“MA COTA”: Women & girls unite to shape a brighter future
On 1 July 2025 in Yaoundé, the ‘MA COTA’ programme united women leaders and girls around one dream: believe, rise, and build the future through the power of female solidarity.
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"When I learned that I was going to have a mentor, I was filled with emotion. I thought to myself, 'Finally, someone who will listen to me, guide me, and believe in me.' I wanted to become an entrepreneur, but I didn't know where to start. Now I realise I'm not alone in this journey," she confides.
In a room filled with light and emotion, Halime, 23, looks around in astonishment. As a Chadian refugee who has lived in Yaoundé for several years, she never imagined she would be at the centre of a national program. Yet today, she is one of the first 100 girls selected for "MA COTA," a female mentoring initiative launched by the Cameroonian government with the support of UNICEF.
A bond of trust, a promise for the future
The "MA COTA" program—my friend, my accomplice—was named by the girls themselves. It is based on a simple yet powerful idea: to pair young girls with women mentors, creating a network of support, inspiration, and sharing.
Yvonne, a 22-year-old political science student, had long doubted her ability to continue her studies at the university. Having been a victim of bullying in school, she lost her confidence. Now, she has hope once again.
"My mentor is a female political leader with a rich legal career. She told me that, as a child, she too was afraid to speak in public. She's already taught me to breathe, to stand up straight and to believe that my voice counts. Thanks to her, I know I'll be able to have confidence in myself and achieve my dreams with her support," she says, confident and determined.
Committed mentors, living role models
Among the women who volunteered to respond to the call, some are national and even international figures. Françoise Mbango, a two-time Olympic champion, shared a moving testimony.
"I grew up in an environment where no one believed that a girl could become a champion. I had to fight against prejudice and doubt. Today, I want to say to these girls: you have the right to dream big. And I will be there to help you believe in yourselves. Never lose your honour," she confided.
Pauline Irène Nguene, Minister of Social Affairs, has also decided to become a mentor:
“I would like to thank those who came up with this initiative and I would like to apply to be a mentor right away, as I share the values promoted by this programme. I would like to share my experience and support these vulnerable young girls so that they can regain their confidence, assert themselves and build a life plan. Being able to contribute to these girls’ development is an opportunity with a lasting impact.”
A national movement on the march
The program is launching in four cities: Yaoundé, Bertoua, Buea, and Maroua, to expand nationwide. It will include workshops focused on girls' rights, protection against violence, interpersonal communication, active listening, and various other relevant topics of interest to girls and their mentors. Minette Libom Li Likeng, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, emphasises the significance of digital technology.
"Too many girls are excluded from digital technology. I solemnly pledge to promote the empowerment of these young girls by helping them take full advantage of the opportunities offered by digital technology. I am aware of the persistent gender inequalities in access, use, mastery and governance of digital technology. Empowering these young girls in this area is a strategic lever for building a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous society. My commitment is to promote equal access for girls and young women to training and education opportunities in digital professions in order to combat digital illiteracy."
The message of hope and responsibility was conveyed by Nadine Perrault, UNICEF Representative:
"My dear daughters. Know that you have the right to dream, the right to fail, the right to start over, and above all, the right to succeed. Cameroon is waiting for you. Make your voices heard. Be bold, be curious, be leaders!" she said.
With "MA COTA", Cameroon is not just launching a programme. It is building a bridge between generations, between dreams and realities, between today and tomorrow. And in the eyes of Halime, Yvonne, and so many others, we can already see the promise of a transformed future shining brightly. It was by paying tribute to the commitment of the mentors, these women leaders who volunteered to be role models and guiding lights for these young people, that Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa, Minister for the Promotion of Women and the Family, officially launched the programme:
"Through the role you play on a daily basis, you demonstrate that progress depends on intergenerational transmission and solidarity. We cannot afford to fail in this programme," she concluded.
