In commemoration of the International Day of Non-Violence, the Legacy Action and Royal Development Initiatives (LARDIN) organized a practical workshop on “Linking Femicide to Non-Violence and Peacebuilding” on October 8, 2026, at the LARDIN Office in Limbe, Cameroon.
The workshop brought together 11 LARDIN staff members and CSO representatives to examine the underlying causes of violence against women and girls and explore practical approaches to preventing gender-based violence (GBV) and strengthening a culture of peace within communities.
The session emphasized the importance of moving beyond awareness to proactive prevention, early recognition of warning signs, and collective action to address the conditions that allow violence to persist.
Exploring the Root Causes Through a Problem Tree Exercise.
A key highlight of the workshop was an interactive Problem Tree Exercise, through which participants examined the root causes, contributing factors, and consequences of violence against women and girls.
Discussions explored how gender inequality, harmful social norms, discrimination, and economic dependence can increase vulnerability to abuse. Participants also considered how threats, intimidation, and other forms of abuse may escalate into more severe violence when warning signs are ignored or appropriate support is unavailable.
The exercise encouraged participants to look beyond individual incidents and recognize the broader social, economic, and cultural factors that must be addressed to prevent femicide and other forms of gender-based violence.
Promoting Non-Violence and Peaceful Conflict Resolution.
The workshop further emphasized the role of non-violence and peacebuilding in preventing gender-based violence. Participants explored practical approaches to promoting respectful relationships, peaceful conflict resolution, gender equality, and survivor-centered support.
The discussions highlighted the importance of recognizing early warning signs, challenging harmful attitudes, encouraging responsible community responses, and creating environments where survivors can seek help without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Participants were also encouraged to recognize their individual and collective responsibility in challenging violence and promoting safer relationships, families, and communities.
Personal Commitments to Building Safer Communities.
Beyond identifying the causes of violence, the workshop encouraged participants to reflect on their personal responsibilities in promoting non-violence and preventing gender-based violence.
Participants made personal commitments to challenge harmful practices, promote gender equality, encourage respectful relationships, and contribute to building safer and more peaceful communities.
These commitments reinforced the understanding that preventing femicide requires sustained action at individual, family, organizational, and community levels.
LARDIN staff and CSO representatives reaffirm their commitment to non-violence, gender equality, and the protection of women and girls.
Key Message: Femicide Prevention Begins Before Violence Escalates.
Femicide is not an isolated act. Preventing it requires addressing the root causes of violence, recognizing warning signs, challenging harmful attitudes and practices, and ensuring that women and girls can access appropriate support and protection.
Building a culture of peace begins with everyday choices: rejecting intimidation and abuse, promoting equality, resolving conflicts peacefully, and speaking out against violence in all its forms.
Every individual and institution has a role to play in ensuring that violence is neither normalized nor ignored.
LARDIN’s Commitment to Non-Violence and Peacebuilding.
The Legacy Action and Royal Development Initiatives (LARDIN) remains committed to protecting women and girls, promoting gender equality, preventing gender-based violence, and strengthening community-led peacebuilding.
Through awareness-raising, capacity-building, community engagement, and collaborative action, LARDIN continues to encourage practical approaches that address the root causes of violence and support the development of safer, more inclusive communities.
Together, we can break the cycle of violence and build a culture of peace, equality, dignity, and respect.
Reported by Ms. Asama Marceline
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