Increasing Women’s Access and Control over Natural Resources in Cameroon

September 28, 2022 / 3pm – 4:30pm (Zoom >> Register Now)

1. Background

Natural resources are not only assets or goods subject that can be traded on the market, they are also inputs that can be used to produce and stimulate economic growth if they are used or shared in an optimal way. Cameroon is a patriarchal society, and women’s limited access to natural resources, including minerals, water, and land, is often the underlying cause of their underdevelopment despite the fact that women make up about 50 percent of the population of some 26.88 million (1). However, if these resources are managed properly, however, as part of a strategy for women’s economic and empowerment, they could also be used and their benefits shared to generate economic growth and increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Women have the potential to play a critical role in this process, as they use and manage land and other natural resources while meeting water, food, and energy needs in households and communities and most of all contributing the national economic growth. However, this use rarely translates into women being allowed to influence the distribution of natural resources or having a decision-making role in the management of these resources. Despite these setbacks, there is room for improvement and can only be done through thorough advocacy for gender equality policy throughout the country. It is in this context that the Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing this panel discussion on the theme Increasing Women’s Access and Control over Natural Resources in Cameroon.

2. Objective

The objective of this discussion is to make recommendations on how women can have access to natural resources in Cameroon to impact their economic development. More specifically, it will a matter of:

a) Raising awareness of the fact that women in Cameroon do not have access to or control over natural resources;

b) Advocating for the women in Cameroon to have access and control over natural resources for the economic development; and

c) Proposing actionable policy recommendations on how women in Cameroon can have access and control over natural resources.

3. Expected outcome

Increased awareness of the need to increase women’s access and control over natural resources, as a means to economic development.

4. Target audience

This event is open to policymakers, women-led organizations, women leaders, youth leaders, financial institution leaders, and the general public.

5. Contact Email

[email protected] / Tel : (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 5