Whistleblowing Policy

This policy enables anyone to report serious wrongdoing within Women's Light Foundation without fear of retaliation. It covers matters too serious, or too sensitive, to raise through ordinary channels — particularly where those channels involve the people concerned.

• Fraud, theft, bribery or misuse of the Foundation's funds or assets.
• Sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment.
• Harm or risk of harm to a child or a programme participant.
• Falsification of records, beneficiary lists, receipts or programme data.
• Serious breach of our code of conduct or policies by any person, at any level.
• Deliberate concealment of any of the above.

Reports may be made to the President, or — where the concern involves the Bureau or the President — directly to the Board of Advisors, whose role includes independent oversight for precisely this reason. Reports may be made by email to contact@womenslight.org, by telephone, in writing to our office, or anonymously.

You are not required to have proof. A reasonable belief that wrongdoing has occurred, is occurring or is likely to occur is sufficient.

• Retaliation of any kind against a person who reports in good faith is gross misconduct.
• Your identity is disclosed only where necessary and, wherever possible, only with your consent.
• Protection applies even if the concern turns out to be mistaken, provided it was raised in good faith.
• Knowingly false reports made maliciously are a disciplinary matter, but an honest mistake is not.

Receipt is acknowledged within five working days where contact details are provided. The matter is assessed by a person independent of those involved. Where potential criminal conduct is identified, the Foundation may refer the matter to Cameroonian authorities, taking account of the wishes and safety of anyone affected. The outcome is communicated to the person who reported, so far as confidentiality and legal constraints permit.