Francis Njuakom
Francis Njuakom is from Cameroon. His mother experience a terrible injustice when his father died 24 years ago. As was custom in the part of Cameroon where he was born and raised, his mother was not allowed to inherit any of her husband’s properties, and was cast to the streets upon her husband's death. As a young man, Francis thought how could this woman, his mother, who dedicated so many years of hard work, love, and dedication, so quickly be cast aside. He saw a pattern of marginalization and discrimination women and elders in Cameroon faced, and felt their pain. This revelation inspired him to found CDVTA Cameroon. For over 22 years, CDVTA has helped girls, women and elders in Cameroon have a better future. The organization educates and empower girls, women and elders to make their voices heard, access their rights and gain economic empowerment that is central to overcoming the cycle of poverty they are faced with.
