By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
A new initiative, “Crown for a Cause,” aims to empower voices and inspire change for mental wellness in Cameroon. Launched in June 2025, the project is coordinated by Ethel Kindzeka Abo, a passionate mental health advocate and public health enthusiast.
Speaking to this reporter, Abo shared her insights on the pressing mental health challenges facing Cameroonians. “After living through the experience, I believe there is ample reason to acknowledge the damage caused by mental health issues and to combat the silent epidemic affecting our people,” she said.
Abo stressed the physical toll of emotional and psychological pain: “If the emotional and psychological pain people endure daily were to be manifested physically, you would be shocked at the alarming number of bruised bodies and broken bones you’d see around you.”
She noted that communities across the country are grappling with waves of crises, leading to prolonged stress, frustration, depression, and trauma. While some individuals remain unaware of mental health realities, others are silenced by fear of judgment and stigma.
“Just as we tend to a fever or a fracture, we must give the hurts of the heart and the stress of the mind the same attention,” Abo said. Her goal is to nurture the minds of Cameroonian youth, empowering them to build mental resilience and become agents of change in their communities.
“This journey is bigger than me; it’s about us as a community,” Abo said. She stressed the need for a collaborative approach to address gaps in mental health advocacy and response. “Crown for a Cause” is actively seeking partnerships and sponsorships to ensure the success of its inaugural edition.
Abo highlighted the vital role of youth in addressing mental health challenges: “Youths are closest to the rising challenge of mental ill health; they are uniquely positioned to create the change we need in our communities.”
The program, which is not a traditional beauty pageant, is a hybrid, three-month initiative for young people aged 15 to 35 who are passionate about mental health advocacy. Participants will gain valuable life skills, including communication, public speaking, and resilience, along with certified training in mental health advocacy and first aid.
“Crown for a Cause” seeks to harness the influence of beauty pageants for social advocacy, promoting community events that focus on mental health initiatives.
