Category: Gender minority

The 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, also known as CHOGM 2022, was the 26th Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The meeting was originally scheduled for 26–27 June 2020 preceded by various fora between 22–25 June, but was postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On 31 January 2022, it was announced that the meeting would be held on 24 and 25 June 2022 and the pre-meeting fora held from 20 to 23 June.This theme highlights how the 54 member countries in the Commonwealth family are ‘innovating, connecting and transforming’ to help achieve some of its biggest goals, like protecting natural resources and boosting trade. It was chosen because Commonwealth countries are connected by deep-rooted networks of friendship and goodwill.

The theme for CHOGM 2022 was ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming.’ which had in attendance delegates from all over the world with The Executive Director of Working for Our Wellbeing Cameroon being part of this prestigious event in Rwanda 🇷🇼.

While there, he did represent the needs of a broder Cameroonian society it terms to its contributions to the CHOGM goals.

The meeting began on the 22 June with CHOGM Breakfast Meeting – Climate Change and the Commonwealth: Accelerating Action atKigali Conference CentreThis event was to showcase the steps that climate-vulnerable member states are taking in response to climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss, and brief CHOGM members and related stakeholders on key priorities. This included joint action among the three Rio Conventions for enhanced climate action through the Living Lands Charter – A Commonwealth Call to Action on Living Lands (CALL) – and highlighting the progress and steps being undertaken through Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH) for enhancing climate action, especially access to global climate finance for member countries.

On the 23rd June, it was Antimicrobial Resistance Event which took place at Four Points Sheraton, KigaliHigh-level event convened by Global Leaders Group on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), chaired by Her Excellency Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados and moderated by Deputy Prime Minister Christopher Fearne of Malta in a panel discussion of leaders on political actions needed to address the global AMR crisis. The Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance did compris of world leaders and experts from across sectors working together to accelerate political action on AMR based on the One Health approach. Its mission is to collaborate globally with governments, agencies, civil society and the private sector to advise on and advocate for political action for the mitigation of drug-resistant infections through responsible and sustainable access to and use of antimicrobials. Action on AMR is essential now as part of the global health, development, climate, and the pandemic response agenda and under the priorities set out for the 2022 CHOGM theme, delivering a common future: connecting, innovating, transforming.

On the 24th was the Commonwealth Fashion Week – at the Collective Rwanda Various venues in KigaliRwanda – Commonwealth Fashion week did showcase local and Commonwealth fashion, accessories and interior designers. A list of of activities were organised throughout the week including a panel on sustainable fashion in the Commonwealth at the Commonwealth Business Forum, a fashion night out, the launch of a common marketplace and digital exhibition, shop tours and visits to artisans. Rwandan and Commonwealth designers had the opportunity to learn from each other, co-create, network and build synergies for future collaboration.

The 25th was dedicated for Executive Sessions ns and Ministerial MeetingsOn: The Intergeneration DialogueThis was a chance for young people to share their declaration and action plan on youth development with Heads of Government followed by a press briefing.

THE AFTERMATH

During and after the conference, counties began taking financial engagements in supporting these goals. Like the UK announcing new support for Commonwealth LGBT rights campaigners published on the official UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-announces-new-support-for-commonwealth-lgbt-rights-campaigners”

The UK is announcing further funding today to support grassroots human rights defenders and advance equality and freedom across the Commonwealth£2.7 million funding will support civil society organisations working to amend discriminatory laws and practicesPM confirms funding for Birmingham Pride House at the upcoming Commonwealth GamesUK has committed £11m to the protection of LGBT rights as Commonwealth chair-in-officeThe UK is announcing further funding today [Friday] to support grassroots human rights defenders and advance equality and freedom across the Commonwealth.

