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Report on the Intergenerational Dialogue
on a Youth Friendly Post-2015 Agenda
Venue: King David’s Hotel - Muea, Buea
23 - 24 March 2015
This initiative is kindly funded
by the U.S Embassy Yaoundé

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Table of Contents
1.0 - Background / Introduction …………………….p3-5
2.0 - Opening Remark(s)…………………………………. P6
3.0 - Team Introduction + Expectations……………..p6
4.0 - Adoption of House Rules + Laying down Values………… p7
5.0 - Revisiting and Redefining Key SRHR Terminology and Concepts, addressing and
getting clarity around SRHR misconceptions …………p7-8
6.0 - Presentations ………………………..p9-10
6.1 - Rundown on the Global Processes to Local Occurrences on the Post2015 Agenda
6.2 - US Embassy programs for Youths
7. 0 - Group Work to draft a ‘Youth Position Statement’………… p11
8.0 - YALI Experience Sharing ………. p12
8.1 - Christelle Chongwain Bay
8.2 - Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo Wondieh
8.3 - Hilda Bih
9.0 - Panel Discussion ………………………. p13 -18
9.1 - How Men can Support to Fight Violence Against Women
9.2 - National/Global Position on Women and Girls SRHR in the Post2015 Agenda
9.3 - Financing Development Vision, Tips for Startups and Small Business
9.4 - Cameroon and Post2015 Process
9.5 - Girls and Access to Justice
10.0 - Closure ….. p19
Annexes
- Pictures
- List of Participants

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1. 0 - Background / Introduction
In the year 2000, 189 world leaders made a commitment to pursue a
global development agenda so that by 2015 – no individual or child
should sleep hungry, or any woman should die while giving birth.
The eight global development agenda addressed the needs in ending
& eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; achieving universal
primary education; realising gender equality and women
empowerment; reducing child mortality by two third; improving
maternal health; combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases;
as well as ensuring environmental sustainability; and developing a
global partnership for development.
Though there have been some successes and progress across the
globe around realizing the MDGs, still, many of the goals have not
been achieved. In Cameroon, up to 70 per cent of women experience
violence in their lifetime. Each year hundreds of girls under 18
years are dropped out from school, forced in to marriage against
their will. Research reveals that more than 60% of women of
reproductive age do not have access to effective method of
contraceptioni
. 86.6 % of youth do not have adequate knowledge to
reproductive services, facilities and needs nor adequate
information, education and / or knowledge around their sexual and
reproductive health. For girls and young women aged 15–19,
pregnancy and childbirth is the number one killer and everyday die
hundreds of women from preventable causes related to pregnancy and
childbirth.
It is now 15 years since government made the commitment to take
action towards realisation of the groundbreaking 8 Millennium
Development Goals.

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This year, world leaders, Cameroon included would again assemble
in New York to finalise discussions and adoption of a new
development agenda – Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), one
which is to replace the MDGs for the next 15 years.
“I was only a few months old when the MDGs were adopted.
Back then I could barely speak in a language that adults
could understand. That was then. Today is different! I have a
voice that matters”. ~ Victorine Ngimou, 15 year old Iam15
Ambassador
In an effort to ensure that everyone, every voice be counted in
this next 15 year of building a sustainable future for all, the
Intergenerational Dialogue on a Youth Friendly Post2015 Agenda was
therefore initiated by Women for a Change, Cameroon (WFAC). The
aim is to cease the moment around post-2015 deliberations to raise
awareness about the post-2015 progresses, mobilise and work with
young people, men and women to build momentum and strategies to
engage and gain government’s support in positioning and
prioritizing youth and women’s issues, particularly their sexual
and reproductive health rights in the post2015 development agenda.
Specific objectives:
I. To deliberate on best ways young people and adolescent girls
can make valuable contributions and influence the national agenda
on post2015 sustainable development agenda
II. To provide young people with adequate knowledge, information
and skills on how to access and seek justice
III. To share experiences and best practices of different types of
work in relation to intergenerational solidarity towards advancing
gender equality and justice.

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For over 20 months, Women for a Change, Cameroon (WFAC) has been
an active participant in most important national and global events
on the post-2015 deliberations particularly around advancing women
and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights, education
and empowerment. Our goal is to ensure that the post-2015 agenda
leaves no one behind; represents the aspirations and needs of
every young Cameroonian including the prioritisation and
positioning of their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The dialogue was a two day rigourous and intense program, attended
by 5 government officials, a U.S Embassy Representative, Mandela
Washington Fellows, and 45 participants from diverse sociocultural
background, representing different youth and women constituents.
The first day was just for the Youth caucus. The second day was
the Intergenerational Dialogue, an intense and interactive session
with top government officials and lead negotiator on post2015,
with everyone sharing their experiences and aspirations for the
future youth want for Cameroon post2015.

