Celebrating Cultural Diversity for Peace: The Peace Weavers’ Cultural Day Journey

Celebrating Cultural Diversity for Peace: The Peace Weavers’ Cultural Day Journey

Peace Weavers are community youth leaders selected from diverse backgrounds in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon. Their mission is to promote peace both online and offline. Offline, they work to foster peace in their communities, neighborhoods, and beyond, while also promoting cultural diversity.

The Peace Weavers’ cultural day on November 8, 2024, was a vibrant celebration of Cameroon’s extraordinary diversity and an important step in promoting unity and peace. By showcasing the country’s rich tapestry of ethnic traditions, the event highlighted not just the beauty of Cameroon’s 240+ ethnic groups, but also the power of inclusion and understanding in both the workplace and broader community.

The theme, “Embracing Cultural Diversity by Celebrating and Integrating Diverse Traditions in the Workplace and Community“, was a timely and important call for recognizing the value of cultural differences. Cameroon, often called “Africa in Miniature” for its wide range of ethnic, linguistic, and ecological diversity, provided the perfect backdrop for such an event. From the rhythmic traditional dances to the delicious local dishes, the event fostered an appreciation for the traditions that define each community, while also stressing the importance of creating spaces where these cultures can coexist harmoniously.

The Peace Weavers, by organizing this cultural day, not only celebrated these rich traditions but also created a platform for dialogue and mutual respect. In today’s increasingly globalized world, initiatives like this are crucial for fostering collaboration across cultural divides. By integrating diverse traditions into both the workplace and local communities, organizations and individuals can contribute to building stronger, more peaceful, and inclusive societies.

The event served as a powerful reminder that peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the active recognition and celebration of what makes each culture unique. Through such gatherings, Cameroon is making strides in weaving together its many threads of identity into a more unified and peaceful future.

The goal of the celebration was to honor and appreciate the unique cultures that contribute to peace, development, and sustainability in Cameroon. The event aimed to help participants realize that the true value lies not in the differences between cultures, but in what can be achieved when these cultures are embraced and celebrated. 

This initiative will empower youth leaders from the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon to share with their communities that cultural differences need not be a barrier, but rather a source of strength. Celebrating cultural diversity is important because it encourages unity, promotes understanding and tolerance, preserves cultural heritage, and contributes to peaceful coexistence within communities.

Cultural diversity encourages unity by bringing people from different backgrounds together to share and discover their common heritage. Through traditional dances, meals, clothing, and history, individuals can connect over shared values and experiences.

It also promotes understanding and tolerance. By embracing cultural diversity, people develop a greater understanding and appreciation for one another’s customs and traditions. This, in turn, fosters a spirit of tolerance, which can help build a #HateFreeCameroon—one of the key objectives of the youth leaders.

Another important aspect of celebrating culture is the preservation of cultural heritage. Through traditional music, dance, food, and arts, communities can grow closer as they celebrate these valuable traditions. Many of these practices have historical significance, and preserving them ensures that they are passed down to future generations.

Family photo of Peace Weavers with Hon. Ghejung Awunti & Mme Ngwe Millicent

The event was graced by a representative from the North West Regional Assembly, Hon. Ghejung Awunti, who urged the attendees to embrace their cultural heritage and use it as a tool for fostering unity within their communities. He highlighted the Regional Assembly’s commitment to peacebuilding through its Peace Development Initiative, which aligns with the work being done by the #PeaceWeavers. Hon. Awunti emphasized that through this initiative, the Assembly is open to supporting youth-led projects focused on community peace.

Hon. Ghejung Awunti, Commissioner for Economic Development At The North West Regional Assembly,

In the same vein, the regional coordinator of the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism Ngwe Millicent congratulated the youth for their efforts in building peace. She further emphasized that it is within the Commission’s mandate to combat Hate Speech and Xenophobia. She assured the youth that the Commission is willing to support such initiatives to ensure that peace and security are maintained in the region.

Mme Ngwe Millicent, Regional Coordinator of the NCPBM Bamenda

The Cultural Day was celebrated with the Peace Weavers showcasing various activities to highlight their traditions, which they hold dear.

The event began with the participants donning their beautiful cultural attire, proudly displaying their heritage in the presence of their guests. As they made their entrance, they were warmly welcomed by Mbuh Stella, who spoke about the concept of cultural heritage as a tool for mitigating hate speech within communities. She emphasized that while people may come from different tribes or backgrounds, this should not lead to division, and communities can live together harmoniously.

Mbuh Stella, Stakeholder Engagement at #defyhatenow

Another engaging discussion was led by Dr. Kinang Derick, who addressed the topic of “Promoting Cultural Diversity for Peacebuilding in Cameroon.” He concluded by reminding the participants that it doesn’t matter which community one identifies with; what truly matters is the shared humanity that unites us all. This common bond, he suggested, should be the foundation for working toward peace and safeguarding humanity.

Dr.Kinang Derick Conflict Research and Activity Implementation Coordinator.

The Peace Weavers then introduced themselves and shared with the participants how people are traditionally greeted in their communities. They also demonstrated the process of crowning an Ardo in the Mbororo community. One of the Peace Weavers, Abubakar Aliyu, was honored by being crowned the Ardo of the Peace Weavers Cohort 2.

Coronation of the Peace Weavers’ Ardo

In addition, they presented a sketch that illustrated how two cultures the Muslim and Christian communities are united through marriage.

Some of the Peace Weavers also shared their traditional meals, explaining how they are prepared. Mali Martha-Noel introduced a dish from Bali called Fufu Corn and Timtim, while Ngueubou Njantio Merveille and Meyanwieh Diana Queency  presented Achu with yellow soup, black soup, and  Kossam and Dakere were presented by Abubakar Aliyu and Naihibu Musa Ndemsah.

Testing of Fufu Corn and Timtim

The day was brought to a close with a vibrant dance performance by the Peace Weavers, marking the end of the Cultural Day celebrations.

Traditional Dance Display

Kanda Honourine, the coordinator of the Peace Weavers, wrapped up the event with a heartfelt thank you to both the guests and the Peace Weavers. She reminded everyone that diversity is not a barrier, but rather a powerful resource. When we recognize and celebrate our differences, it has the potential to foster greater unity and drive progress for all.

Kanda Honourine, Community Coordinator 

By the end of the Cultural Day celebration, most participants expressed their satisfaction and shared that they had learned a great deal from the experience. Here are some key takeaways from a few of the peace weavers:

1. NDZI Etienne NGAH: The discussion on identity sparked diverse perspectives. Some believed it can change, while others argued it can only be modified. The resounding lesson: identity remains constant. Our true identity defines us, shaping our humanity. Embracing this essence fosters equality, freedom, and tolerance. When we recognize each other’s shared humanity, we build a world where:- Diversity is celebrated

• Individuality is valued
• Unity is strengthened

Let’s cherish our authentic selves and acknowledge the inherent worth of every human being.

2. YANGOUE TETA FOZO: I was overwhelmed during our cultural Day at peace weavers cohort two session 2.The part that caught my attention was the closing, and we who left the place late fought to eat the various traditional meals that were prepared by various participants. I enjoyed the fufu corn brought by my #PeaceWeavers sister, Mali. Without forgetting the dance part where we all danced to traditional songs from the various tribes we come from. The joy we shared in those moments is just a clear example of what we will have if we kick out hate speech and embrace ourselves as humans.

3. Lum Evi Claire Achem: The Cultural day was very interesting and educational. I had lived with Muslims but never known how the installed their rulers this cultural day gave me inside to this new knowledge which will help me much in my community programming