The mentor and human rights defender is winner of Global Pluralism Award 2023 for her work in mobilizing women and youths from across Cameroon to advocate for an end to conflict
This was announced in OTTAWA Canada on October 25 2023 by an independent charitable organization; Global Centre for Pluralism and an independent International Jury of experts.
This year 3 winners and 7 honorable mention recipients from among 200 submission s across 60 countries following a rigorous review process.
The organization handing the award recognizes Pluralism in action and celebrates the inspiring and brave work that is helping to build more inclusive societies where diversity is valued and protected
Esther Omam has spent close to 3 decades fostering a culture of Peace in Cameroon. Her works couldn't go unnoticed, that is why through her organization Reach Out Cameroon; she has promoted the rights of women and children in conflict affected areas.
She advances women's participation in the Peace building process. Her works has served over 1.7 m people in remote communities in the Northwest and Southwest regions since the Anglophone crisis in late 2016.
The Southwest/Northwest Women taskforce was born out of her zeal to amplify voices of women, thinking of the need for trauma healing for these women. She was one of the leading organizers of the first National Women's Peace convention for Peace in Cameroon that brought together over 1200 women across Cameroon to demand for and end to violence.
Reacting to the award she received that put her on the global stage more than ever before, She has shown proof that the journey of Peace building hasn't ended and she is ready to pursue this to the later.
"This award is a reaffirmation of the value of the concept of - leave no one behind- That humanity, more than ever before should always come first. Our diversity is our bond and with Pluralism, everyone has a choice. This award symbolizes all that I fight for as a woman, a Peace builder and a leader in Cameroon".
Dr. Marwan Muasher, the award jury chair and Vice President for studies at the Carnegie endowment for National Peace said; "the award winners' work has enormous value in the world today. Pluralism is embedded in every society. Those who work for Pluralism, those who believe that diversity is a source of strength not weakness, need to be acknowledged and celebrated."
Meredith Preston, secretary general of the Global centre for Pluralism said "against the current global landscape, recommitting to the values of Pluralism is incredibly important.The 2023 Global Pluralism Award winners are demonstrating creativity and courage, for which their achievements offer so much hope for the future.