Despite welcome progress in recent years, many LGBT people in Commonwealth countries continue to face discrimination and criminalisation.The £2.7 million package announced by the Prime Minister at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting today will continue work with partners, including The Commonwealth Equality Network and Kaleidoscope Trust, to encourage the reform of outdated laws and policies that fail to protect all individuals from violence and discrimination.The Prime Minister will also confirm funding for the Pride programme at next month’s Commonwealth Games in the UK, with the project being backed by over £40,000 from Government and £50,000 from the Commonwealth Sport Foundation. Delivered by Pride House Birmingham, the programme will include a Pride House presence at the three main athlete village sites for the first time ever at a Commonwealth Games.Since taking over as Chair-In-Office 2018, the UK has invested over £11 million in the promotion and protection of LGBT rights across the Commonwealth.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:The Commonwealth is a voluntary grouping of independent and equal nations, but as a collective it has long been a powerful force for good. The values that our members hold dear, from human rights to equality, should apply to everyone in society.I am immensely proud of the UK’s record on LGBT rights – the freedom to love who you want is a core British value and a vital component of any democracy. I hope world will see these values in action at next month’s Commonwealth Games.The majority of the new funding (£2.5m) announced today will go to civil society organisations and human rights defenders working to amend and repeal discriminatory laws and policies, and to safeguard progress in equalities.A further funding allocation will support a secure data storage system for LGBT refugees from Afghanistan, and fund the UK’s continued work alongside the global Equal Rights Coalition as co-chairs.The UK plays a leading role in promoting LGBT rights around the world. Last year, the Prime Minister appointed Nick Herbert (The Rt Hon The Lord Herbert of South Downs CBE PC) as the UK’s Special Envoy on LGBT rights, bringing together the Government’s domestic work and global leadership on the issue.

“When LOVE overcomes homophobia” Drums roll 🥁 let’s roll out the red carpet 🌈.. If someone asked you what the best weapon against homophobia is what would you say?Working For Our Wellbeing invites you to their PRIDW Celebration evening to discover together how much better life can be when Love, tolerance and inclusiveness overcomes homophobia.On the program is, a dress-up session, a projection around the theme, a debate that promises to be rich in discoveries and experiences, and of course a fun moment of karaoke.Not forgetting Refreshments 🤭The address remains the same: Bonamoussadi SABLE beside LE COLLEGE CEFTI. The time is 3PM, Thursday 30 June 2022.NB: don’t come alone, take along a friend to discover this amazing one time celebration in Colour.

We had a working visit from Olijnyk Stéphane à film writter/maker of French nationality.

Stephan has realized a handful of projects and is particularly Intrested in the African setting and what it’s rich and diverse nature can offer in terms of Content. His films range from @CHANGE-COULEUR, @PETIT OURS and @CHASSE À L’HOMME all realized in different countries within Africa.He has dedicated his time to passionately work to the service of sexual and Gender minorities, while bringing to light the plight of these persons.While with us, he was particularly Intrested in visiting our shelter house to acess the situation for himself and get to exchange with our residents on a few important subjects.

WHAT ARE SOME OF HIS Arts?

Stéphane has worked on a good number of projects such as CHANGÉ COULEUR.

URSINHO is about

Teddy, an introverted mulatto in his thirties living with his disabled father in a favela, drags his overweight like a burden. He likes to wander around Point 202, a gay sauna in Rio where cab boys are reserved exclusively for the rich. While cleaning the apartment of an old man in Copacabana, he discovers a beautiful ephebe asleep. The vision of this alabaster body does not leave him any more.

Talks about A young man has just been trapped by Gavras, one of the GIGN hunters who are in pursuit. A long walk through the forest begins, marked by verbal and physical jousts, where each tries to get the upper hand on the other.

You should probably be wondering about the situation of Sexual Gender Minorities in Cameroon, ain’t you? Our organisation Working For Our Wellbeing is hosting a round table talk this Friday, June 10, 2022 to answer this question. We will be discussing from rejection, incarceration and even violence. One day: Friday 10 June 2022 One place, one time: College CEFTI Sable 3pm. One theme: the situation of SGMs in Cameroon So, don’t miss the appointment and come together so that we can share. Don’t come alone. There will be enough for everyone🤗

We will be more than happy to have you all with us on Friday.

The Month of MAY Just like any other month was filled with lots of activities both outdoor and in-office. Though friendly, the month has come to an end, and we will like to carry you to the past. You remember the 17th of May dont you ? 🤓

Yes it is celebrated internationally as the day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. On this special day LGBTIQ+ members, organizations and alliés come together to celebrate and support one another. Even though de criminalized in Cameroon 🇨🇲 we were not left behind knowing fully well the growing need of community members. We did the following activities but first have a look at our beautiful design.

Isn’t it beautiful? 🤓 Definitely we know it is and as a growin organization we have been putting in our best to reach out to Community members in anyway possible. Okay back to our IDAHOT 2022 celebration 🎉.