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DAY ONE: MARCH 23, 2015 - YOUTH CAUCUS
2. 0 - Opening Remarks
Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo Wondieh, Women for a Change,
Cameroon (WFAC) Director & Mandela Washington Fellow
2014
In such a powerful and inspirational mood, the Director of WFAC /
MWF, threw the ball rolling with her opening remarks, stressing on
the fact that the forum should be an interactive one and a
learning process for all present. She reiterated the desire to and
for everyone present to actively contribute throughout the
dialogue as part of efforts towards participation in decision-
making processes and programs built for the post2015 agenda.
Zoneziwoh lamented on the absence of a standalone goal on youth
among the 17 proposed SDGs while, concurrently highlighting that
WFAC has special attention on goal 3 which covers health matters,
the more reason why the youth dialogue was to center on SRHR.
3. 0 - Team Introduction + Expectations
Moderator: Nancy Makeoh Mafor
Succeeding the opening remarks, it was self-introduction and
stating of expectations by all participants. This exercise
permitted delegates to know better those with whom they were going
to interact for the two (2) days dialogue. Most participants
expressed the desire to learn more about SRHR, SDGs and Post2015
agenda by the end of the forum and above all the hope to see
successful deliberations till the end of the dialogue.

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4. 0 - Adoption of House Rules + Laying down Values
Moderator: Christelle Chongwain Bay
More importantly too, the participants agreed to define some
ground rules to be respected throughout the dialogue sessions.
Rules surrounded among other issues, proper handling of phone
calls, judicious time management, self-respect and respect for
others and their opinions throughout the forum. This activity was
vividly followed by laying down of some values by the youth
activists. It was such an interesting exercise as participants
revealed their values such as love for humanitarian service,
volunteerism, selflessness, discipline, commitment, mentorship,
honesty, hard work, humility, education, social entrepreneurship,
leadership, equality, accountability, sacrifice, respect for the
environment, productivity, democracy, patriotism, positive
innovation, mutual respect, etc.
5.0 - Revisiting and Redefining Key SRHR Terminologies and
Concepts, addressing and getting clarity around misconceptions
surrounding SRHR
Moderator: Sakah Bernard
To get into the real business of the dialogue, it was imperative
to revisit some key concepts that were to transcend deliberations
as well as to keep all delegates updated on a certain level of
understanding of appropriate language on SRHR and Post2015 agenda.
Before the discussions proper, participants first advanced some
misconceptions about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
(SRHR) which included but were not limited to SRHR as simply:
- Lesbianism, gayism, transgender, bisexuals, etc.

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- SRHR is imposing Family planning on couples
- SRHR is for people who want to live a free life
- SRHR is all about sexual orientation, identities and
expression
- SRHR is about promiscuity
- SRHR gives Freedom to have sex anywhere
- SRHR promotes Abortion
- SRHR teaches little children to have Sex
Upon review of the aforementioned misconceptions, the house then
proceeded with revisiting some widely agreed/adopted definitions
of SRHR concepts such as Sexual Rights, Reproductive Rights,
Reproductive Health, Ccomprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE),
etc. Based on knowledge from some ‘standard’ definitions of SRHR,
the delegates all agreed that this health domain is far beyond the
limited scope or ‘reductionist’ perceptions as earlier seen from the
various misconceptions.
Justice was equally done to revisit and understand better what the
Post2015, SDGs and Cameroon Vision 2035 all represent as the
dialogue aimed at influencing these development frameworks.
It must be recalled here that each of the sessions were punctuated
and spiced up with ice-breakers of varied nature to keep the
participants lively.

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6.0 - Presentations
6.1 - Rundown on the Global Processes to Local Occurrences
on the Post2015 Agenda
Presenter: Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo Wondieh
This session focused on experience sharing on regional and global
conversations around SRHR language and national positions on the
SDGs, including goal 3. To cumulate the session, youth activists
were asked to map out and share experiences of consultation,
meetings they may have taken part in regarding the post2015 agenda
whether at the local, regional or global levels. The participants’
experiences revealed that many have participated in such
consultations including but not limited to:
- The post2015 forum in Buea organized by the UNFPA, UNICEF,
etc. on youth participation, and prioritization of health
issues in the post2015 agenda.
- The Common Wealth Day, 12th
march in Cameroon, with emphasis on
youth participation
- ICASA 2014- South Africa (Durban) which stressed on non-
stigmatization of seropositive people in society
- The High Level Youth Policy Dialogue in Nairobi, Kenya
- FREJES
- World Bank consultation meeting on forest management and
environmental protection

