In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services, the UNFPA and CBC Health Services have embarked on training 8 youth peer educators in the North West and South West (NW/SW) regions of Cameroon. The two-day workshop, held from June 21-22, 2025, in Bafoussam, provided the selected youth with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively raise awareness and encourage their peers to seek essential SRH and GBV services in their communities.
The primary objective of the training was to empower youth peer educators to become proactive advocates for SRH and GBV services, enabling them to sensitively and inclusively promote timely access to care, especially for survivors of Child Marriage (CMR) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). By targeting adolescents and young people, the initiative aims at dismantling barriers to care, reduce stigma, and foster healthier attitudes towards SRH services in the most vulnerable communities.
Bridging the Gap: A Complementary Role to Midwives
This new cohort of peer educators will complement the work of midwives previously deployed by the CBC Health Services in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas of Cameroon. By strategically placing peer educators in popular gathering spots for young people, such as schools, community centers, and local gathering places, the project leverages peer influence and relatability to deliver critical information about SRH and GBV. This approach will fill the gaps where midwives may be limited in terms of accessibility, outreach, and cultural sensitivity.
The youth peer educators were thoroughly trained on various topics, including GBV and child abuse, SRH principles, communication strategies, psychosocial support for persons with disabilities, and data collection techniques. The training also included role-play activities and focused group discussions, where peer educators honed their skills in active listening, assertiveness, and delivering sensitive messages on SRH and GBV issues. This practical approach ensures that the youth peer educators can connect with their peers in a meaningful way, driving behavioral change and making services more accessible.
Advocating for Holistic, Survivors-Centered Care
The peer educators will play a pivotal role in raising awareness about SRH and GBV, helping to address the barriers that prevent young people, especially girls, from accessing services. They will be equipped to guide their peers through the process of seeking care, reinforcing the message that survivors of violence and abuse deserve comprehensive and dignified care. These peer educators are now advocates who can challenge harmful norms, encourage safe practices, and foster a generation of young people who are empowered to protect their health and well-being.
The project’s integration of youth peer educators will also be critical in the context of humanitarian emergencies, where access to SRH services is often hindered by displacement, violence, and the lack of trained healthcare professionals. These youth educators, trained in both SRH and GBV, are well-positioned to engage adolescents and young people in environments where traditional health services may not be immediately available.
Future Impact: Empowering Youth, Transforming Communities
By investing in the training and development of youth peer educators, the project sets the stage for sustainable, community-driven change in the NW and SW regions of Cameroon. The initiative is poised to have long-lasting benefits, not only by improving access to SRH and GBV services but by fostering a culture of care, respect, and responsibility among young people. These youth peer educators will continue to shape attitudes, promote health education, and ensure that their peers have the knowledge and confidence to seek the services they need, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more resilient generation.
In conclusion, the training of youth peer educators is a critical step towards achieving comprehensive SRH and GBV services for women and girls in Cameroon’s conflict-affected hard-to-reach communities. By empowering these young advocates, the project hopes to create a ripple effect that will improve health outcomes, foster inclusion, and break down the barriers to care, ensuring that no one is left behind.
