Empowering Women for Sustainable Development: ASWEL Launches New Cohort and Celebrates Graduates

The Etoug-Ebe Baptist Complex Hall was filled with excitement and inspiration as the Vocational Training Center ASWEL, a strategic partner of SDWE (Sustainable Development and Women Empowerment) in Cameroon, held a double ceremony marking the launch of a new training cohort and the graduation of 11 aspiring entrepreneurs.

Under the theme “Empowering a Woman for Sustainable Development,” the event brought together a wide range of dignitaries, including the Divisional Delegate of Vocational Training and Employment, key development stakeholders, civil society leaders, United States Exchange Alumni, and members of the SDWE community. Their presence underscored the importance of vocational training in fostering resilience and economic inclusion for women, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds.

A New Chapter Begins

The launching ceremony presented the new training program for 50 internally displaced persons (IDPs) by the end of 2025. These trainees will receive hands-on vocational training in various disciplines aimed at equipping them with the skills needed to thrive as independent entrepreneurs. This initiative continues ASWEL and SDWE missions to uplift women through capacity-building and self-reliance.

Celebrating Success and Resilience

In a proud and emotional moment, 11 women, some of whom are IDPs, from the previous cohort were celebrated for completing their training. These graduates received professional attestations and certifications, marking their readiness to enter the job market or launch their businesses. Their journeys are stories of determination, courage, and transformation.

A Message of Hope and Empowerment

The Divisional Delegate and other dignitaries present applauded ASWEL and SDWE for their impactful partnership, emphasizing the essential role vocational training plays in national development and the need for continued investment in women’s empowerment as a pillar for sustainable progress in Cameroon. As SDWE continues to support grassroots initiatives across Cameroon and beyond, the success of this event reinforces a shared commitment: to empower women, one skill at a time.