Waah Clotilda Andiensa has been elected as the new General Coordinator of the South West/North West Women’s Taskforce (SNWOT), taking over from Sarah Derval Ephosi Lifanda, the Chief Executive Officer of Hope of Africa (HOFA). Her election on Friday, 31 January 2025, marks a new chapter for the organisation, as she brings years of experience in peacebuilding, advocacy, and gender equality to the forefront.
A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and conflict resolution, Waah Clotilda has been a key figure in SNWOT since 2017, when the ongoing armed conflict erupted in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon. As the former North West Regional Coordinator, she played a crucial role in leading peacebuilding initiatives, notably spearheading the development of the SNWOT Peacebuilding Manual, a vital resource aimed at improving reconciliation and sustainable peace.
With a two-year mandate, she has committed to strengthening SNWOT’s impact by promoting strategic leadership, accountability, and transparency. She has also emphasised the need for improved funding, effective communication, and resource mobilisation to sustain the organisation’s mission. Her immediate priorities include ensuring the widespread distribution of the Peacebuilding Manual to areas in need and promoting regular engagement among stakeholders to enhance SNWOT’s influence in peace processes.
In her acceptance speech, Waah Clotilda reaffirmed the crucial role of women in peacebuilding, stressing that their participation is vital to achieving lasting reconciliation and stability in the conflict-affected regions. She vowed to work closely with members, partners, and stakeholders to amplify the concerns of women and girls affected by the crisis, advocating for their inclusion in peace negotiations and conflict resolution efforts. She also pledged to support initiatives that promote economic empowerment, social cohesion, and community resilience, recognising these as essential pillars for rebuilding affected communities.
Beyond her role in SNWOT, Waah Clotilda is widely recognised for her leadership as the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD). Her work in advancing gender equality and peacebuilding has left a lasting impact across the North West Region, where she has implemented groundbreaking initiatives aimed at empowering women and youth. With over 20 years of teaching experience and more than 16 years in programme development, she has been instrumental in addressing school-related gender-based violence, promoting adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and enhancing human rights education.
Her dedication to community service and advocacy has earned her multiple accolades, including the prestigious Hilltopvoices Community Service Honour in 2023. One of her most notable contributions has been the establishment of peace clubs and peace ambassador programmes under the "She Builds Peace" project. Through CAGEAD, she has trained and supported women peacebuilders through The She Builds Peace Campaign, equipping them with skills on UNSCR 1325 and the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. Her efforts have led to the creation of 30 community peace clubs across the North West Region. These initiatives have reached over 2,500 people, sensitising communities on the importance of women's participation in peacebuilding.
Waah Clotilda has also been a champion for menstrual hygiene management and reproductive health education. Through CAGEAD, she has facilitated the distribution of dignity kits, containing pads, soap, detergents, and reusable sanitary products; to young women, ensuring they can manage their menstrual health with dignity. Her organisation has further constructed menstruation-friendly toilets in schools, creating safe spaces for girls and enabling them to pursue their education without barriers.
Her work in addressing gender-based violence has been equally impactful, as she continues to advocate for awareness, support services, and justice for survivors. Her tireless commitment to advancing gender equality and peacebuilding has solidified her reputation as one of the most influential voices in the North West Region, inspiring a new generation of women leaders.
As she assumes leadership of SNWOT, Waah Clotilda Andiensa is determined to chart a course that will make a tangible difference in the lives of women and girls across the South West and North West regions. Her vision is to help build communities “void of unbearable human suffering,” where women and girls actively participate in decision-making, reconciliation, and healing. Her election signals renewed hope for SNWOT’s mission and the broader movement for peace and gender justice in Cameroon.