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- Africa Regional Conference on the Commission on Population and
Development, Addis - Ethiopia (2013), Regional Review on the
Beijing Platform for Action (2014), CPD47 & UNGA69 in New York
Once more, the delegates were reminded that the current youth
dialogue was equally a consultation meeting geared towards
contributing youth aspirations and needs to be reflected in the
post2015 agenda as well as pressure for more involvement and
engagement at different policy levels.
6. 2 - US Embassy programs for Youths
Presenter: Olivia Mukam
Youth activists were drilled on different programs that the
Embassy has at the disposal of the populace especially the youths.
Some of the prominent programs included: the Mandela Washington
Fellowship, the Full Bright Program/scholarship, Education
Services, International Visitor Leadership Program, Community
College program, Youth Exchange study Abroad, Grants to CSOs,
youth leaders, etc., Public Affairs Fund, President’s Emergency
Funds for Aids Program-PEFA, etc.

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7. 0 Group Work to draft a ‘Youth Position Statement’
As a core activity of the day, the participants were grouped into
commissions to produce the language and expectations to be
channeled through the final statement that would be submitted to
the government authorities /heads of delegation on the post2015.
These committees included:
1. SRHR, Security and Development
2. Health, Environment and Development
3. Decision-Making and SRHR
Within the space of one (1) hour, the commissions were able to
deliver the outcomes of their deliberations which were keenly
followed, edited/modified and adopted by the house. (Final
statement here attached)

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DAY TWO: MARCH 24, 2015 - INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE
8.0 - YALI Experience Sharing
Moderator: Hilda Bih
8. 1 - Christelle Chongwain anchored on features such as
‘Servant Leadership’ and volunteerism as key to her lessons
from the fellowship experience beginning from her arrival
till departure from the USA. She also stressed on the need
for the Cameroonian government to properly institutionalise
volunteerism and partner with the private sector, NGOs, CSOs,
etc. to ensure effectiveness of the practice which inculcates
a true sense of patriotism and community service in youths.
8. 2 - Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo expressed how the experience
boosted and made her to revisit her personal and professional
values. “It re-energized my zeal and passion to service” she
connoted, “as leaders we must all develop and embrace key
principles that encourages service to humanity and equality
for all”. This way she explains: “I believe then can we help
make Cameroon a better place to live in”
8.3 - Bih Hilda, in her thrilling and thought provoking
manner, took the floor to share her unique experience on how
accepted and comforting she felt while in the USA with her
disabled status. Emphasizing how as human beings regardless
of our physical state, Hilda remarked; “we all possess equal
opportunities and potentials to help us realize our dreams
whenever we desire and strive to achieve them in life.”

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9. 0 - PANEL DISCUSSION
9. 1 - How Men can Support to Fight Violence Against Women
Panelist: Madam Judith Moffat, Regional Delegate for
Women Empowerment and the Family (Minproff)
First, she expatiated on what violence is all about stressing on
it as ‘any emotional, physical, psychological, economic, etc. harm
inflicting on others’ such as FGM, trafficking, rape, illegal
relationships, etc. Conscious of the ills of violence especially
women, she revealed that MINPROFF thus has as mission to seek all
means possible to combat such violence.
She went on to elucidate on the various services MINPROFF has
which are at the disposal of the population as in the South West
Region of Cameroon to address violence in the family and public
space. Madam Judith disclose MINPROFF’s readiness to always partner
with others such as WFAC in the fight against violence while
recalling that violence has been a major call for concern as
portrayed in the Beijing platform.
On the question of ‘Who should fight violence’, participants all
agreed that all stakeholders including CSOs, NGOs, government,
individuals, traditional rulers, religious authorities, etc. are
better placed to combat violence in our society.

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But again, the question was posed as to: ‘How can men be involved
in the fight against violence?’ This subject triggered heated and
interesting debate between the delegate as well as all the
participants with divergent views. The final suggestions included
but were not limited to the fact that:
1. Men should learn to listen to women always
2. Need to increase sensitization on violence
3. Need for change of mentality
4. Need to fight by example
5. Need to involve women in our traditional councils
6. People especially youths should avoid ‘come-we-stay’
7. No battery
8. Stop arm conflicts
9. Take action and always report violence
10. Avoid discrimination at home
11. Allow women access to land
12. Promote equal chances in school for both boys and girls
13. Eliminated harmful traditional beliefs and practices
The delegate’s presentation ended with a clarion call for the
powers that be to put hands on deck to ensure that there is good
governance, social justice, gender equality, respect for all human
rights as pre-requisite for Cameroon to become emergent by 2035.

