Mami Nyanga Champions Digital Safety and Economic Empowerment for Widows and Girls at ONACAM

Senator Françoise Puene, fondly known as Mami Nyanga, has reaffirmed her commitment to uplifting Cameroonian women, particularly widows, as she presided over the closing ceremony of a capacity-building programme for widows of the National Office of War Veterans, Ex-Service Men and War Victims (ONACAM). The event, held as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, brought together government officials, partners, trainers and beneficiaries for a moment of empowerment and reflection.

Representing the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, Jean de Dieu Momo opened the ceremony by applauding the initiative. He underscored the government’s dedication to safeguarding women’s rights and saluted ONACAM Director General, Colonel Fuller Alfred, for his leadership. Momo praised the collaboration between the Ministry, ONACAM and Senator Puene’s foundation, noting that “women are the backbone of the national economy” and must be continuously protected and empowered.

Senator Francoise Puene addressing Participants

In her keynote address, Senator Puene expressed deep gratitude to the government, ONACAM leadership, regional authorities and training experts who made the programme possible. This year’s theme—“Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls”—resonated strongly, she said, as cyber harassment, online intimidation, blackmail and digital exploitation increasingly threaten women’s security.

“Violence has moved into digital spaces,” she warned, stressing the urgency of equipping women with the tools to protect themselves online. Through MANYCAWE and the Puene Françoise Foundation for Liberty, in partnership with IAI-Cameroon, widows received training in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, leadership, succession rights, and the REAMORCE programme aimed at building resilience and agency.

“You are no longer symbols of vulnerability,” Senator Puene told the participants. “You are actors of development—strong, bold, and indispensable to our nation’s progress.” She reminded them that their success depends not only on skills but on solidarity, civic responsibility and social cohesion.

Over the years, the Puene Foundation has trained more than 300,000 women and youth and supported over 4,000 beneficiaries nationwide. Senator Puene reaffirmed her vision of placing women at the centre of economic transformation: “When you train a woman, you train a family, a community, and ultimately a nation.”

ONACAM Director General Colonel Fuller Alfred lauded the Senator for her constant attention toward widows and vulnerable groups, noting that her initiative had reached beneficiaries “where they need support the most.” He thanked her for giving new hope, skills and confidence to women who often face economic and social hardship.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed call for unity, determination and ambition. “The distance between the impossible and the possible is called determination,” Senator Puene reminded the women, urging them to become game-changers in their communities.

As the 16 Days of Activism continue worldwide, the message from Yaoundé is clear: empowering women—online and offline—is not just a campaign; it is a national priority.