This year, Working For Our Wellbeing organized activities on this anniversary to contribute to the fight against homophobia and transphobia through awareness and education on human rights in general and the rights of SGM people in particular in the context of COVID 19.These activities provided information on the situation of homophobia in Cameroon in particular and in the world in general and to promote a responsible citizen behavior that will encourage more respect from those who have homophobic and stigmatizing behavior, The World Day against Homophobia was an opportunity to awaken public opinion and to focus attention on the reality of homophobia in this period of COVID 19 in order to create and encourage changes in behavior, which was an opportunity for us to raise awareness of barrier measures through the strict respect of waring face mask and insisting on the importance of the vaccine.This year, the theme of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia is “Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights”.

Our IIDAHOT 2022 was more different, we decided to use the opportunity to educate on Covid19 too isn’t that good 👏

The activity began today at 5:00 p.m. In a private and secure space that allowed more than thirty (30) people of both sexes to gather. Before entering the room, it was imperative for all participants to practice the first barrier measure of COVID 19, that of washing their hands with clean water and soap. Afterwards, it was also necessary to disinfect the hands with hydroalcoholic gel and to wear a mask in order to be registered and have access to the room.The debate started with the presentation of the report of the Unity Platform of the cases of violence and violations recorded during the year 2021, that is to say four thousand one hundred and sixteen (4116) cases recorded on 150 members of sexual and gender minorities in Cameroon, it was a question of sensitizing the community on the security measures in front of all these violences and to reinforce their knowledge on their Rights as Human beings.

Amongst other things, participants were sensitized on the importance of the covid vaccine, it’s importance and where to find it. Finally, the moderator mentioned some places where the tests and vaccine of corona virus are free.

Was that too long? 🤓 Now let’s make a summery of how the month of May looked like. Do you know Mental health is an underlook necessity or question in Cameroon and a lot of community members commit suicide because of depression and homophobia? Yes as an organization we decided to look in to that domain. On May 10th, we had a perfection meeting between Civil society Actors on Health with Representatives from ALCONDOMs Cameroun and ELLE Camerou.

Hurray do you also know that we got a collaboration? 🤓, oh yes with the African Caribbean Pacific Diaspora Youth Support Service an organization based in Europe. On the 18 we did receive their representative in Cameroon 🇨🇲 and by June we should be signing our collaboration deal 🤝 isn’t that good news for the Community?

Basically May was a formidable Month. We also published the Annual report on GBVs in Cameroon which stands at 4116 cases in 2022. Visit our page for more updates.

See you as we cross over to June.

Job Overview

In line with the work we do, we are currently seeking the services of a psychologist. Working for Our Wellbeing Cameroon is a leading organization for Sexual and Gender Minorities in Cameroon. We are looking to hire a psychologist to join our growing team. If you’re dedicated and ambitious, WFW is an excellent place to grow your career. Don’t hesitate to apply.

Responsibilities for Psychologist

• Perform psychological assessments, testing, and evaluation
• Be able to build trust and a safe environment
• Develop and recommend treatment plans based on beneficiaries’ needs and diagnosis
• Provide referrals when necessary for additional care, evaluation, or treatment
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and other professionals to provide the best care possible
• Most be willing to work with all kinds of Persons without Bias
• Complete all necessary counseling documentation in an accurate and timely manner
• Ensure all services are completed according to relevant ethical and professional standards of care

Qualifications for Psychologist

• Most have an Unbeatable Mastery of the LGBTIQ+ Community
• Ability to pass a thorough background check
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations
• Strong working knowledge of diagnostic techniques and a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong familiarity with assessment techniques
• Demonstrated ability to operate within ethical and professional standards of care
• Having additional experience will be of ADVANTAGE.
• NB: PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO WOMEN

Requirements

• CV
• Motivational Letter
• Photocopy of Certificates
• Photocopy of National Identity Card
• Other relevant documents like for those who have worked as a psychologist before or possess any skills

WHERE TO DEPOSIT YOUR DOCUMENTS

You can deposit your documents at our Office Situated at SABLE beside LE COLLEGE CEFTI

OR send scanned copies to the following email: info@ourwellbeingcameroon.org

For more information, contact our communication offer directly on WhatsApp by clicking HERE