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9. 2 - National/Global Position on Women and Girls SRHR in
the Post2015 Agenda
Panelist: Madam Vivian Kendemeh, Chief of Service
for Gender Popularization from MINPROFF-Yaoundé
The presentation first dueled on the several atrocities of
violence against women and girls especially FGM while hitting on
the fact that ‘we must stop violence against women in Cameroon’.
Such violence like breast ironing, rape, sexual harassment, etc.
is still being perpetrated in Cameroon despite government and CSO
efforts being made to eliminate it. She further unveiled the
various dimensions of manifestation of violence against women and
girls in Cameroon while concurrently revealing government
mechanisms being put in place to address the situation as is the
case with the about 95 women empowerment centers spread all over
the national territory today.
More so, the presentation touched on various spheres of health
concerns especially SRHR, sexual rights,reproductive rights,
reproductive health and sexual health etc. and government policies
to improve the current situation as per defined deadlines. Some
key health components being tackled include but are not limited to
maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS, comprehensive care for all young
girls, women, reduce infant mortality, and so on. To sum it all,
the Director blatantly stated that:
‘If we or government want peace and development, we must be
humane towards girls, women, and youths as pivotal actors in
driving sustainable development efforts’.

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A question and answer session also marked the last part of this
session during which participants addressed concerns to MINPROFF
representative such as how the state plans to finance the SDGs;
how the government intend to ensure participation of youths and
women in the post2015 agenda; etc.
9. 3 - Financing Development Vision, Tips for Startups and Small Business
Discussant: Olivia Mukam Wandji, U.S Embassy Yaoundé
Mrs. Olivia from the US Embassy in her usual simplistic but
succinct manner drilled youth leaders/activists on some
sponsorship that the US Embassy offers especially in form of small
grants to NGOs, CSOs, etc. More precisely, the Embassy encourages
and sponsors projects from social entrepreneurs and startup
businesses. Hence, to better empower the participants with
relevant skills and approach to developing promising business
projects, she focused her discussion on some key steps that could
be of great influence as far as any business is concerned thus:
a. Identification of a business idea based on a pertinent problem
and need in a given community or environment (which could be
agriculture, education, poultry farming, etc.). Thus the
business should be a solution to the problem identified.
b. Quick market analysis basing on the forces of demand and supply
questions. This allows mastery of the business environment and
what additional value or innovation to bring in and capture the
market as well.

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c. SWOT analysis to be fully aware of potential strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats before engaging in the
business. A quick financial analysis too is required to know the
cost-benefit effects of the venture and to ensure balance and
sustainability. Sources of revenue are also considered such as
loans from ‘Njangis’, associations, cooperatives, etc.
d. Marketing and communication Strategy to be used to boost the
business. For instance use of social media such as Facebook,
Instagram, twitter, etc for publicity.
e. Human capital which entails self-examination as per the aptness
or competence to do the business, whether one can operate the
business alone, who should be involved further? Financing,
registration, website, and so on must be addressed accordingly.
f. Operationalization of the business.
The attention given by participants to this business session
revealed for itself how interesting, beneficial and strategic it
was for young people with the desire to become ‘employers’ and not
‘employees’ or ‘job creators’ rather than ‘job seekers’.

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9. 4 - Cameroon and Post2015 Process
Discussant (Virtual*): Mr ABESSOLO Calice,
Director in Charge of women and girls empowerment
from MINPROFF, Yaoundé
Mr. Abessolo joined the conversation by phone as his presence was
hampered due to unforeseen circumstances at the level of the
Ministry. In his short submission, he apologized for not being
there while commending the initiative and efforts of all
participants present at the forum. To this, he disclosed that
government remains aware and more than ever before committed to
address problems plaguing young people in Cameroon. Mr. Abessolo
then cautioned the youth activists to stay clear from violent
action actions and decease from promoting any actions that may
destabilize peace in the country such as is the current case of
‘Boko Haram’ in the Northern Region of Cameroon.
9. 5 - Girls and Access to Justice
Discussant (Virtual*): Justice AYAH Paul, Advocate
General at the Supreme Court, Yaoundé
Justice Ayah addressed was also shared to all attending since he
was unable to join in person due to an unforeseen judiciary matter
that arose just days prior to the dialogue. Justice Ayah in his
remark informed the audience on the various judiciary procedures
to access justice. While recognising the fact that the judiciary
is very corrupt, and may often be accessible to just upper class
citizens who would have the wealth to pay highly for their
services. However, Justice advised young people to not feel
discouraged by the judicial politics but should make the judiciary
their home.

