expert to dwell on the strength and opportunities women possess by sharing successful stories of women who have conquered the status quo and are changing the narrative by leveraging on the opportunities presented them. Ruth ENJEH Focusing on the theme CamCCUL network; empowering women strengthening communities: together we strive, inspired by the 40th edition International Women’s Day theme “ for all women and girls: rights, equality, and empowerment. The women were encouraged to be ambassadors in their different credit unions by Save Regularly, Borrow wisely and Repay Promtly. As the conference unfolded, it spotlighted the success of women who are thriving thanks to credit unions “I am a proud product of a credit union, today I boast of living in my own house thanks to my regular savings”, says  FORKA Florence TAZIFOR teacher and member of the Menji Cooperative credit union. FORKA Florence TAZIFOR Teacher, Member Menji Cooperative Credit Union Another resounding point highlighted at the conference  was in regards to finances, as the women were told never to relent in spite of lack of finance , as consistency and hard work are prescribed as the right tools of success.  A success which BUDZE  Julalia  KINYUY teacher and first female vice president of the Jakiri Credit Union resonates with and has never looked back on the decision she took to be a member. “with the credit union I have been able to realise so much and I have never regretted my decision “ she adds. BUDZE Julalia KINYUY Teacher, member of Jakiri Credit Union As the conference ensue, women were called upon to lend their voice and fight for women’s cause, a role CamCCUL Network attests to playing since its conception. A look back into the history and evolution of the woman’s place in the union, recounted by one of its pillars and the first female gender officer of CamCCUL today is the coordinator of credit unions of Yaounde, South and East regions. Grace TAMFUCoordinator of Credit Unions, CamCCUL Yaounde During discussions, women were reminded of how vital they are to the growth of the economy. “ To play their role with no bias, they need a winning mindset”, added Carine NGUM whose story is one to emulate as it constitutes hard work, determination and a positive mind-set. Today Carine, whose journey began from the bottom, is cured the Deputy General Manager and Branch Manager of Akum Zone Credit Union among other activities which she does to continuously empower and improve herself. Carine NGUM’s journey amongst many is a testament to the opportunities and pride of place given to the women at the different credit unions. Carine NGUM Akum Zone Deputy General Manager A prove of the woman’s place is the existence of the lone female credit union CECPROM Mature whose members had nothing but positive remarks. “ les femmes doivent  être  entrepreneuses, même si c’est difficile, elles doivent rester inébranlables”. suggested LAKAM SIEWE ZOGO, Business woman, CECPROM Mature. LAKAM SIEWE ZOGO Businesswoman, CECPROM Mature The world is evolving fast, so women were enjoined to embrace new technological tools. Nicoline  NWENUSHI WAZEH, gender expert reiterated to the women that March 8th doesn’t revolve around a piece of cloth reminding them of the essence of such a day, rather it is time to reflect on the progress made and focus on the task ahead and the impact they can create when they remain resilient and focus-driven. Nicoline NWENUSHI WAZEH Gender and development expert To foster connections and build stronger and lasting bonds for the women present , a question and answer session followed with the icing on the cake, games, at the end some participants returned home with gifts from CamCCUL The conference  did not only end in the centre region , other regions such as the littoral and North West regions saw women come together with the same enthusiasm  as Juliette LUM TANGI, gender officer at CamCCUL explains “ We are hoping that through this our goals as an organization will be met in which women have been a priority and a pivotal  instrument to its growth.” JULLIETTE LUM TANGI GENDER OFFICER CamCCUL At the tail end, the smile on the faces of the women was a sign that this maiden edition was successful,  confirming CamCCUL Network’s continuous drive for women’s empowerment and emancipation. With such positive echoes from the women and a huge thanks to the CamCCUL management.  The management of CamCCUL is without doubt ready for the next Rendez-vous  and opportunities to share the successes of women belonging to credit unions with one aim, inspire future generations The theme for this conference Empowering Women, strengthening Communities: Together We Strive. was written by  CHIAMBA Victorine NKE the Head of Human Resource Department CamCCUL whose role and dedication to ensuring this conference in all three regions went hitch-free was invaluable.   https://youtu.be/fwhjSvkN7UY

