Female Networks for Peace in Cameroon’s Anglophone War: Local Female Leaders Using their Role as “Mothers” to Build Peace Amidst Ongoing Conflict

The English-speaking side of Cameroon has remained torn apart by a deadly war between government security forces and secessionist militias since 2016. Despite ongoing conflict, in August 2017, Cameroon produced a National Action Plan for UNSCR 1325, the UN Women, Peace, and Security Agenda. The plan aims at ending war and preventing gender-related violence. However, almost a decade on, the plan remains unimplemented. Protecting and empowering women seems not to be a priority for both belligerent parties. In the midst of the chaos, women have taken steps to reduce violence related to the Anglophone Crisis. They are networking as women and increasing women’s social influence, active presence and recognition. On April 16, 2026, Pope Leo XIV visited the conflict-ridden town of Bamenda where he held a meeting for peace with the local community. Leo XIV praised the local lay and religious women for their non-violent activism and their contribution in building an environment that promotes peace. In analyzing their activities, this paper argues that these female peacebuilding networks lean particularly into their socio-cultural role as mothers in ways that help them decrease violence and improve the conditions for the implementation of Cameroon’s Action Plan for UNSCR 1325.