How Sevidzem Ernestine Leikeki champions gender equality and forest conservation in Cameroon

Each week, One Earth is proud to feature a Climate Hero from around the globe, working to create a world where humanity and Nature can thrive together.

Nestled in northwest Cameroon, the Kilum-Ijim Forest stands as the largest remaining Afromontane forest in West Africa, boasting a diverse ecosystem. Within this lush, verdant expanse, Sevidzem Ernestine Leikeki grew up and has dedicated her life to preserving its natural beauty and fostering a harmonious coexistence between the forest and her community.

Addressing deforestation, poverty, and gender inequality

The region faces critical challenges, with unsustainable logging, agricultural expansion, and bushfires leading to significant degradation of this precious habitat. Compounding these environmental concerns are social issues, particularly the disproportionate impact of poverty and unemployment on women and youth, exacerbated by their exclusion from traditional forest management roles.

Pioneering gender inclusivity in environmentalism

In response to these challenges, 2007 marked a turning point as Leikeki co-founded the Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch (CAMGEW). This visionary organization seeks to intertwine gender equality with environmental stewardship, addressing local ecological issues through a gender-sensitive lens.

Empowering women as Nature's guardians

CAMGEW reconceptualizes the role of women in the community. Traditionally sidelined in industrial forestry jobs, women have long been the custodians of healing practices and the cultivation of honey, mushrooms, medicinal plants, and spices. CAMGEW transforms these roles into sustainable livelihoods, enabling women to contribute to reforestation and forest care.

Cultivating forests and community livelihoods

As the driving force behind CAMGEW's initiatives, Leikeki spearheads various programs. These include tree planting, training in beeswax extraction, and the production of honey wine, detergents, and lotions. CAMGEW's HoneyShop serves as a commercial outlet, selling products like honey, candles, and beekeeping equipment, symbolizing the sweet success of their motto: "Honey equals income, equals jobs, equals gender equality, equals conservation.”

A decade of transforming landscapes and lives

Between 2012 and 2020, the tangible impact of CAMGEW is evident. Over 87,300 bee-attractant trees were planted, revitalizing the Kilum-Ijim Forest. The establishment of three tree nurseries nurturing 100,000 trees and the training of 580 women in business and forest management are significant strides toward community resilience. Additionally, over 2,300 women and girls have been empowered through counseling to overcome social challenges.

International recognition for climate action

Leikeki's exceptional contributions were globally acknowledged in 2021 when she was named one of the BBC’s 100 Women of the Year, celebrated for creating lasting change. Her awards, including the Equator Prize and the Gender Just Climate Solutions Prize, recognize her transformative solutions in gender equality and climate action. 

A legacy of stewardship and social justice

Sevidzem Ernestine Leikeki's holistic approach addresses not only environmental degradation but also the intricate human factors intertwined with it, such as poverty, gender inequality, and social injustice. By empowering local women and incorporating traditional knowledge into sustainable practices.

Her work is more than just a local initiative; it's a powerful testament to how empowering marginalized communities can lead to effective and lasting climate solutions. Through her efforts, Leikeki is not only securing the future of the Kilum-Ijim Forest but also setting an inspirational example for environmental stewards worldwide.