The 40th edition of the 2025 International Women’s Day has been celebrated across some Chapters that constitute the CamCCUL Network. Activities to mark this day included round table conferences, live Radio discussions, sports and relay walk etc took place on March 7th March 2025 in Fako, Bafoussam, Douala and Yaounde. The Cameroon Cooperative Credit Union League- CamCCUL EMF COOP -CA made this year’s celebration a special one amongst other things to increase Female membership in the Credit Unions.  These women were all rallied by CamCCUL under the theme” CamCCUL Network Empowering Women, Strengthening communities: Together we strive, an inspiration from the global theme.   Over in Fako, 10 women from 5 Credit Unions ( Tole Tea, Buea Police, Ndungated, Mutengene Savings and Loans and Buea P& T)  took part in a Live Round table discussion on Dream FM Buea , FM 86.9 MHz.  Together with some CamCCUL Ladies, these enthusiastic women shared their success stories since they joined their various Credit Unions.  The program was a veritable opportunity for the guests to encourage their counterparts to shun fear, brave the odds and open accounts in Credit Unions under the CamCCUL Network so as to better their lives and that of their family members in the future. The guests on the program also dished out their unique products and services to members of the general public so as to orientate prospective members. Underscoring the importance of Credit Unions to the members of the general public in general and women in particular, the Resource persons on the program reminded the women that they are very good managers and occupy very important positions in the society reason why they should put fear and all its ramifications aside this 2025 and empower themselves and their family members through accounts creation in Credit Unions in the CamCCUL Network. They also challenged their fellow women not to be afraid of loans, testifying that some of them, own big houses , other landed properties, run and  own lucrative businesses thanks to loans they contracted from their Credit Unions at very love interest rate. During the program, the Chief of the Internal Protection Scheme (IPS) Madam Hepsiba Mukeba underscored the readiness of CamCCUL in empowering women and strengthening communities this year 2025. Before the end of the program, listeners especially women were enjoined to offer themselves women’s day gifts, by creating accounts for themselves and their relatives in any Credit Union under the CamCCUL Network of their choice. The women were also determined to impact the lives of more women this 2025 more than ever before through educational meetings, conferences and so on. They also hailed CamCCUL their Apex organization for the laudable initiative to commemorate the annual event with the women of the Network while looking forward to more opportunities that will continue to shape the lives of other women. The women also went home with some souvenirs from CamCCUL ranging from pens, t-shirts etc. It is worthy of note that CamCCUL, guru in Micro Finance activities in the CEMAC is not only committed in empowering women and strengthening communities, CamCCUL has also been at the heart of poverty alleviation in Cameroon since 1968

CamCULL EMF COOP- CA célèbre les femme autour d’une table à Douala les femmes du secteur financier, en particulier celles des coopératives de crédit de Douala, se sont réunies autour du thème : “Autonomisation des femmes et renforcement des communautés : un chemin vers la prospérité collective”. Cette rencontre, organisée ce 7 mars dans la salle de MUPECI était une initiative de la Ligue des Coopératives de Crédit du Cameroun (CamCCUL) EMF Coop- CA, pour marquer la 40ème édition de cette célébration, et visait à renforcer l’engagement des femmes dans le mouvement d’épargne et de crédit. Plusieurs sous-thèmes ont été abordés au cours de cette rencontre notamment, l’autonomisation économique des femmes dans le secteur financier, le leadership féminin en vue d’une représentation équitable dans les instances décisionnelles, ainsi que l’éducation financière et l’accès aux ressources pour les femmes. Ces thématiques ont suscités un vif intérêt parmi les participantes, qui ont afflué en grand nombre depuis les différentes coopératives de crédit de la capitale économique. Un panel d’expertes a animé les discussions, composé de Dame Kemoe Irène, chef d’agence chez Mupeci, Dame Nji Colette, directrice adjointe chez Nkenccul, et Dame Praxedes Banseka, directrice du Centre d’Éducation et de Formation chez CamCCUL. Les participantes ont eu l’opportunité d’apprendre des techniques de gestion financière, de management des comptes, ainsi que des principes fondamentaux de l’éducation au crédit bancaire. Les échanges ont également permis aux femmes présentes de dénoncer les obstacles qui freinent leur évolution dans la société et plus particulièrement dans le secteur financier. Les intervenantes ont souligné l’importance cruciale pour les femmes de se former, d’adopter une mentalité collaborative et de fournir une éducation équitable à leurs enfants pour garantir des opportunités égales. Elles ont également encouragé leurs consœurs à dépasser la paresse et à s’engager activement dans leur développement professionnel afin d’atteindre l’égalité avec leurs homologues masculins. À l’issue de cette enrichissante journée à MUPECI, les participantes se sont déclarées satisfaites et enthousiastes. Elles ont exprimé le souhait que cet événement devienne non seulement un rendez-vous annuel, mais qu’il inspire également la multiplication de rencontres similaires. cette initiative a non seulement renforcé le réseau des femmes dans le secteur financier, mais elle a également ouvert la voie à une prise de conscience collective sur les enjeux liés à l’autonomisation économique et à l’égalité des sexes. Les coopératives de crédit se positionnent ainsi comme des acteurs clés dans la promotion du leadership féminin et du développement communautaire au Cameroun. O.D. NGWETE