Our partnership with Survivors’ Network Cameroon

Meet Guioh

Like many girls in Cameroon, Guioh dreamed of going to school and completing her education. She hoped to one day become a police officer. But like many girls in Cameroon, life was hard for Guioh. Her husband abandoned her while she was still pregnant. Now a single mother with two children, Guioh was never able to complete school or any type of vocational training. She sold bananas and boiled eggs from her mother’s farm, but this was hardly enough to support her family. Guioh shared that she often fell asleep at night without knowing what her children would eat the next day.

Like many women in Cameroon, Guioh did not realize just how vulnerable she was to exploitation. Traffickers tend to prey on those with limited formal education and financial resources. Fortunately, Guioh was invited to join Survivors’ Network’s program for vulnerable women. Together, they learned how to protect themselves from traffickers’ schemes and how to work toward financial independence: the best form of prevention!

With a small initial input of capital, Guioh started a small business making and selling eggs rolls and puffballs. By carefully saving her income each month, she was able to construct a small home for her family! Guioh gained not only a safe home, but also a support network: “I increased my circle of friends as we meet to discuss challenges and do daily savings, which helps to reduce stress and trauma. And most importantly, we learn a lot from sharing our stories with each other.”