ThThe Community Creative Center for Women and Girls with Disabilities (CCCWGD) was represented by two of its members at a three-day intensive capacity-building workshop organized by UN Women from the 10th to the 12th of December, 2025 in Bamenda. The workshop brought together women leaders and advocates to strengthen skills in women’s leadership, political participation, and protection against discrimination and gender-based violence (GBV).
Day 1: Building Leadership and Personal Capacity
The first day focused on developing a strong foundation in leadership and personal growth. Participants explored the meaning of leadership, the role of a leader, and the qualities that distinguish effective leadership from ineffective leadership. Various leadership styles—Autocratic, Democratic, Transformational, and Servant Leadership—were discussed using practical, real-life examples.
Participants also examined the barriers limiting women’s leadership, identifying challenges at the personal, cultural, and institutional levels. Through interactive group work, participants discussed assigned topics and presented their findings to the plenary through group representatives.
The day concluded with practical sessions on assertiveness, self-confidence, and public speaking, equipping participants with essential communication skills for leadership roles.
Day 2: Gender-Based Violence, Discrimination, and Legal Protections
Day two centered on deepening participants’ understanding of gender-based violence and discrimination. Sessions covered key definitions, types, dynamics, and the social and personal impacts of GBV.
The workshop also provided an overview of existing legal frameworks and draft laws at the international, regional, and national levels. Participants discussed available protection mechanisms and examined the prevalence of GBV in political spaces, including the specific risks faced by women engaged in politics and leadership.
Day 3: Women’s Political Participation and Advocacy
The final day emphasized women’s participation in politics and advocacy strategies. Discussions focused on identifying entry points into politics, understanding common challenges, and developing effective advocacy approaches.
Participants worked collaboratively to create 60-second advocacy messages, learning how to communicate issues clearly and persuasively. Sessions on political communication included practical public speaking exercises tailored to political contexts.
A highlight of the day was a mock press conference, during which participants drafted and presented 30-second manifestos and responded to questions from the press, simulating real-world political engagement.
The workshop concluded with an action-planning session, allowing participants to translate newly acquired knowledge and skills into concrete steps for future leadership, advocacy, and community engagement.
CCCWGD remains committed to empowering women and girls with disabilities by strengthening leadership capacity, promoting political inclusion, and advocating for protection against discrimination and gender-based violence.
