MDDT's Gender Justice Programming on Empowering Women and Girls through Access to Justice and Legal Aid
Overview
MDDT’s Gender Justice Program in Cameroon focuses on addressing gender inequality and empowering women and girls, particularly in crisis-affected regions. With Cameroon ranking 141st on the Gender Inequality Index, the program works to improve access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and leadership roles, while combating gender-based violence (GBV) and arbitrary arrests. Key initiatives include the establishment of a legal aid clinic for survivors of violence and victims of arbitrary arrest, as well as prison visits to provide legal assistance and medical sensitization for female inmates. Through these efforts, MDDT aims to create a more just, equitable, and prosperous future for women and girls in Cameroon.
Objectives of MDDT’s Gender Justice Program
Access to Justice for Women and Girls: Provide legal aid and representation to women and adolescent girls, especially those facing violations of their rights, thus, ensuring equal access to the justice system.
Re-integration of Female Inmates: Help female inmates, particularly mothers and adolescent girls, reintegrate into society post-release by providing counselling and trainings for livelihood opportunities.
Education and Advocacy Against GBV: Raise awareness on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), advocate for women's and girls' rights, and provide relief measures to GBV survivors while addressing discriminatory practices.
Our Recent Activities
Providing Legal Aid for Vulnerable Groups: MDDT has offered legal support to marginalized women and girls, particularly victims of GBV and abuse. Through the ARDF project, MDDT engaged to trained 30 lawyers to provide legal services to over 35 vulnerable personss in the conflict-affected North West and South West regions of Cameroon.
Fostering Human Rights and Justice: MDDT has empowered survivors of GBV by providing legal representation and advocating for their rights. In Buea Central Prison, MDDT assisted over 80 female inmates, including 20 without legal aid, and provided medical services, sanitary kits, and food in partnership with Solidarity Hospital.
Role in South West Region GBV Cluster: MDDT’s Gender Unit collaborates with local stakeholders to reduce GBV in the South West region, offering education, legal support, and resources to promote the rights and welfare of women and girls. This partnership strengthens efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and eliminate GBV.
Key Achievements
Legal Aid Services: MDDT has provided critical legal consultations and representation to marginalized groups, particularly women and girls, in conflict-affected regions like the North West and South West of Cameroon, including training 30 lawyers who provide legal aid services and counselling to survivors of GBV.
Support for Female Inmates: Through the Legal Aid Clinic, MDDT has assisted over 80 female inmates, including 20 without legal representation, offering legal consultations and providing sanitary and medical support in collaboration with Solidarity Hospital Africa Regional Democracy Fund (ARDF).
GBV Advocacy: MDDT's involvement in the South West Region Buea GBV Cluster has helped address GBV issues through education, legal support, and partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
Prospects for the Future
Expansion of Legal Aid: Continued expansion of legal aid services for more vulnerable groups, especially in remote or conflict areas, ensuring more women and girls access justice.
Re-integration Program: Strengthening reintegration programs for female inmates, with a focus on long-term support for mothers and adolescent girls to reintegrate successfully into society.
Enhanced Advocacy for GBV: Broader advocacy campaigns to reduce GBV and empower more women and girls, creating safer communities with the help of regional and international partnerships.
MDDT’s Gender Justice Program is crucial in advancing the rights of women and adolescent girls in Cameroon. By providing legal aid, promoting the rule of law, and addressing the root causes of gender-based violence, MDDT continues to foster an environment where women and girls can thrive. Through partnerships with MINPROFF, CSOs, and other stakeholders, MDDT is making progress toward gender justice, ensuring women and girls live free from discrimination and violence. The organization is committed to eliminating systemic barriers to women’s full participation in society, aiming for lasting change and gender equality for future ...