Deadline: 11th of JUNE 2022

The month of june is soon approaching, set aside as our pride month. We can’t celebrate #Pride without educating ourselves about the LGBTIQ+ fight for equality, and how this is still a farfetched reality in most countries like Cameroon. Many of the people we support were tortured because of their sexuality. Identifying as LGBTIQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (or: queer), intersex) is punishable by death in nine countries and Criminalised in 70. 32 States have laws restricting freedom of expression on sexual orientation and gender identity issues. Same-sex marriage is only legal in 27 countries

In Cameroon, 4116 cases of violence were recorded in 2021. perpetrated on sexual and gender minorities (SGM). Specifically, on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people (LGBTIQ). Of these numbers, 2936 are the psychological ones, or 71%. Insults, defamation, hate speech, discrimination, etc. are some of them, as noted in the Annual National Report 2021 on Violence and Violations against Sexual and Gender Minorities in the country, released on May 13 by the PLATFORM UNITY P.U

Most of this cases did consist in a broader base, psychological violence which is the principal cause of many mental illnesses that can lead to depression, post-traumatic stress, insomnia, permanent anxiety or suicide attempts. “We have had several cases of suicide in the past. Especially transgender people who lived in isolation and when they expressed their gender, they were violated, molested and the only solution for them was to commit suicide by leaving letters”, explains Michele Engama, President of the Unity platform.

For the 34 civil society organizations that worked on the production and publication of the report, there is reason to be concerned. “Every being has the right to live in peace, joy and psychological fulfillment. When someone is already psychologically affected, as doctors usually say, even if you take medication you will not be cured”, says the President of the Unity platform.

However, the concern also comes from the fact that these numbers are crescendoing. Indeed, “Organizations in their annual reports already presented 500 cases of violence in Cameroon in 2018. There has been some evolution because from 578 cases, we went to 1380 cases of Violence. Then we found ourselves at 2034. Today we are at more than 4,000 cases of violence against sexual and gender minorities in Cameroon,” explains Jean Jacques Dissoke, a member of the report’s drafting committee.

Repercussions

But that’s not all. In Cameroon, these various violations have had significant repercussions in terms of health, particularly in the fight against HIV. Indeed, “the discrimination and stigmatization experienced in health care settings is a factor that tends to drive SGM away from health care settings,” lament these CSOs specialized in human rights. This state of affairs is also a hindrance to the achievement of the 95/95/95 objectives relating to screening, treatment and suppression of the viral load in key populations.

With this in mind today, “We would like to address certain people to take certain measures. They can be legislative, judicial, programmatic at the level of certain ministries,” recommends Eva Mayer Etongue, a human rights expert. Moreover, in this 31-page report entitled “The Cry of a Community. From misinformation to drama”, recommendations were made to several institutions. Notably the Parliament, some ministries such as Justice, Defense, the Ministry of Health, development partners who support the movement. “What we expect in a concrete way is that the report is disseminated and that the various recommendations are given special attention in relation to all the actors involved.

Attached below is the Annual Report in the French Language. the English version will be out soon.

Today, The ED Received a Representative from the African Caribbean Pacific Diaspora Youth Support Service to discuss on a possible collaboration between both organizations who work similarly in empowering Youths, fighting against inequalities, carrying out community developmental projects, protecting minorities and vulnerable persons and fighting for the rights of the girl child.

While working for Our Wellbeing Cameroon has as its principal mission to Uphold equality rights and access to health care for sexual and Gender minorities in Cameroon, empower and Judicial assistance for those community members unjustly incasertated,
The mission of ACP DYSS is to be the conduit and development catalyst of ACP youth in Europe, UK and ACP countries. ACP DYSS is intent on building an ACP diaspora youth community who are professional experts, effectively working together with ACP Grassroot youth organizations towards achieving Collective self-realization of Africans and sustainable development.

It also has as mission, to engage the ACP diaspora youth and Grassroots in the development of ACP countries through re-education and working together to restore and showcase the Pan African dignity and ensure collective self-dependency.

With this amazing bled, a collaboration will be of great importance to facilitate and complement the work being done.

