The WCPDM Momo west is mobilized and committed to support female returnees by strengthening their economic potential.
Some 20 women from the different villages in the section have been trained in the production of antiseptic soap and detergents. This initiative that started in 2020 is being encouraged by many as they see the results. The social consequences of the socio political crisis in the North west and South west regions of Cameroon and the coronavirus pandemic were a hard hit on the women who are faced with the challenge of feeding their families. Most women in the section work in the informal economy, which means that their income is precarious and that they benefit from health insurance that is generally inadequate or even non-existent. Knowing that they are often not eligible for bailouts, they are not helped financially.
The Women’s wing of the CPDM which has been keen to ensure the wellbeing of the women especially militants had to step in and try to help the situation. They have been training the women in the production of detergents. This is also a means of prioritizing support to women at the front line of interventions. Under the leadership of Martha Agang, WCPDM Section President the women are provided the know-how in the manufacture of hygiene products such as antiseptic soap and detergents. “Our goals are to provide them with higher incomes, better access and control over resources, as well as increased security including protection from violence”, Martha said.
Of the many women trained already, most of them are using the knowledge gained to produce soap and detergents for commercial purposes and this is helping them to put food on their tables and also help their children through school.
Rose Mandi, a beneficiary of the training said, “We can now make antiseptic soaps by enhancing the value of natural plants that exist in our local environment. I produce detergent and sell in a local market in a neighboring village called Gikoro. So far, I am the only one that brings detergent to sell there. The roads are not favorable, so I trek to the market and every time I get to sell all my products”, she said.
The trainer, Diene Mobit, was recruited by the WCPDM to build productive capacities of women in the production of antiseptic soaps and detergents. The focus so far has been on the manufacture of antiseptic soaps with products and plants found locally to promote the production of antiseptic soap at lower cost. She adopted a simplified approach to make it accessible to women with different backgrounds with the use of simplified measurement units and provided clear information at all production steps. To help the trainees retain the steps, manufacturing guides in French and English are shared to all participants during every training session. This income Generating activity has been much welcomed by all participants and its profitability makes it attractive to several women and girls.
Irene AWENEG, with field report
