GENDERED IMPLICATIONS AND SWAP OF ROLES IN THE ANGLOPHONE ARMED CONFLICT IN THE WESTERN GRASS FIELDS OF CAMEROON

Authors: Kongnso Zafinatu Mainimo & Nsoh Christopher Ndikum

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the changing socio-cultural and economic role of women and girls in the Grassfields as a result of the ongoing separatist armed conflict in the English speaking regions of the Republic of Cameroon. A case study research design and content analysis to analyze the data. The data is generated through primary and secondary sources. The study found that since the beginning of the conflict in 2016 several men have been killed and a good number forced to seek refuge in other regions of the country. Furthermore, that with the absence of men, especially in rural areas, women and girls carry traditionally male-dominated activities in the communities. According to the study, the grass fields of Cameroon is a strongly patriarchal society, where customs and traditions on social roles are strictly respected and conserved. So, the finding shows the Anglophone armed conflict has a destabilizing effect on gender dynamics in the western grass fields of Cameroon. In managing the conflict, the study commends an inclusive stakeholder merging approach to the shattering impact of the conflict on English speaking women in Cameroon.

Keywords: Gendered, Role, Implications, Anglophone conflict, Grass fields, Cameroon

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