Background
Driven by the legacy of his mother, Rebecca Waah, a respected leader in sustainability with a history of service to humanity, Divine Ntiokam, her son, founded the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN). Following her passing on July 5, 2023, Mr. Divine instituted the REBECCA WAAH RECOGNITION AWARDS to honor her memory.

Her advocacy for women and children as well as agriculture were and are an inspiration for him and thus also for the whole community.  She was a respected leader in her field of sustainability in Cameroon and other African countries.

These awards celebrate the invaluable contributions of women and girls who demonstrate exceptional dedication, resilience, and compassion in supporting the growth and development of others. They recognize outstanding individuals from all backgrounds who prioritize the well-being of their communities and play pivotal roles in society that contribute to sustainable community development.

Biography

Rebecca Waah, affectionately known as “Ma,” was born on November 21, 1948, in Great Soppo Buea in Cameroon. The second of nine children born to Pa Joshua Waah and Emilia Ngansop (both deceased), she began her education at the Cameroon Baptist Mission Primary School in Great Soppo Buea, earning her First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1962. Following primary school, she was among the pioneer students at Saker Baptist College (now Limbe) in Victoria  (www.sakerpride.com) where her student number was 54. She graduated in 1967 with exceptional results, an achievement that serves as inspiration for these awards.

After graduating from Saker Baptist College, Mrs. Waah joined the public service in Cameroon. In July 1970, she was appointed as a Social Development Assistant in West Cameroon. She furthered her career in 1971/1972 at the Community Development Specialization Training School (CDSTS) in Kumba.

In September of 1978, she was promoted to the position of Senior Community Development Assistant at the Provincial Delegation of Agriculture in Bafoussam, West Province.  She also participated in numerous training programs in Sierra Leone, Ghana, and the Pan-African Institute for Development in Buea, Cameroon to further her commitment to her values of improving many lives. Following health challenges, Mrs. Waah retired from public service in November 1998, and dedicated her time to an active Christian life till she passed away in 2023. 

As recognized by these awards, she focused on caring for her community and the people of her region. She instilled an interest in others about the emerging problems associated with climate change and feeding her people. Her presence was that of a strong advocate and activist in Cameroon.

It is befitting tribute that her son, Founder and Executive Director of GCSAYN, would establish Awards in her name to emphasize the impact she had on him and many others who work with him on climate and agricultural issues with a focus on Africa.

Objectives of the Awards
This awards are dedicated to girls and women from all walks of life, including but not limited to students, working women, widows, single mothers, persons with disabilities, and orphans. It will serve as an empowering prize for women in various fields, in recognition of their service to humanity, community development and contribution to sustainability. Furthermore, scholarships will be granted to exceptional young girls to support them in achieving their full potential.

The official launch of these awards taking place in March 2025 during the UN CSW69/Beijing+30 event in New York.

Awards Recipient Selection Criteria:
A selection committee will be established to review nominations and select award recipients. The following criteria will be considered:

• Financial Need: The nominee has demonstrated a desire to pursue further education but lacks the necessary financial resources.
• Alignment with GCSAYN Focus Areas: The nominee’s work aligns with or is closely related to GCSAYN’s core focus areas, which include: smart agriculture and best practices, gender promotion, young girls’ education, women’s empowerment, children and youth rights, widows’ and orphans’ rights, mobilization of older populations, education and peacebuilding, environmental and human rights, access to justice, women’s and girls’ rights, and gender equity.
• Commitment to Mentorship: Nominees must demonstrate the capacity and willingness to provide support and mentorship to future award recipients, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the program.

The Awards
These awards serve as recognition of, and gratitude for, the nurturing, sacrifice, and dedication exemplified by mothers like Mama Kamga, and indeed, all women. They celebrate and encourage young girls and women in their daily struggles to achieve their full potential.

The awards are to presented in 3 broad categories:

1. Academic Award: This category is about supporting girls and women in achieving their educational and professional goals.
2. Sustainability Award: This category provides Internship, mentorship & Exchange program opportunities.
3. Award of Honor: This category recognizes the exceptional work and dedication of one girl or woman in her chosen field. While this award does not include a financial component, it serves as a significant acknowledgment of her contributions.

All award recipients will receive a certificate of recognition at the awards ceremony.

Benefits for Award Recipients:

• Expanded Network: Recipients will have the opportunity to expand their professional network through connections and exchanges with individuals and organizations interested in their work or field of study.
• Increased Visibility: The awards ceremony will be broadcast on national television and across GCSAYN’s network of Centers of Excellence, as well as on social media platforms, significantly increasing the visibility of the recipients’ achievements.
  
• Collaboration Opportunities: The awards ceremony, as a global hub for international organizations and NGOs, will provide recipients with potential avenues for collaboration.
• Continued Engagement: Recipients will have opportunities to participate in future award ceremonies, as well as other events and activities, such as training sessions, panels, conferences, and publications.
  
• Joint Video Production: The program will facilitate the creation of joint videos showcasing the recipients’ work and activities.

Selection Process
• Nominees will be selected based on criteria established by the selection committee.
• Shortlisted nominees will be contacted by the committee.
• Shortlisted nominees who wish to proceed in the selection process will receive further instructions.
• Award recipients will be notified in the month of June.

Awards Ceremony
The inaugural awards ceremony will take place at Dakar, Senegal in September 2025.