Yaoundé, 15 August 2026

The Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CHRC) on Friday granted audience to the representatives of the civil society organization Global Women Emancipation in Sports (GWES) to explore areas of partnership for the protection of young women and girls in the sports sector.

Representing the Chairperson of the CHRC, Professor James Mouangue Kobila, the Commissioner Prof. Joyce Bayande Mbongo Epse Endeley welcomed the delegation and commended GWES for its commitment to upholding the rights of young women in sports. She noted the importance of civil society engagement in advancing human rights in the country.

Taking the floor, the President of GWES, Dr. Fomum Victorine Agum, presented the newly elected executive members and expressed gratitude to Prof. Kobila for granting the audience. She outlined her organization’s desire to collaborate with the CHRC, particularly on violations affecting children and young girls in sports. Key challenges highlighted included the limited representation of women in sports federations and the lack of sports academies that also support girls’ education and health. The GWES President further proposed the signing of a convention between both institutions and requested periodic technical expertise from the CHRC on human rights matters.

In her response, Prof. Endeley outlined priority areas for collaboration. These include the right to health, equality and non-discrimination, dignity and personal integrity, protection from gender-based violence, women’s participation and leadership, the right to safe and inclusive sport, and economic rights with decent working conditions. She emphasized that the expertise of CHRC Commissioners and senior staff makes the Commission a strategic partner for civil society organizations working on these issues.

At the close of the meeting, Prof. Endeley informed GWES that she would convey their partnership request to the Chairperson. On behalf of the Chairperson, she also presented the delegation with a gift bag containing the CHRC’s 2025 compendium of statements and other key IEC materials of the Commission.