ESFA and HOC Empower Single Mothers Through Parenting, Healing and Women’s Rights Workshop in Mile 16, Buea
Buea, Cameroon | 13 August 2026
Ethical and Sustainable Future for All (ESFA), in partnership with Hope of Change (HOC), organized a one-day community workshop for single mothers in Mile 16, Buea, on 13 August 2026. The workshop provided a safe, inclusive and engaging space for single mothers to share experiences, learn from one another, discuss challenges and explore practical approaches to parenting, healing and personal empowerment.
More than a conventional training session, the workshop created an atmosphere of openness, solidarity and mutual encouragement. Participants shared personal experiences, listened to different perspectives, laughed together and reflected on the realities of single parenthood. The discussions reinforced an important message: single mothers are not alone in their journeys, and their experiences, dignity and wellbeing matter.
Strengthening Positive Parenting
The parenting component of the workshop was facilitated by Yong Harriette, President of Hope of Change. Discussions focused on practical issues affecting parents and children, particularly the realities of raising children as a single parent.
Participants examined parenting in general, with emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of parents in raising children and supporting their emotional, social and personal development.
The session also explored raising a child in the 21st century, highlighting the need for parents to adapt to a rapidly changing social and technological environment. Participants discussed the importance of introducing positive values early, leading by example, spending quality time with children, encouraging empathy and compassion, establishing healthy boundaries and correcting children appropriately and constructively.
Another important area of discussion was recognizing signs of poor parenting. Participants reflected on behaviours and parenting patterns that can negatively affect children’s emotional wellbeing, confidence, social relationships and personal development.
Single Parenting and Co-Parenting
The workshop further examined the distinction between single parenting and co-parenting, emphasizing that regardless of family structure, the best interests and wellbeing of the child should remain a central priority.
Participants discussed the realities of single parenting, including financial pressure, limited support networks, social isolation, stigmatization and the lack of adequate time for rest and self-care. These challenges can place significant emotional and practical pressure on single mothers, making community support and access to relevant information particularly important.
The session also introduced practical steps towards healing for single parents, encouraging participants to work towards forgiveness, emotional healing, releasing past burdens and developing healthier approaches to personal wellbeing and family relationships.
Promoting Awareness of Women’s Legal Rights
The workshop also featured an important legal and institutional rights-awareness session facilitated by Berinyuy Cajetan, President of Ethical and Sustainable Future for All (ESFA).
The session examined the national and international legal frameworks protecting women in Cameroon. Participants were introduced to key legal instruments, including the Constitution of Cameroon and the Penal Code, as well as international and regional human rights instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol). The discussion emphasized that women have rights and protections under the law and should be able to seek assistance when those rights are violated.
Participants were also introduced to institutions and community structures that can play a role in responding to violations and abuses, including courts, traditional authorities, religious institutions, civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations.
The session encouraged women to become more aware of their rights, understand available reporting and referral mechanisms, and seek appropriate support when confronted with violence, discrimination, abuse or other forms of rights violations.
Creating Safe Spaces for Women
A major outcome of the workshop was the creation of a supportive environment where participants could speak openly about their experiences without fear of judgment. The discussions demonstrated the importance of community-based spaces where women can access information, build relationships, exchange experiences and develop practical coping strategies.
The partnership between ESFA and HOC reflects a shared commitment to strengthening community resilience and ensuring that vulnerable and underserved groups have access to knowledge, support and opportunities for personal and social development.
Commitment to Sustainable Community Development
ESFA and Hope of Change remain committed to fostering communities where people are seen, heard, encouraged, equipped and connected to opportunities.
The Mile 16 workshop demonstrated that empowering women requires more than providing information. It requires creating spaces where women can build confidence, understand their rights, strengthen their parenting skills, address personal challenges and connect with others who share similar experiences.
Through continued community engagement, rights awareness and capacity building, ESFA and HOC seek to contribute to stronger families, empowered women and more resilient communities in Cameroon.
Hope of Change is fostering community development for sustainable growth, while ESFA continues to advance human rights, empowerment and sustainable development at the community level.