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10.0 - Closure + Appreciations
The lead organizer of the event Zoneziwoh in her capacity as WFAC
director then delivered the closing remarks by thanking the
participants for their presence, active participation and
enriching inputs during the sessions. She also expressed thanks to
all supporters and sponsors, particularly to the U.S Embassy
Yaoundé for their generous support. This, as she noted is clear
evidence that young people are no longer seen as victims but
partners for development. As exemplified through the forum that
youth want ‘in’ and truly desire to participate in decision making
and take part in all actions that affect their lives directly or
indirectly especially in the post2015 agenda. She equally urged
all present to sustain a spirit of solidarity and collective
action as we continue the strive to shape and realize the change
we want for Cameroon, Africa and the world at large.

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PICTURES

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LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
No
NAMES ORGANISATION
1 SAKAH BERNARD NSAI BONET
2 CHONGWAIN CHRISTELLE BAY HOFNA, Cameroon
3 ZONEZIWOH MBONDGULO WONDIEH WFAC
4 DIBOTO THOMAS ACTION/2015
5 AKOMBI LEMBRIS ACTION/2015
6 ABANE TABE ELVIS A. ACTION/2015
7 AKESOM PRIDE E. ACTION/2015
8 ENOW A. GEOORGES GYCC
9 MICHEL NGNINKEU STRATTIMES FZE
10 MOVGANG LEVIS CHENGA
11 SILACHOM FRANCOIS M.
12 BUL AMOS WUNG EYDA
13 ATEMKENG ANDRE NDAH BONET
14 JOUEGO AUDRELLE CAROLE PRESS JEUNE Dvpt
15 NTUI-OBEN OBI-A. COMMONWEALTH
16 YONGA NELLY SHELLA RUDEC, Buea
17 GILBERT TAMBETAKAW REACHOUT, Cameroon
18 AGUH TERENCE TANUE BONET
19 ATANGE ANYI LOUIS HYCARE FOUNDATION
20 FELIX FORZEH GIFI

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21 TIEH GERALDINE ACTION/2015
22 MAH SHANTAL ACTION/2015
23 FORTECHA DERICK ACTION/2015
24 ASIRAKE A. SONITA ACTION/2015
25 METIEGE ANITA MAH ACTION/2015
26 ENOW ARREY YVETTE P. RUDEC, Buea
27 AKWEN LOVERT NGU RUWDEC, Buea
28 DESMOND FONATE PASS/CYN
30 DESMOND NJI A. PASS/CYN
31 MBAH HARRY HARPER ADAMS UNI, UNITED
KINDOM (U.K)
32 KEJU NKEMTAJI COWEC
33 OLIVIA MUKAM WANDJI US EMBASSY YDE
34 HILDA BIH CRTV B’DA
35 MOFFAH NEE LUMA R.D MINPROFF
36 KANDEMEH V. MINPROFF S.W
37 NDABOMBIH EMMANUEL M. ACTION/2015
38 HON AYAH PAUL ADVOCATE GENERAL SUPREME
COURT
39 Mr ABESSOLO CALICE Director, MINPROFF
40 NANCY MAKEOH M. WFAC
41 NGWALEM BERLYNE WFAC
42 TAMBE AYUK ACTION/2015
43 NELSON GHA ACHUO COWEC

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About the Host Organisation:
- Women for a Change, Cameroon (WFAC): It is a young women-led feminist organisation
working for women and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), Leadership and
Development.
For over 20 months, Women for a Change, Cameroon (WFAC) has been an active participant in
most important national and global events on the post-2015 deliberations particularly around
advancing women and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights, education and
empowerment. Our goal is to ensure that the post-2015 agenda leaves no one behind;
represents the aspirations and needs of every young Cameroonian including the prioritization
and positioning of their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Contact: wfacbuea@ymail.com | P.O BOX 149, Buea – Cameroon | Tel: (2376) 96009179 /
77150924
About Partner Organisations:
- Hope for the Needy, Cameroon: HOFNA Cameroon is a youth-led, not-for-profit, Non-
governmental Organization dedicated to supporting the most unprivileged and marginalized
youths in Cameroon to achieve lasting positive changes in their lives.
Contact: hofnacameroon@yahoo.com | PO BOX 5144 FONCHA STREET, Bamenda - Cameroon
Tel: (2376) 7581 94 33 / 9711 90 83
- Mandela Washington Fellows, Cameroon: Alumina / Alumnus of the Young African Leadership
Initiative and Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Supporters | Funders | Collaborators:
- IPPF
- Action2015
- U.S Embassy Yaoundé
- Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF)
i
This statistic is based on a 2012 UNFPA publication on ‘Why investing in reproductive health in Cameroon’