Officials of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) have held bilateral meetings with key stakeholders in Cameroon to promote a newly developed Code of Practice aimed to tackle the critical gender gap in the maritime security sector in West and Central Africa.
This code which emphasizes the crucial role women can play aims to bridge the gap between existing policies and the practical realities faced by women in maritime security and governance.
Led by the Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Akrong, the team met stakeholders including policymakers and maritime security organizations.
The maritime domain plays a vital role in West and Central Africa’s economic, social, and cultural well-being.
However, the sector faces challenges like piracy, illegal fishing, and environmental degradation. These issues disproportionately impact coastal communities and maritime security professionals, particularly women.
Air Commodore Akrong during a meeting with officials of the Inter Regional Maritime Coordination Centre (ICC), emphasized the foundation of the newly developed Code which he said draws on the principles enshrined in the UN Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda.
The code he elaborated aims to bridge the gap between existing policies and the practical realities faced by women in maritime security.
“This initiative is a significant step towards achieving gender equality in West and Central Africa’s maritime security sector and by promoting women’s participation, the code has the potential to strengthen maritime governance, enhance security, and contribute to lasting peace in the region,” he said.
The team also held discussions with officials of the Ministry of Transport of Cameroon as well as officials of the Cameroonian Navy who all welcomed the Code pledging their support towards implementing the recommendations within their respective institutions and fostering a more inclusive maritime security environment.
Expanding on KAIPTC’s commitment, the Head of the Conflict Management Programme, John Mark Pokoo emphasized the initiative’s broader reach and explained the Centre plans to engage with stakeholders across seven strategic countries in West and Central Africa.
Mr Pokoo expressed his hope that the planned bilateral meetings, seminars, and media outreach will effectively raise awareness about the Code of Practice, while stressing the ultimate goal, encouraging its adoption into policy decisions by these countries.
The Deputy Chief of Navy Staff in Charge of Operations at the Cameroon Navy, Naval Captain Tientchen Honore, echoed the importance of the initiative. He highlighted it as a crucial step towards achieving gender equality within West and Central Africa’s maritime security sector.
Naval Capt. Honore acknowledged the current situation within the Cameroon Navy, pointing out that women make up 11 percent of their personnel, with the majority concentrated in support roles.
Currently only one woman, he said, holds the rank of Commander and leads a vessel.
He emphasized his belief that the Code of Practice will be instrumental in creating more opportunities for women, while encouraging them to pursue leadership roles in navigation and across the maritime security domain.
The KAIPTC team in a group photo with some officials of the Maritime Division of the Ministry for Transport of Cameroon.