Issues of same-sex relationships, gay and lesbian rights are the subject of public and political controversy in many Cameroon. Frequently, these controversies receive widespread attention both locally and globally, such as with the Anti-Homosexuality law(347-1) which provides severe punishment for anyone having sexual relations with a person of the same sex with imprisonment for from 6months to 5 years with a fine of from 20000frs –  200000frs. These cases tend to be presented as revealing a deeply-rooted homophobia in Cameroon fuelled by politicians and cultural traditions. But so far little energy is expended in understanding these controversies in all their complexity and the critical role politics plays in all this. 

           What is their History 

Over the past decades, Most politicians in Cameroon and around Africa have understood the existence of Homophobia in Cameroon and have been using It to their advantage. Knowing very well that most people say Homosexuality is antiafrican, most politicians have used this to their advantage to gain political popularity and go as far as winning elections. This is so because during their campaigns, they promise the masses that they will fight all western ideologies being imposed on them especially the subject or question of LGBTIQ persons. 

The fact that Cameroon’s society is characterised by a strongly homophobic climate is unhelpful. Homosexuality is not only condemned by the media, but also strongly opposed by religious figures. Police officers and civilians are instigated to oppress the LGBTIQ community on the misconception that, as homosexuals are not recognised, they do not hold legal rights. This represents a clear breach of Article 2 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, which states that the principle of non-discrimination provides the foundation for the enjoyment of all human rights.

         The plight of LGBTIQ+ persons 

Minorities are subjected to harassment, intimidation and even death by homophobic fanatics and conservative leaders as they try to impose their own interpretation of religious scriptures and punish those who do not agree with their interpretation of religious precepts and follow their rulings. Application of such measures has impacted the safety and security of the gender-minority community, as its members are forced to hide their identities, and cannot speak about their sexual orientation. Government agencies and civil society organizations do not advocate for the rights of this community, and deliberately avoid any discussion about them, fearing a backlash from forces of law and order who are ever ready to crackdown on any person who is pro LGBTIQ. A lack of public education and social awareness programs about the gender-minority community has contributed to the perpetuation of discrimination, hatred and bigotry toward them − a community that is part and parcel of the social fabric of modern Cameroon.

          When Politicians are Involved 

Over the past years, a handful of  politicians have been accused of Homosexuality but these cases never saw day light as men in powerful places and connections freely walk away even after committing crimes that will send an ordinary man in prison, but the strong and rich however, walk free. 

In the year 2006, Cameroon was rocked by an anti-gay crusade in newspapers that had accused more than 50 prominent figures of homosexuality. 

The lists was however attacked by the then communications minister, Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo, one of those named.

He threatened legal action and warned that the newspapers risked breaking up families. “Whether heterosexual or homosexual, sexual intercourse takes place in an intimate environment between two persons,” he said.

President Paul Biya stated at a news conference in Paris in January 2013 that “minds are changing” with regard to homosexuality in Cameroon, but he made no commitment to take concrete steps to decriminalize homosexual conduct.

     What Message should we focus on?

A prominent LGBTIQ activist once said that those who are in prison today with charges of Homosexuality are the poor, as the rich pay their way out of crime while those who can’t afford money fill up prison cells, paying for crime committed by the rich. Politicizing Homosexuality and playing on the minds of the gullible has been a successful tool in which politicians who understand the political landscape in Cameroon have been using to gain political sympathy and popularity as they believe it is godly to fight homosexuals and ungodly to promote it thus making the question of decriminalization a farfetched reality.

           What should we then Do? 

Civil society organizations, activists and allies have been working tirelessly to educating the public about gay rights and trying to push forth the fundamental question of Human dignity and equality. Even though this efforst are appreciated, they however remain small as more ground work needs to be done on a daily bases and by seeking ways to making this question a national debate and pushing forward with the decriminalization process. More still needs to be done. 

You should be based in the Littoral or South West Region of Cameroon. The job description consists of:
Gathering, Collecting, Monitoring and Documenting Gender based violence cases in these respective regions.

The observer is charged with the responsibility of reporting directly to the organization’s headquarters.

This position is opened for passionate and open minded persons who are willing to work with us. NB: PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO WOMEN

Intrested persons should send the following documents.

• Curriculum vitæ/CV
• Motivational Letter
• Localisation Plan
• Scanned copy of Valid National Identity card.

To the following address: info@ourwellbeingcameroon.org

                       OR

Deposit these documents at our office situated at SABLE beside COLLEGE CEFTI

You can contact the number below for Directives.
680120429