It was a thunderous applause that filled the events hall of the La Falaise Hotel in Yaoundé at nightfall on Friday, 21 February 2025, during the 2024 edition of The Guardian Post Achievement Awards. The atmosphere was electric as dignitaries, journalists, and social change-makers gathered to honour individuals who have contributed to society.
Among the outstanding awardees was Andiensa Clotilda Waah, who was announced as the recipient of the Women Empowerment and Peace Champion Award.
According to Ngah Christian Mbibgo, Publisher/Editor of The Guardian Post, Cameroon’s first English-language daily newspaper publishing seven days a week, initiated this award 21 years ago to recognise and motivate individuals for their dedication to societal development.
The jury, led by Richard Ndeh Lanjong, highlighted Andiensa Clotilda Waah’s commitment to championing girls' education, advocating for menstrual hygiene management sensitisation, and spearheading peace initiatives in the crisis-hit North West Region of Cameroon. Her unmatched efforts in these areas have left an indelible mark on the lives of many young girls and women across the region who otherwise will be losing many school days because of menstruation.
As the CEO of the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD) and the newly elected General Coordinator of the South West/North West Women’s Taskforce (SNWOT), Andiensa has led numerous initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and peace. Her work has empowered young girls to take control of their education and health while enhancing community cohesion in a region plagued by conflict.
Beyond advocacy, Andiensa Clotilda Waah has taken concrete steps to improve the lives of young girls by spearheading the construction and rehabilitation of toilets in schools to ensure they meet menstrual hygiene needs. Through her leadership, thousands of menstrual hygiene kits have been distributed to girls, helping to break the barriers of shame and exclusion associated with menstruation. She has also championed the creation of menstrual hygiene management clubs in schools, providing safe spaces for education and support, as well as peace clubs in communities to promote dialogue and social cohesion in conflict-affected areas.
In her acceptance speech, which she later shared on her Facebook page, Andiensa expressed deep gratitude for the recognition.
She dedicated the award to the resilient young girls and women of the North West and South West regions who, despite numerous challenges, continue to pursue education, equality, and peace.
"I dedicate this award to the resilient young girls and women of NW/SW regions who, against all odds, continue to strive for education, equality, and peace. Through our menstrual hygiene management initiatives, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of empowering girls to take control of their bodies, their education, and their futures."
She emphasised that menstrual hygiene management sensitisation has been a key part of her work, helping to eliminate stigma and exclusion that often hinder girls from accessing quality education. By tackling these barriers, she and her team have 'fostered a culture of dignity and inclusivity, ensuring that more girls stay in school and take charge of their futures.'
Reflecting on the ongoing crisis in the North West Region, Andiensa acknowledged the devastating impact of conflict on communities but also praised the extraordinary resilience and determination of women and girls in peacebuilding efforts.
"In the crisis-hit Northwest Region of Cameroon, I have witnessed the devastating effects of conflict on communities. Yet, I have also seen the extraordinary resilience, courage, and determination of women and girls who are driving peacebuilding efforts and promoting social cohesion. As a peacebuilder, I am committed to supporting these efforts, amplifying the voices of women and girls, and working towards a more peaceful, inclusive, and equitable Cameroon."
She reaffirmed her commitment to amplifying their voices and working towards a peaceful, inclusive, and equitable Cameroon.
"This award is not just a recognition of my own work; it is a tribute to the tireless efforts of my team, partners, and the communities we serve. Together, we will continue to champion the rights and empowerment of women and girls and work towards a brighter future for all Cameroonians."
Andiensa used the moment to express appreciation to her partners, including the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN), the African Women’s Development Fund, the Alliance for Peacebuilding, the Association for the Wellbeing of Women and Indigenous People, Cameroun Peace Convention, Hilltopvoices Communications Group Ltd, SNWOT, UN Women, the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, Fes Kamerun, Comagend Cameroon, Ramatu Abdu, IOM - UN Migration, and the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development. Their support, she noted, has been instrumental in advancing her organisation’s mission and impact.
Beyond this recognition, Andiensa Clotilda Waah was also a Hilltopvoices Community Service Honouree in 2023, further solidifying her reputation as a tireless advocate for women’s rights and social transformation. Her dedication continues to inspire many, and with this latest accolade, she remains even more committed to pushing for a future where young girls and women can thrive without barriers.
By Bakah Derick
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
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