A Cameroonian child and gender rights advocate, Dr. Stephanie Wirba, has been elected as the Global President of the Young African Women Congress (YAWC) Network, following a keenly contested election.

In its 2025 global election held earlier this week, the YAWC Network elected officers to manage the affairs of the Network on the global stage for the foreseeable future in which Matilda Hammond from Ghana was elected Global Vice President.

In the well-conducted exercise, with 56 out of a total of 60 expected voters from across six out of a total of seven electoral colleges from six-member countries participating in the process, Dr. Stephanie Wirba emerged overall winner after a run-off election.

Dr. Wirba in the first round, contested against Dr. Eunice Emmanuel from Nigeria who garnered 25 per cent of total votes cast; and Ruth Jemutai Rop, Esq from Kenya who garnered 37.5 per cent of votes.

She also garnered 37.5 per cent of votes cast, bringing the elections to a tie between her and her Kenyan counterpart, leading to a run-off.

In the run-off, Dr. Wirba emerged winner, raking in 56.4% of votes in the process, whiles Lawyer Ruth Jemutai Rop of Kenya pulled 43.6% of votes.

“By the powers vested in me, I hereby declare Dr. Stephanie Wirba as Global President-Elect for the YAWC Network’”, declared Stella Ayerango, Chairperson, YAWC Network Elections Committee.

About Dr. Stephanie Wirba

With her proven track record in humanitarian responses, Dr. Stephanie Wirba has worked in over 48 communities across Cameroon to address pressing social issues, particularly those affecting women and children.

She has an extensive experience as a social worker focusing on clinical social work and on community welfare and development with utmost dedication to child protection and safety.

She is designated focal person for child protection initiatives, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children as well as an active advocate for gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence, promoting empowerment and support for women.

She is also certified psychotherapist and clinical counsellor providing mental health support and therapeutic services to individuals and communities.

Endowed with numerous academic accolades, Dr. Wirba is Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology; Doctorate in Humanities; a Master of Science (MSc) in Anthropology; Bachelor’s Degree (B.A) in Sociology and Anthropology and Political Science, with a specialty in Public Administration and International Relations

As part of her leadership and community engagement efforts, she is the founder and leader of a grassroots women's organization focused on advancing women's rights and social justice.

She is also an experienced trainer who has prepared and equipped numerous social workers to address complex social challenges effectively and carried out various advocacy campaigns for women across the African continent, committing to the advancement of women's issues across board.

Dr. Stephanie Wirba continues to strive for the creation of equitable societies where women have access to opportunities and their rights are upheld. Her work is dedicated to fostering solidarity among women, enhancing their capacities, and driving sustainable change across Africa and beyond.