ABOUT FEMME INITIATIVE
Fostering Education, Mental Health, Medical Research, and Empowerment (FEMME) Initiative is a non-profit, non-denominational, and fully inclusive association committed to improving the health, wellbeing, and life opportunities of women and communities in Cameroon. We operate without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, colour, birth, or political affiliation.
Rooted in compassion and guided by research, FEMME Initiative supports survivors of sexual violence, promotes mental wellbeing, advances reproductive health research, and empowers young women through mentorship and leadership development. Our work centers on those most vulnerable—especially individuals living in armed conflict settings—ensuring that healing, education, and opportunity are within reach.
Our Vision
FEMME Initiative envisions a society where young people, especially women, are informed, empowered, and able to explore career opportunities in research, mental health, and leadership. We imagine a future where women lead with purpose, thrive in all aspects of life, and inspire positive change in their communities. Through education and research-driven programs, we work to create opportunities that help them unlock their potential.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower women and communities through education, mental health interventions, mentorship, and medical research. We combine formal education, community-based action, and culturally responsive therapeutic approaches to enhance reproductive and mental health outcomes. FEMME Initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of women and equip communities with the tools and knowledge needed to promote collective wellbeing.
Our Main Objectives
- Support the formal education of survivors of sexual abuse.
- Promote awareness on reproductive health and mental health within communities.
- Conduct and translate research in reproductive and mental health to address urgent public health needs.
- Provide trauma-informed mental health support and introduce culturally grounded therapeutic approaches to healing.
- Foster mentorship, leadership skills, and capacity-building initiatives to empower women as agents of community transformation.
- Build sustainable partnerships with communities, institutions, and governments to expand the impact of women’s empowerment.
OUR WORK
Education: SHE IS Scholarship Program
Our SHE IS scholarship award supports survivors of sexual abuse—particularly those affected by armed conflict—by promoting formal education as a pathway to healing and restoration. The scholarship covers tuition, examination fees, classroom materials, and essential learning supplies.
(Add link to scholarship page here.)
This program is made possible through strong collaborations with NGOs working directly in conflict-affected communities.
Mental Health Support
FEMME Initiative conducts research to generate evidence-based insights into community mental health challenges. Our interventions raise awareness, offer practical guides for promoting mental wellbeing, and introduce innovative therapy methods—including storytelling, art, writing, and photovoice—to support emotional healing.
(Add link to mental health page here.)
These culturally sensitive approaches help individuals navigate trauma while strengthening community resilience.
Medical Research
Through focused research on reproductive and mental health, FEMME Initiative provides scientifically grounded information to communities, policymakers, and the general public. Our work addresses neglected and emerging reproductive health issues and aims to influence both national and global health policy.
(Add link to research page here.)
Our findings support better project design, promote evidence-based policymaking, and enhance community and institutional engagement in reproductive health research.
Empowerment & Mentorship
We offer voluntary mentorship opportunities dedicated to young women exploring academic, leadership, and professional growth. Our mentorship program includes:
- Mentor–mentee matching
- Career and research guidance
- Access to job, fellowship, and grant opportunities
- One-on-one coaching
- Capacity-building workshops on leadership and personal development
(Add link to mentorship page here — include a button to apply.)
Through mentorship, we nurture the next generation of women leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
OUR PROJECTS
The SHE IS Project
The SHE IS Project uses a comprehensive five-arm intervention model to support survivors of sexual violence. It aims to facilitate healing, restore dignity, and contribute to research and advocacy on sexual violence.
Integrated Support Components
- SHE IS Scholarship – Covers tuition, textbooks, and learning materials.
- Psychological Counseling – Delivered by trained mental health professionals with expertise in trauma, rape, and sexual violence recovery.
- Computer Literacy & Entrepreneurial Skills Training – Introduced in the third year to enhance digital literacy and economic readiness.
- Closed Support Group Sessions – Safe spaces for survivors to share experiences and build coping strategies.
- Five-Year Personal Development Plan Training – Helps participants envision their future, set goals, and design actionable growth plans.
These interventions work together to strengthen resilience, promote recovery, and support survivors in rebuilding their lives.
Reproductive Health Research Program
Systematic Review on Uterine Fibroids in Africa
Uterine fibroids—often referred to as “the child of the barren”—are common benign growths affecting many women. While some women experience no symptoms, others face severe pain, heavy bleeding, and long-term reproductive challenges that affect their quality of life.
This research project explores the epidemiology, management, and psychological impacts of uterine fibroids across Africa. The findings aim to guide the design of community programs, raise awareness, and influence health policies addressing neglected reproductive health conditions.
OUR PARTNERS
- Grace Gift Foundation (add website if available)
- Belie Health Foundation: beliehealthfoundation.org
- CLEAR Radiology: clearradiologybuea.com
Together, we collaborate to strengthen research, expand outreach, and increase the impact of our empowerment and health initiatives.
Empowering Journeys: Voices of Women We Support
Discover how FEMME Initiative educates, mentors, and champions women’s health and leadership at every step.
A Community United for Women’s Empowerment
This story reveals how FEMME Initiative’s culturally responsive methods have enhanced women’s wellbeing and leadership opportunities.
Advancing Women’s Health and Leadership Together
See how collaborative research and mentorship at FEMME Initiative foster lasting impact and holistic support for women.
