The Fon of Nso, the Fon of Oku, and other Traditional Leaders oversee the NSODA All Women Conference in Bafoussam under the theme “New Dawn – Ke Ye Fiyii: Women Leading Change: Unity, Development and Impact.”

The maiden Nso’ All Women Conference 2026 has brought together prominent government officials, traditional authorities, community elites and women from across the Nso’ community at Toket Stadium in Bafoussam, West Region of Cameroon, in a collective call for women’s empowerment, unity and sustainable community development.

Among the distinguished personalities at the gathering on 10 October 2026 was Yaà Dr. Asheri Kilo, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Basic Education and a daughter of Nso’, whose presence underscored the importance of women’s leadership and participation in shaping the future of their communities. Organised by the Women’s Forum of the Nso’ Cultural and Development Association (NSODA), the conference was held under the theme: “New Dawn – Ke Ye Fiyii: Women Leading Change: Unity, Development and Impact.” The gathering sought to strengthen the role of women in community affairs, celebrate Nso’ cultural identity and encourage collective action towards a more united, peaceful and prosperous future.

Yaà Dr. Asheri Kilo: A Call for Women’s Empowerment and Community Development. As a government official and daughter of Nso’, Yaà Dr. Asheri Kilo’s participation placed a spotlight on the significance of women’s representation in public institutions and community development initiatives. Her presence at the conference reflected the importance of connecting leadership at the national level with the aspirations and development priorities of the community.

Women’s empowerment extends beyond occupying positions of authority. It involves creating opportunities for women and girls to participate meaningfully in education, decision-making, economic activities, peacebuilding and the development of their communities.

The gathering also offered an opportunity to reflect on how women in influential positions can use their experience, networks and resources to support younger generations and strengthen community institutions. As Nso’ women gathered under the theme of a new dawn, the message was clear: sustainable development requires inclusive leadership, collective responsibility and a commitment to turning opportunities into tangible benefits for the community.

Traditional Authorities Honour the Conference

The maiden NSODA All Women Conference also received the presence of distinguished traditional authorities from Bui Division, highlighting the importance of traditional leadership in advancing community development.

Among the prominent traditional rulers reported at the gathering were HRM the Paramount Fon of Nso’, HRM the Fon of Oku and HRM the Fon of Kiluun, HRM the Fon of Ngashong alongside other traditional leaders and community dignitaries including the governor of the West region. Their participation underscored the relationship between traditional institutions, women’s leadership and the broader development aspirations of the Nso’ people.

Traditional authorities remain influential stakeholders in promoting social cohesion, preserving cultural heritage, resolving community disputes and encouraging the participation of women and young people in development initiatives. The conference provided a platform for these different actors to come together around a shared vision of unity, development and collective progress.

Rev. Dr. Dora Lemnyuy Calls on Women to Turn Their Positions into Purpose. One of the notable messages associated with the conference came from Rev. Dr. Dora Lemnyuy, who delivered a powerful reflection during an ecumenical service held on October 10, 2026, in Bafoussam. Drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Queen Esther, Rev. Dr. Lemnyuy challenged women and other community members to use their positions, influence and leadership opportunities to promote meaningful transformation.

Her central message was that leadership should not be pursued merely for personal advancement. Instead, it should serve as a means of improving lives, building stronger communities and creating opportunities for future generations. The message resonated with the conference theme of women leading change through unity, development and impact.

Rev. Dr. Lemnyuy also highlighted the importance of women’s participation beyond the household, stressing their contribution to education, reconciliation, peacebuilding and community leadership.

She encouraged members of the Nso’ community to embrace forgiveness, cooperation and reconciliation, drawing on shared principles of peace and unity found in both Christian and Islamic teachings. Her message challenged community members to consider not only the kind of Nso’ community they wish to see, but also the personal responsibility each individual must accept in building that future.

Nso’ Girl-Child Empowerment Center: Investing in the Next Generation. Another important issue highlighted during the conference was the call to support NSODA’s initiative to construct the Nso’ Girl-Child Empowerment Center.

The initiative represents an important opportunity to strengthen attention to the needs, aspirations and future of girls within the Nso’ community. Investing in girls’ empowerment is essential to advancing access to education, promoting equal opportunities, strengthening leadership skills and addressing the social and economic barriers that prevent girls from reaching their full potential.

A well-supported empowerment centre could provide a platform for learning, mentorship, leadership development and other interventions designed to help girls become active participants in community transformation. However, translating this vision into reality requires more than public declarations. It calls for sustained commitment, resource mobilisation, partnerships and transparent implementation.

Government officials, traditional authorities, development organisations, community elites and members of the diaspora all have potential roles to play in supporting initiatives that improve opportunities for Nso’ girls. The presence of influential women and community leaders at the conference offered a timely opportunity to mobilise support for such long-term development priorities.

Nso’ Women Celebrate Culture, Identity and Sisterhood. Beyond the speeches and high-level participation, the conference was also a celebration of Nso’ cultural identity and women’s solidarity. Women arrived at Toket Stadium dressed in beautiful and distinctive traditional fabrics, creating a colourful atmosphere that reflected pride in their heritage and a shared sense of belonging.

Their gathering demonstrated how cultural events can bring together women from different backgrounds and generations around common aspirations. Cultural identity remains an important foundation for community cohesion. When combined with inclusive leadership and a commitment to social progress, it can help communities preserve their heritage while adapting to changing social and economic realities.

The conference therefore served both as a celebration of Nso’ identity and as a platform for discussing the community’s future.

Women’s Leadership as a Pathway to Sustainable Development

The significance of the NSODA All Women Conference extends beyond the event itself. It raises broader questions about women’s representation, participation and influence in community decision-making.

Women contribute to education, family welfare, economic development, conflict prevention and social cohesion. Yet meaningful empowerment requires that they have the opportunities, resources and institutional support needed to influence decisions affecting their lives and communities.

For the Nso’ community, the challenge is to transform the energy generated by the conference into practical action.

This includes supporting girls’ education, mentoring emerging women leaders, strengthening women-led initiatives, promoting peaceful dialogue and creating opportunities for women to participate in development planning.

It also requires collaboration across generations, with experienced leaders helping younger women develop the confidence and skills necessary to assume leadership responsibilities.

The conference theme, “Women Leading Change: Unity, Development and Impact,” provides a framework for these efforts. Its success will ultimately depend on whether the commitments expressed during the gathering translate into measurable and lasting improvements in people’s lives.

From a New Dawn to Collective Action

The maiden NSODA All Women Conference 2026 represents an important moment for the Nso’ community to renew its commitment to women’s empowerment, cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The participation of Yaà Dr. Asheri Kilo, alongside traditional authorities, religious leaders, community elites and women, highlighted the value of bringing different forms of leadership together around a common purpose.

Yet the lasting significance of the conference will be determined not only by the personalities who attended or the messages delivered, but also by the actions that follow.

Supporting the Nso’ Girl-Child Empowerment Center, investing in girls’ education, promoting women’s participation in leadership and strengthening community unity are practical ways to give meaning to the call for a new dawn.

The challenge before the Nso’ community is to move from celebrating women’s leadership to actively enabling it, from discussing development to implementing it, and from calling for unity to demonstrating it through everyday actions.

As Rev. Dr. Dora Lemnyuy’s message reminds the community, every position carries a responsibility, and every individual has a role to play in shaping the future.

One Nso’. One People. One Future.

This report is based on information and updates shared on the NSODA Facebook page concerning the maiden Nso’ All Women Conference 2026 and other media platforms like Delavmfu,.

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