On July 2, 2026, the L'Arche d'Elijah association inaugurated the third edition of Rise Up Women, an intensive training program that brings together 150 young Cameroonian women. Under the theme 'Rise to Transform,' the cohort runs from July 1 to 31, 2026, offering an intensive 30-day course dedicated to empowerment and professional integration.
The program is divided into six professionalizing courses, covering areas such as entrepreneurship, information technology, project management, digital marketing, inclusive finance, and community leadership. Each module combines practical workshops, mentoring sessions, and comprehensive support to reveal the potential of each participant and prepare them for the demands of the job market.
In a context where women's access to qualified positions remains limited, this initiative is a concrete response to the structural challenges that hinder female participation in the formal economy. By offering targeted skills and a network of contacts, Rise Up Women aims to reduce the gender gap and encourage the creation of income-generating activities within local communities.
The comprehensive support offered by L'Arche d'Elijah is not limited to the transmission of technical knowledge. It also includes personalized follow-up, personal development coaching sessions, and self-confidence-building workshops. This holistic approach addresses the sociocultural obstacles that often hinder young women in their professional careers.
The participants, from diverse backgrounds - urban areas, rural areas, and diaspora communities - will have privileged access to private sector experts, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and public decision-makers. This opening facilitates the exchange of ideas, the emergence of collaborative projects, and the establishment of sustainable partnerships.
At the end of the program, each cohort will present a concrete project, whether it's a startup, a community initiative, or a public policy proposal. This practical application aims to transform training into tangible results that can positively impact local economies and create inspiring models for future generations of women.
The success of the third edition relies on the commitment of institutional partners, the private sector, and civil society, who see female empowerment as a lever for inclusive growth. The expected outcomes include better integration into the job market, diversification of economic activities, and strengthening of the social fabric thanks to more active and visible women.
As the program prepares to close its last day on July 31, the organizers are calling for continued support, both in terms of funding and post-training support. The next edition, already planned, promises to expand the number of beneficiaries and intensify collaborations, so that every Cameroonian woman can truly rise to transform her environment.
