SNWOT Gets New Driver: Clotilda Andiensa Waah Elected Southwest/Northwest Women General Coordinator

SNWOT Gets New Driver: Clotilda Andiensa Waah Elected Southwest/Northwest Women General Coordinator

Colbert Gwain  @The Colbert Factor 

Growing up in Muteff village, Fundong Subdivision, in the then Menchum Division of the North West Province of Cameroon in the 1980s, I knew a "grandfrere" named Asang. As a public transport driver, he had branded his vehicle AsangsCo, a portmanteau of Asang and Company. In the village, everyone assumed he was the vehicle's proprietor until the real owner took it back, and we saw Asang working for a different patron.

Similarly, since 2017, each time I crossed paths with Clotilda Andiensa Waah, the vision bearer of the Cameroon NGO for Gender Empowerment and Development (CAGEAD), she would enthusiastically share with me the work of a newly created outfit. This organization brings together women leaders from the South West and North West Regions of Cameroon to contribute to finding lasting solutions to the raging conflict, which disproportionately affects women and girls. Like in the case of Asang, and since Clotilda would talk about SNWOT with consuming energy and verve, I had assumed she was the leader.

However, it wasn't until last Friday, January 31, 2025, when our paths crossed again after a long time, that I discovered the truth. Clotilda immediately shared with me that she was online, monitoring a development. A few minutes later, she rushed back to me with the exciting news: "I have just been elected General Coordinator of the South West/North West Women's Task Force." To my surprise, I realized then that she wasn't the leader of the organization she had spoken about with such passion and dedication.

The election of Clotilda Andiensa Waah as the leader of the South West/North West Women Task Force marks a significant milestone for women's leadership in Cameroon's Southwest and Northwest regions. With SNWOT celebrating eight years of existence, Clotilda brings 17 years of experience in women's rights advocacy to her new role, demonstrating her wealth of knowledge and expertise.

This achievement is a testament to her unwavering dedication to empowering women in a region known for its vibrant women's activism and leadership. As a renowned advocate for women's rights, Clotilda has consistently shown her commitment to promoting gender equality and peacebuilding, making her an ideal fit for this leadership position.

Her election is a notable accomplishment, recognizing her tireless efforts to amplify the voices of women and advocate for their rights. As Clotilda embarks on this new chapter, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the region and inspire future generations of women leaders.

Clotilda Andiensa Waah's acceptance speech as the newly elected General Coordinator of the South West North West Women Task Force (SNWOT) was a powerful call to action, emphasizing the crucial role women play in promoting peace and reconciliation. "As women, we have a unique role to play in promoting peace and reconciliation. We are the backbone of our communities, the caregivers, the peacemakers, and the bridge-builders," she said.

Waah acknowledged the devastating impact of the conflict on communities, families, and children, and pledged to work tirelessly to contribute to a vision of a region void of unbearable human suffering. She emphasized the importance of empowering women and girls to actively participate in decision-making, reconciliation, and healing.

In her speech, Waah also highlighted the need for reconciliation, acknowledging the hurt, pain, and divisions that arose during the recent campaign. "We must confront the wounds of the past and work together to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all," she urged.

As General Coordinator, Waah committed to working closely with members, partners, and stakeholders to develop effective strategies for peacebuilding and conflict resolution. She also vowed to amplify the voices and concerns of women and girls affected by the conflict and advocate for inclusive approaches to peace negotiations.

Waah's speech concluded with a message of unity and hope. "Together, we can heal, reconcile, and build a brighter future for SNWOT. Let us embark on this journey with compassion, humility, and a commitment to unity."

Here is the rewritten text with corrections for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity:

However, given that a leadership position is not just a race to be won, but more importantly, a job to be done, Clotilda Andiensa's two-year mandate will be judged against the manifesto she skillfully crafted. The manifesto is summarized below:

Vision for SNWOT

"I have a dream that one day, SNWOT will own community centers for women and sustainable peacebuilding in the Northwest and Southwest Regions. What a legacy! Let's imagine it together."

Leadership Experience

"Having served under the leadership of Dr. Sally Boumien and Madame Serah Derval, I gained valuable experience and skills that I bring to the table."

Key Priorities

"As your General Coordinator, I pledge to:

- Develop a strategic plan aligned with our vision, mission, and objectives

- Ensure transparent and accountable financial management

- Establish a permanent resource mobilization committee

- Develop strong internal communication strategies

- Build capacities of members for better functioning in the coalition"

Conclusion

"Let's march forward together as one SNWOT family towards a future of sustainable peace."

These excerpts showcase Clotilda's vision, leadership experience, and key priorities for SNWOT, as well as her call to action and preparedness to hit the road running.