As we celebrate Women’s Day, we honor the tireless efforts of Marceline Hoyle, Director of the David Hoyle Foundation, who is dedicated to empowering women and girls in Cameroon. Established in memory of her late husband, David Hoyle, a renowned conservationist, the foundation focuses on education, agriculture, and conservation in Nguti Subdivision.
In this special edition, Hoyle disclosed that through partnerships with organizations like the Centre for Human Rights in Africa (CHRDA), the foundation has trained young IDPs in sewing and entrepreneurship, providing them with equipment and materials to start their own businesses.
She said over 25 girls have benefited from this initiative, and many have set up their own businesses.
Hoyle revealed that the foundation has also provided scholarships to vulnerable girls, paid salaries for PTA teachers, and supported education and health projects among the Baka people. “For there to be lasting empowerment for sustainable community development, there must be complementarity between men and women,” she says.
As a gender specialist and businesswoman, Hoyle is part of several women’s empowerment groups, including The Women Institute (WI) and GRAAD GLOBAL. She believes that removing cultural and traditional barriers and providing access to bank and credit union loans can greatly impact community development.
The David Hoyle Foundation is expanding its work, with plans to support local farmers with seeds and farming plants, and establish an office and staff in Cameroon. “We have big plans for 2026 in Nguti Subdivision, especially in education and agriculture,” Hoyle says.
Her role models are the hard-working women of Nguti, including Dr. Joyce Endeley, who inspired her career path. She urges young girls to be assertive, strong, and kind, and to pursue their dreams with determination and diligence.
The David Hoyle Foundation’s work is a testament to the power of women’s empowerment in transforming communities. As we celebrate Women’s Day, let’s recognize the efforts of women like Marceline Hoyle, who are making a difference in Cameroon.
By Olive Ejang
