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 TAMFU
Coordinator 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.
