Empowering women through education and research
FEMME Initiative works across four interconnected areas: Education, Research, Arts Advocacy, and Mentorship.
Through these programmes, we create opportunities for girls and women to continue their education, generate evidence on important health issues, use creative expression for advocacy and dialogue, and access mentorship for personal and professional development.
Advocate for Formal Female Education
FEMME Initiative empowers girls and young women whose education may be disrupted by financial hardship, violence, displacement, or other difficult life circumstances.
Through our education programmes, we provide practical support that helps young women remain in school, continue their studies, and build pathways toward greater independence.
SHE IS Scholarship Project
Since 2023, the SHE IS Scholarship Project is supporting young women to continue their education through financial and educational assistance.
The project currently supports two cohorts of sexually abused survivors in collaboration with Grace Gift Foundation and Belie Health Foundation. Beneficiaries receive support toward school fees, GCE examination fee, learning materials, and other essential academic needs throughout their education.
Participants may also access the FEMME Initiative Mentorship Programme for additional guidance in education, career development, personal growth, and future planning.
Our goal is simple: to ensure that difficult circumstances do not determine whether a young woman can continue her education.
Our Partners
The SHE IS Scholarship Project is implemented in collaboration with local organisations that help identify beneficiaries, support follow-up, and strengthen continuity of care and educational support.
Grace Gift Foundation (Northwest Region, Cameroon)
Belie Health Foundation (Southwest Region, Cameroon)
Research
FEMME Initiative conducts and supports research that addresses health challenges affecting women and communities, particularly in settings where evidence is limited.
Our research aims to generate practical evidence, strengthen understanding of women’s health needs, and contribute to better programmes, policies, and healthcare decisions.
Our Research Focus
- Women’s and reproductive health
- Infectious diseases
- Neglected disease, people and systems
- Health inequalities and access to care
- Community and implementation research
- Health data and evidence generation
Current Research
1. Uterine Fibroid Research
Uterine fibroids affect millions of women, yet important gaps remain in our understanding of their diagnosis, treatment, complications, quality of life, and long-term management, particularly in African settings.
FEMME Initiative is conducting research to examine how the diagnosis and management of uterine fibroids have evolved over time, including medical and surgical treatments, treatment outcomes and complications, psychological support, and quality of life.
The findings will help identify gaps in existing evidence and areas where further research and improved care are needed.
2. SHE CONNECTS Project
Advocating for better integration of AI tools for sexual health education in rural communities (currently under development)
Arts advocacy: Her Canvas, Her Story
FEMME Initiative uses art and creative expression as tools for storytelling, reflection, healing, and advocacy.
Through writing, books, painting, and other forms of creative expression, we create spaces where women can tell their stories, explore difficult experiences, and use creativity to raise awareness about issues affecting women and their communities.
Scriptorium
Scriptorium creates a space for women and young people to explore their experiences through writing. Participants are encouraged to develop and share stories, reflections, poetry, and other written works that give voice to experiences that are often difficult to express.
Books
We use books and storytelling to open conversations around women’s experiences, health, violence, resilience, identity, and personal growth.
Our books may also serve as tools for dialogue, education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Painting
Through painting and visual art, FEMME Initiative encourages creative expression as a way of communicating experiences, emotions, and social issues that may be difficult to express in words.
Our paintings and creative projects are also used to raise awareness and stimulate conversations around issues affecting women and communities.
FEMME Initiative Mentorship
FEMME Initiative connects girls and young women with mentors, practical guidance, and opportunities to help them navigate education, careers, research, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Our Mentorship Areas
- Education & Career Direction
Guidance on education, training, scholarships, career choices, and professional opportunities. - Leadership & Personal Development
Support in communication, confidence, decision-making, responsibility, and leadership. - Research & Academic Development
Mentorship in research, postgraduate development, scientific writing, and academic growth. - Entrepreneurship & Opportunity Creation
Supporting young women to develop ideas, explore entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for themselves and others. - Professional & Peer Mentorship
Connecting participants with professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and peers who can share experience and guidance.