Champion for Women's Empowerment and Community Development: Inspiring Journey of Madam Beatrice Arimoh Sama Epse Fonkem's

Madam Beatrice Arimoh Sama Epse Fonkem is the Cameroon National Coordinator of WAELE AFRICA Foundation. She’s a beacon of dedication and passion, who has made profound contributions as a civil servant, educator, and advocate for community development. Armed with a Master's Degree in Anthropology, specializing in Development, she embodies a steadfast commitment to understanding and advancing societal progress. With a remarkable teaching tenure of 23 years and additional 14 years as a bursar, Beatrice's impact on education and financial management has left an indelible mark on the institutions she has served.

Beyond her professional roles, Beatrice Arimoh Sama Epse Fonkem has emerged as a relentless advocate for women's empowerment and a skilled humanitarian professional. Over three decades, she has spearheaded community engagement initiatives, nurtured leadership development, and facilitated conflict resolution, showcasing unwavering dedication to uplifting others and instigating positive change. Her extensive experience and resolute commitment to humanitarian efforts have solidified her status as a revered and influential figure in her field, inspiring and empowering those around her.

In June 2024, Beatrice Arimoh Sama Epse Fonkem was bestowed with the esteemed Global Impactful Women Award, a testament to her extraordinary contributions to women's empowerment and society at large. This prestigious accolade highlights her outstanding achievements, steadfast commitment to driving positive change, and pivotal role in advancing the well-being and empowerment of women. Beatrice's illustrious career and unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes continue to shine brightly, leaving a profound legacy of empowerment and fostering hope for a brighter tomorrow.

》 What inspired you to get involved with the WAELE AFRICA Foundation, and what motivated you to assume a leadership role within the organization?

Madam Beatrice Arimoh> I was deeply moved by the mission and vision of WAELE in empowering African women. Given my strong passion for humanity, particularly for our beloved Africa and its women, I felt compelled to join the cause. When the opportunity arose for me to become the country coordinator in 2018 while I was volunteering with the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, I eagerly accepted the challenge. Since then, I have proudly held this position, fully committed to advancing the Foundation's goals and making a positive impact in our community.

》Could you please share with us your responsibilities as the Coordinator of WAELE AFRICA Foundation activities in Cameroon?

Madam Beatrice Arimoh> I was appointed as the Cameroon Country Coordinator for the Women's Advancement for Economic and Leadership Empowerment in Africa (WAELE/ARCELFA) in March 2018, and I have been serving in this role since then. As the Coordinator, I am tasked with overseeing the implementation of national programs aimed at empowering women economically, fostering strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, conducting leadership training and capacity-building initiatives, offering counseling services, and engaging in humanitarian efforts. These efforts include supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), widows, orphanages, and prisons with the aim of making a positive impact in our community.

》Can you describe some of the initiatives and projects you have undertaken during your leadership at WAELE Cameroon?

Madam Beatrice Arimoh> As Coordinator of WAELE Cameroon, we have implemented various impactful projects to support communities in need. One notable initiative was the distribution of essential food items to 30 internally displaced families in Bafoussam, the capital of the West Region in Cameroon. Additionally, we have successfully executed numerous community projects across different regions of Cameroon to address various social, economic, and humanitarian challenges. These initiatives align with our mission to uplift and empower individuals and families facing adversity in our society.

》What are some of the challenges you have faced in implementing these programs and how have you overcome them?

Madam Beatrice Arimoh> The challenges are numerous, but some key issues include:

1. Lack of a physical office in Cameroon: WAELE does not have a physical office in Cameroon, requiring the use of partner offices like IHRC for program activities.

2. Financial difficulties: Limited finances have hindered the execution of various planned activities, such as the widows program in Cameroon. Despite this, efforts are made to provide assistance through the provision of food items, medication for the elderly, and counseling sessions on local customs.

3. Lack of personnel and volunteers: Due to inadequate resources and motivation, there is a shortage of personnel and volunteers. However, collaboration continues with the dedicated few who volunteer their time and efforts.

》How do you ensure that WAELE AFRICA Foundation's initiatives are aligned with the needs of the local community?

Madam Beatrice Arimoh> In our efforts to make a tangible impact on the community, we actively collaborate with a diverse range of community stakeholders. By establishing partnerships with local chiefs, respected elites, influential women, and dynamic youth leaders, we create a network that reflects the community's intricate social fabric. For example, during a recent initiative on the 3rd of March 2024, we distributed high-quality planting seeds to the resilient women of Ngyen-Mbo village. This distribution took place at the esteemed palace of Fon Damgo II, a symbolic location representing tradition and authority in Momo Division within the North West region of Cameroon.

By engaging with key figures in the community during such distributions and events, we not only ensure the meaningful participation of different segments of society but also foster a sense of ownership and empowerment among the recipients. Collaborating with local leaders and influencers helps us integrate our initiatives into the existing social structures and traditions, making our interventions more sustainable and impactful. This multi-stakeholder approach not only amplifies the reach and efficacy of our programs but also strengthens the bonds between the organization and the community, ultimately contributing to long-term development and positive change.

》What are your future goals and vision for WAELE AFRICA Foundation in Cameroon, and how do you plan to continue making a positive impact in the community?

Madam Beatrice Arimoh> My future goals include expanding the vision and mission of WAELE in Cameroon significantly. To address the crisis in the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon, we aim to establish innovative centers for workshops and counseling sessions for the stressed communities and internally displaced persons. Additionally, in the Northern part of Cameroon affected by Boko Haram and natural disasters, where access to clean water and medical facilities is lacking, we plan to collaborate with organizations in that region to implement projects such as borehole construction and the establishment of medical centers.

》How do you measure the success and impact of WAELE AFRICA Foundation's programs and services in Cameroon?

Madam Beatrice Arimoh> WAELE is very active in Cameroon because its activities:

- In orphanages, prisons, and the thirty families that received food items in the West Region from WAELE headquarter have been felt.

- Also, the opening of the WAELE Bank Account has been successful.

- The assistance of planting seeds given to the women of Nygen-Mbo village.

- Counseling of students in Lycée Technique Bafoussam on the effects and harm of hard drugs.

- Successful training of IDP women and girls in the production of soaps, detergents, body creams, and planting of Mushrooms.

- Training in personality and career development.

WAELE AFRICA Foundation Cameroon is willing to do more and will continue to work towards a better society for women in our communities.

Thank you.

WAELE AFRICA Foundation