Armed Conflict: Impact on Women and Children in the South West Region, Cameroon

Armed conflicts have severe impacts on the affected communities, especially women and children, who are considered the most vulnerable group of people in such a context. The armed conflict in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon has been raging on for five years now. Women and children have been the primary victims, which is a cause for concern. This prompted this research on “Armed Conflict: Impact on Women and Children in the South West Region, Cameroon†. This study sought to investigate the impact of the armed conflict on women and children in the South West Region of Cameroon. This research employed a descriptive method with the use of primary data collected using questionnaires. Women and children were the target population. Frequencies and percentages were used to interpret the responses. Data visualization was done through the use of tables and graphs. Results indicated that women and children were victims of the armed conflict. The conflict had affected the health, security, education, hygiene, and general wellbeing of the women and children. Little or no access to health care, rape, school dropouts, trauma, a lack of hygiene equipment, and food insecurity were areas that significantly affected women the South West. In response to these impacts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government institutions, United Nations agencies, and partners, amongst other institutions and individuals, have been assisting this vulnerable group of people. Despite this assistance, a huge percentage of the affected women and children are still left in dire need of help, with education, food, shelter, and healthcare occupying the top 5%.