Traditional rulers and Fons from across the North West Region convened at the Big Mankon Cathedral Hall on 5 June 2026 for a dedicated breakout session during the second day of the North West Women Mediators Summit organised by Mother of Hope Cameroon.
The discussion focused on advancing women’s participation in decision-making structures and peacebuilding processes within traditional institutions, while also examining the challenges that continue to hinder women’s meaningful inclusion in community governance.
The session brought together traditional authorities to reflect on the evolving role of women in governance and conflict resolution. Traditional leaders acknowledged that considerable progress has been made in recent years compared to the past.
They noted that women now serve as representatives in several village councils, marking a significant departure from long-standing practices of exclusion.
In some communities, dedicated women’s councils have been established to ensure women’s perspectives are heard in local affairs, with these councils reporting directly to the main village council. Traditional authorities also pointed to the growing acceptance of women mediators, who have earned community trust through their work in preventing conflict, mediating disputes, and promoting social cohesion.
Their contributions were recognized as instrumental in strengthening peaceful coexistence in communities affected by tension and division.
While recognizing these gains, the traditional rulers were equally candid about the barriers that continue to limit women’s full participation.
Deeply rooted cultural norms that associate leadership with men, persistent stereotypes regarding women’s leadership capabilities, and the absence of formal mechanisms guaranteeing representation in some institutions were identified as key challenges.
The leaders also noted that, even where women are present, their influence on decision-making is not always equal.
A growing concern raised during the discussions was the gradual disappearance of some female traditional institutions and structures that historically provided women with a platform to participate in community governance, social regulation, conflict resolution, and cultural preservation.
Participants observed that modernization, changing social dynamics, and the weakening of traditional systems have contributed to the decline of these important structures.
Traditional authorities expressed concern that the loss of such institutions could further reduce women’s visibility and influence within traditional governance systems if deliberate efforts are not made to preserve and strengthen them.
Reflecting on the importance of inclusion, one traditional ruler remarked:
“When women are included in decision-making, communities become stronger, conflicts are resolved more peacefully, and development becomes more sustainable. As traditional leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that women’s voices are heard and respected in the structures that shape our communities.”
Despite the challenges identified, the session produced a notable outcome in the openness expressed by many traditional leaders to support broader inclusion.
They voiced support for increasing women’s representation, strengthening collaboration between male and female leaders, and investing in initiatives that build women’s leadership capacities.
Community sensitization was also highlighted as essential to changing perceptions and attitudes, alongside exploring reforms that can make traditional institutions more inclusive.
The leaders further recommended that mediation and peacebuilding training be extended to men, emphasizing that peacebuilding is a shared responsibility.
The central message emerging from the discussion was that women’s participation strengthens traditional governance, peacebuilding, and community development.
The traditional authorities agreed that inclusion must go beyond merely meeting quotas and that women should have meaningful influence in decisions that shape community welfare.
They stressed that women mediators should be formally recognized and integrated into local governance structures and that traditional institutions themselves have a critical role to play in addressing harmful gender norms and promoting leadership that reflects the interests of the entire community.
The session concluded with a broad consensus that, although cultural and structural obstacles remain, women’s inclusion benefits everyone.
Traditional leaders affirmed that greater participation by women contributes to peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
They also emphasized the need to preserve and revitalize positive female traditional institutions that have historically strengthened community cohesion and provided avenues for women’s leadership.
The insights and recommendations emerging from the Traditional Leaders Breakout Session will help shape and strengthen the advocacy agenda of the North West Women Mediators Summit, advancing efforts to deepen women’s participation in governance and peacebuilding processes across the North West Region.
The discussions underscored a shared commitment among traditional authorities to foster more inclusive communities where women and men work together as equal partners in promoting peace, justice, and sustainable development.
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