Ngala, Beatrice Njuh (2025) “Women’s Traditional Secret Societies and Peacebuilding: A Case Study of the North West Region of Cameroon”. Masters thesis, Hekima University College.
![[img]](http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text (“Women’s Traditional Secret Societies and Peacebuilding: A Case Study of the North West Region of Cameroon”)
Ngala Beatrice Njuh.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (1MB) | Request a copy |
Abstract
This study examines the role of Women’s Traditional Secret Societies (WTSS) in peacebuilding in the North West Region of Cameroon during the ongoing Anglophone Crisis (CAC). Historically, groups such as Takembeng, Anlo, and Fwibwen exercised significant influence in conflict resolution, moral regulation, and social cohesion through ritual protest, spiritual authority, and collective action. Despite this legacy, they have been marginalized in present-day responses to the CAC, which prioritizes militarized and elite-driven interventions. The research explores why these societies have been unable to exert the same influence in the current crisis and how their resources might be harnessed for sustainable peace. Adopting a descriptive qualitative case study approach, data were collected over one month through interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation in Nkwen, Kom, and Babanki. Thematic analysis revealed that WTSS historically functioned as peacebuilders, counsellors, mobilisers, troubleshooters, and social life animators, but their effectiveness has been curtailed by fear, modernization, religious opposition, and male dominance. Nonetheless, they retain strong desires for peace, readiness for empowerment, and potential for partnership. These findings underscore the need to revitalize and integrate WTSS into formal peacebuilding frameworks. The study benefits policymakers, NGOs, peace practitioners, and scholars by highlighting culturally rooted approaches crucial for sustainable peace in Cameroon.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | A General Works > AZ History of Scholarship The Humanities D History General and Old World > DT Africa J Political Science > JZ International relations |
| Divisions: | Africana |
| Depositing User: | Unnamed user with email ict.admin@jhia.ac.ke |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Dec 2025 11:59 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Dec 2025 11:59 |
| URI: | http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/10021 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |