When women put down roots: from land rights to the hope of a better future
To mark International Women’s Day 2026, Cameroon is celebrating stories of courage and transformation that highlight progress in land rights and women’s empowerment. German Cooperation, through the Promotion of Responsible Land Policy (ProPFR) project, and the MINDCAF have implemented the innovative Inclusive Peace Agent (IPA) approach. This method promotes dialogue and enables women to participate fully in land management and the resolution of agro-pastoral conflicts.
In Yoko and Nanga-Eboko, in the Centre region Cameroon, this initiative has produced concrete results: women, previously absent from decision-making bodies, now sit on local land conflict management structures. Thanks to their commitment, 80% of the identified conflicts have been resolved, and 20 women have been trained as local mediators, becoming recognized actors for peace and dialogue within their communities.
In these same municipalities, the Forests4Future project (F4F) is helping women’s groups to become more empowered and secure greater rights within the Ndjansang value chain, while supporting collective sales to boost their income and impact.
Some 400 kilometres away, in the East region of Cameroon, the Forest Environment Climate Project (ProFEC), led by German Development Cooperation in partnership with MINEPDED and the MINFOF, is also helping women to become self-reliant. Women from the Mbang cooperative, one of the 23 cooperatives supported by the project, sustainably collect and process non-timber forest products, creating income-generating opportunities while strengthening solidarity among members
In total, 787 people— 85% of whom are women—have increased their incomes through viable forest-based economic activities
These initiatives are gradually transforming lives: women support their families, invest in their children’s education and participate in community decision-making. They demonstrate that equitable access to land and economic opportunities is a key driver of justice, development and hope for future generations.