Context

In Cameroon, girls continue to face significant barriers to education, safety and long-term economic independence. An estimated 70% of girls are illiterate, 8 out of 10 do not complete secondary school and 24% become teenage mothers. These challenges are especially severe in the Northwest region, one of Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, where a prolonged conflict known as the Anglophone Crisis has disrupted daily life for years. The crisis grew out of political and social tensions between English-speaking communities and the largely French-speaking central state, and has led to insecurity, displacement, attacks on schools, school boycotts and the closure of many classrooms.

When girls are out of school or learning in unstable conditions, they face increased risks of violence, exploitation, early pregnancy and permanent educational exclusion. Many also lack safe support systems, positive role models, school materials, financial assistance and accurate reproductive health information. Teenage mothers face additional stigma and economic hardship, often with few opportunities to return to education or gain practical income-generating skills.

By combining mentorship, reproductive health education, academic support, vocational training, microgrants and community engagement, the project will aim to help girls stay safe, remain in school, make informed decisions and build more viable, sustainable futures.