Our Vision
The vision of SUSTAIN Cameroon is to create a community where all children, especially girls, are able to live without the threat of early and forced marriages. We aim to empower young people to make informed decisions about their futures and break the cycle of generational poverty and gender inequality that often perpetuates these harmful practices.
Challenges & Opportunities
One of the main challenges the organization faces is changing the deeply ingrained cultural and societal norms that condone early and forced marriages. This requires engaging not only with young people and their families but also with community leaders and policymakers to advocate for legal reforms and enforcement of existing laws. Additionally, limited resources and funding can impede the organization’s ability to reach all vulnerable children and provide the necessary support services.
Despite the challenges, there are several opportunities for our organization to make a meaningful impact in preventing and responding to child early and forced marriages. We leverage partnerships with local schools, government (especially the ministry of women empowerment and the family, Ministry of Social Affairs, health clinics, and religious institutions to reach a wider audience and provide comprehensive education and support services. By raising awareness about the harmful impacts of early and forced marriages and promoting alternative pathways for young people, our organization helps shift attitudes and behaviors within the community.
Programme aspirations
The focus of our organization aims to implement a multifaceted programme that addresses the root causes of child early and forced marriages while also providing direct support to vulnerable children and families. This may include community workshops on gender equality, legal rights, and reproductive health, as well as educational scholarships and vocational training opportunities for at-risk youth. The organization also hopes to establish a network of local advocates and mentors who can provide ongoing support and guidance to young people facing pressure to marry early. Through these efforts, our organization seeks to create a sustained impact and empower future generations to make informed choices about their lives.
Sustain Cameroon 