I was honoured to be invited as a speaker at the National Conference of Women-Led Organisations in Cameroon 2026, organised by NEWOLEC.
Although I was unable to attend the award ceremony due to circumstances beyond my control, I was deeply touched when Dr Solange Swiri Tumasang personally came to the Hilton Hotel to present me with the Peace Builder Award 2026.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to NEWOLEC, the organisers, the jury and everyone who voted for me in this category. Thank you for believing in the sincerity, integrity and impact of our work. I receive this recognition with humility and a renewed sense of responsibility.
The journey towards peace is not always easy. It comes with sacrifice, difficult choices, resilience and challenges that are often unseen. Yet, every life restored, every woman empowered, every child protected and every dialogue that brings hope reminds us why we must keep going.
This award is not mine alone. It belongs to my family, the women, young people, peacebuilders, partners and communities who continue to believe that peace in Cameroon is possible.
As I reflect on the more than 2,845,000 lives that Reach Out Cameroon supported with hope, care and dignity in just one year before our suspension, I can only say: hang in there. Though our ability to continue this work has been interrupted, you remain deeply in our hearts.
The impact of compassion, service and solidarity cannot be erased. It lives on in the lives touched and reminds us all that humanity must always come first.
Thank you, NEWOLEC, for this honour. I remain committed to serving with courage, compassion and hope.
Dr Omam Esther Njomo
Women’s Rights Advocate | Peacebuilder | Mediator | Humanitarian
