From the Center region, it was the turn of the North-West region to have a taste of girls portraying leadership skills.

On Thursday, November 5, 2026, the Girls’ Takeover initiative took place at the Governor’s office of the North West Region, where a young girl named Fidessou played the symbolic role of Governor.

Organized by Plan International Cameroon in partnership with the North West Regional Administration under the framework of the International Day of the Girl, this unprecedented event marked a historic milestone for Cameroon, providing a vital platform to champion youth leadership and participation in decision-making.

Throughout the session, Fidessou chaired high-level discussions alongside government officials and key regional stakeholders. Her presence at the head of the table delivered a clear, unyielding message: the participation of girls in decision-making bodies is henceforth non-negotiable.

By directly engaging with decision-makers, she highlighted that investing in girls is essential for the region’s future, that institutions must strengthen protective mechanisms, and that girls are leaders today rather than merely leaders of tomorrow.

Addressing the assembly of officials, Fidessou delivered a strong call to action for institutions and community leaders. “I encourage all of us to continue listening to girls, invested in their potential and creating opportunities for them to participate in discussion and analysis”.

“Together, we can build a North West region where every girl is safe, respected, confident, and able to achieve her dreams,” she stated. Her words underscored the imperative for institutional leaders to actively create space for youth-led insights.

Fidessou equally addressed her peers directly, offering an inspiring message of empowerment to girls across the country. “I encourage all the girls that our voices are meant to be heard”. “So let’s not be kept behind, thinking that boys are the ones who are supposed to be the leaders of tomorrow. We have to express ourselves in public, take part in all kind of, all sorts of opportunities, also be the leaders of tomorrow”, she urged, advocating for active public participation and confidence.

Governor of the North West Region, Adolphe Lele L’Afrique, warmly commended the initiative and congratulated Fidessou for demonstrating that women and girls can thrive in leadership positions just as well as men.

He noted that the initiative corresponds to the vision of the Head of State, who has placed his mandate under the sign of promoting women and youth. Governor Lele L’Afrique also took the opportunity to highlight the essential contributions of women in driving peacebuilding and recovery efforts within the region.

Far beyond a one-day ceremonial event, the Girls’ Takeover initiative serves as a catalyst for sustainable institutional change across Cameroon. By placing a young girl at the helm of regional administration, organizers and authorities demonstrated the tangible potential of young women to shape policy, influence governance, and drive lasting peace.

As the North West Region reflects on this historic milestone, the event sets a meaningful precedent for elevating youth leadership in national development.