At CADEF CAMEROON we commit to promoting equity, dignity, and meaningful inclusion across all programmes, staffing, partnerships, and community engagement. This policy sets standards and practical measures to prevent discrimination, remove barriers to participation, and ensure that our work benefits all people without prejudice.
Purpose and Scope
This policy ensures CADEF’s decisions, services, and relationships are free from discrimination and actively promote inclusion. It applies to:
- All staff, board members, volunteers, interns, contractors, and partners.
- All programmes, activities, recruitment, procurement, communications, and partnerships.
- Beneficiaries and community members reached directly or indirectly through CADEF work.
Guiding Principles
- Equality of opportunity: Every person has the right to participate in, benefit from, and contribute to CADEF programmes without unfair barriers.
- Respect for diversity: We recognise and value differences of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic status, language, and other identities.
- Accessibility: We design programmes and communications so people with different needs can engage meaningfully.
- Participation and voice: People affected by our work have the right to be heard, influence decisions, and provide feedback.
- Intersectional approach: We recognise that individuals may face multiple, overlapping forms of exclusion and plan responses accordingly.
- Accountability: CADEF holds itself accountable for upholding non-discrimination and inclusion across all operations.
Prohibited Conduct
CADEF prohibits any form of discrimination, harassment, or exclusion including:
- Direct or indirect discrimination on any protected characteristic.
- Harassment, bullying, or derogatory language in workplace or programme settings.
- Denial of services or opportunities based on identity or status.
- Retaliation against individuals who raise concerns or exercise their rights.
Implementation Measures
- Inclusive Recruitment and Staffing Use non-biased job descriptions, advertise in diverse channels, apply fair selection criteria, and provide reasonable accommodations during recruitment and employment.
- Programme Design and Delivery Conduct inclusion-focused needs assessments, remove physical and procedural barriers, adapt materials and timelines, and ensure participation methods are accessible.
- Accessibility Standards Provide reasonable accommodations, accessible meeting venues, translated materials, large-print documents, and alternative formats where needed.
- Training and Capacity Building Mandatory induction on non-discrimination and inclusion for staff and partners, plus role-specific training for programme teams.
- Data and Monitoring Collect disaggregated data where appropriate, respecting privacy and safeguarding, to monitor reach and outcomes across diverse groups.
- Budgeting and Resource Allocation Allocate resources to support inclusion measures such as translation, transport subsidies, accessibility improvements, and specialist support.
- Community Engagement Work with local leaders, disabled persons organisations, women’s groups, and marginalised community representatives to co-design accessible solutions.
- Supplier and Partner Standards Include non-discrimination and inclusion clauses in contracts and assess partner capacity during due diligence.
Reporting, Redress, and Accountability
- Reporting Channels Concerns about discrimination or exclusion should be reported through CADEF’s Feedback & Complaints channels and, where appropriate, the Whistleblower Protection procedures.
- Investigation and Response Allegations will be investigated impartially and confidentially; corrective actions and remedies will be proportionate to the findings.
- Remedies and Support Provide reasonable remedies to affected individuals, including apologies, reinstatement of access, adjustments to services, and referrals to support services.
- Governance Oversight The Board receives periodic reports on inclusion performance; the Executive Management Team ensures policy implementation and resource allocation.
Monitoring, Learning, and Review
- Indicators: Track participation, satisfaction, and outcome indicators disaggregated by key characteristics to identify gaps.
- Learning: Conduct regular reviews, integrate beneficiary feedback, and document lessons to improve inclusive practice.
- Policy Review: Review this policy at least every two years or sooner when needed and publish updates on the CADEF website.
Related Policies and Contacts
Read this policy with the Code of Conduct, Child Protection & Safeguarding, Privacy & Data Protection, and Feedback & Complaints policies.
For questions or to raise concerns about non-discrimination or inclusion, email integrity@cadef.org.
Last updated: October 2025.