On April 27, 2023, the U.S. Embassy representative, Madeline Branch, participated in a capacity building workshop organized by CYJULERC, Cameroon Young Jurists Legal Resource Center. The workshop brought together judges, prosecutors, health workers, judicial police officers, and civil society organizations from the Centre and Littoral Regions of Cameroon to discuss access to reproductive healthcare and rights, access to justice, and the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among conflict-affected women and girls.
The workshop was a success, and the Embassy officials were impressed with the work that CYJULERC is doing. As a result, they decided to visit the CYJULERC branch office in Yaounde on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
During the visit, the Embassy officials met with CYJULERC staff and learned more about the organizationโs work. They were particularly interested in CYJULERCโs success in the criminalisation of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Cameroon. FGM is a harmful practice that can have serious health consequences for women and girls, and its criminalisation is a major step forward in the fight against SGBV.
The Embassy officials were also impressed with CYJULERCโs ongoing Reproductive Health Rights and Access to Justice for Vulnerable Women and Girls Project. This project provides legal aid, counseling, and other services to women and girls who have been affected by SGBV.
The U.S. Embassy officialsโ visit to CYJULERC was a significant event that demonstrates the commitment of the United States to supporting the fight against SGBV in Cameroon. The Embassy officials were impressed with the work that CYJULERC is doing, and they are committed to continuing their partnership in the future.
The U.S. Embassy officialsโ visit to CYJULERC is a sign of hope for the future of women and girls in Cameroon. The Embassyโs commitment to supporting CYJULERCโs work is a testament to the United Statesโ commitment to ending SGBV and promoting gender equality in Cameroon.