Buea Organizations Unite to Take a Stand Against Gender-Based Violence

Organizations and community actors in Buea came together for a sports walk to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)—a global campaign calling for collective action to prevent and end violence against women and girls.

Observed annually from 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, the campaign provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness, advocate for change, and reaffirm their commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.

The 2023 campaign was held under the theme “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls,” emphasizing the importance of investing in prevention, protection, awareness, support systems, and community action.

Walking Together for a Common Cause

The sports walk in Buea brought together representatives from different organizations who used the occasion to raise their voices against all forms of violence affecting women and girls.

Beyond the physical activity, the walk served as a powerful symbol of solidarity. Participants demonstrated that preventing GBV is not the responsibility of one organization or sector alone—it requires collective commitment from communities, civil society organizations, institutions, families, and individuals.

At Smart Kids Foundation (SKiF), our work with children and young people has provided opportunities to witness some of the devastating consequences of violence.

Through psychological first aid sessions, counselling, and child-focused interventions, we have encountered situations in which violence and traumatic experiences affect children's emotional wellbeing, confidence, relationships, education, and overall development.

Women and girls who experience violence may also face fear, stigma, social pressure, and other barriers that prevent them from speaking out or seeking help. These realities remind us that ending GBV requires more than awareness—it requires safe spaces, support systems, prevention efforts, and meaningful action.

As part of the activity, participating organizations signed a pledge of commitment, expressing their determination to contribute to efforts aimed at preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls.
For SKiF, this commitment aligns with our continued work to promote the wellbeing, protection, dignity, and rights of children and young people, particularly those living in vulnerable and challenging circumstances.

Every voice matters. Every action counts. Every safe space created can make a difference in someone's life.

At Smart Kids Foundation, we remain committed to working with communities and partners to promote safer environments where children, girls, and women can live, learn, grow, and thrive free from violence and fear.

We will continue to speak up, stand together, invest in prevention, and take action to end gender-based violence.

The campaign continues...