Welcome to solange rising star

Join Our Mission to Create Change and End Sexual Violence.

Our Vision

We envision a world free from rape, where every individual embraces a culture of consent, respect, and mutual empowerment

“At Solange Rising Star, we aim to transform attitudes and behaviors toward survivors of sexual violence by empowering them to become leaders and agents of change through art, advocacy, community outreach, and economic empowerment.”

Our Philosophy

At Solange Rising Star, we are driven by the belief in the transformative power of education, healing, and advocacy. We are committed to empowering survivors of sexual violence by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to reclaim their lives and become resilient, active contributors to their communities. Our approach is holistic, focusing on emotional, psychological, and social healing through targeted training, community support, and self-expression.

What we do

Advocacy

1. Advocacy, & economic empowerment in community engagement: We collaborate with other NGOs to provide safe spaces for survivors to heal, offering counseling, peer support, and empowerment programs. Our advocacy efforts focus on raising awareness, educating communities, and pushing for legal reforms to protect survivors’ rights 0ct0ber 2023 Click to Read more...

2. Creative Expression: We use music, films, poetry, and other art forms to help survivors express their stories, foster resilience, and advocate for social change. Through our creative platforms, we amplify their voices and build a network of solidarity. august 2022

.3. Education and Training: We run workshops, school clubs, and community outreach programs to educate the public on sexual violence, consent, and gender equality. By equipping survivors and communities with knowledge and skills, we empower them to take action and become change-makers in their own lives and communities march 2024

Emergence (School Clubs): Empowered Youth Through education and peer support, we empower young people to prevent sexual violence. Our school clubs teach self-defense and raise awareness, ensuring the next generation knows how to protect themselves and support each other. August 2023

A vibrant and engaging snapshot capturing a capacity-building training session organized by RADA Bamenda in 2023. The image depicts SRS founder and other participants actively involved in discussions and collaborative activities, emphasizing learning about peacebuilding strategies and fostering their roles as changemakers in Cameroon.

we create small women groups at Solange Rising Star, providing the gentle breeze that whispers encouragement. Our programs give survivors the tools to heal, to break free from their cocoon of pain, and to rise stronger than ever before.December 2023

our flagship project

Through Kacherkatan, our flagship project, we aim to tackle the deep-rooted cultural and structural issues that enable sexual violence, particularly in rural communities and war affected regions of Cameroon. The project is built around education, community engagement, and advocacy, focusing on prevention, protection, and economic empowerment. By combining support systems like survivor shelters, trauma counseling, and leadership training, we work to break the cycle of silence and impunity surrounding sexual violence. ________________________________________ _______________________________

1.Chrysalis of Healing (Prison Outreach): Healing and Reform Through Arts The Chrysalis represents both rape victims and prisoners seeking reform. Victims of rape, before they become survivors, and remorseful offenders take part in arts and music workshops. These activities help them heal, express their emotions, and learn about justice and advocacy. Many inmates, after their release, use their newfound strength and skills to advocate for change and inspire others in their communities.

2 Bloom (Community Engagement) We run community workshops, training local leaders, law enforcement, and organizations to better understand and combat sexual violence. This ensures survivors are supported by their community, not silenced by it.

3. Wings (Economic Empowerment): Rise Above Survivors are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives through vocational training and income-generating projects. Whether it’s through farming or crafting, they gain the financial independence needed to rise above their past.

4 Flight (Talent Show Competition): Break the Silence Survivors use their talents in music, dance, poetry, and theater to share their stories and spread awareness about sexual violence. This gives them a platform to turn their pain into strength while encouraging others to speak out.

kacherkatan & Stories of Strength

"Kacherkatan, meaning butterfly in the Bayangi language of Manyu Division, South West Region of Cameroon, is the name of Solange Rising Star’s flagship project. It symbolizes the transformation survivors of sexual violence undergo, much like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. The project is designed to empower survivors, helping them break free from trauma and rebuild their lives with strength and dignity.
Jerci’s Story: From Silence to Justice Jerci was just a young girl when her life was shattered by abuse at the hands of her own uncle. Terrified that no one would believe her, and afraid of being ostracized by her community, she remained silent. She feared she would have no place to go and that her future—especially marriage prospects—would be ruined if her story came out. But everything changed when she found the courage to reach out to a helpline. She was immediately welcomed into a safe space, provided with psychosocial support, and empowered with knowledge about advocacy. Today, Jerci is a lawyer fiercely advocating against abuse. Her uncle, along with others like him, has been brought to justice, and Jerci continues to fight for the rights of survivors, ensuring they receive the justice and support they deserve. ________________________________________
."James' Journey: From Survivor to Advocate James, like many male survivors, once believed he was alone. In his rural community, conversations about male sexual violence were nonexistent, leaving him isolated and ashamed. For years, he carried his trauma in silence, not knowing where to turn for help. That changed when he joined our workshops at Solange Rising Star. Surrounded by fellow survivors, James found a safe space to heal. Through leadership training and advocacy programs, he discovered his voice and the importance of addressing the stigma around male survivors. Today, James is an advocate, traveling to rural communities to raise awareness about male sexual violence. He works to break the silence, empowering men to share their stories and seek justice. His journey from survivor to advocate reflects the transformative power of community and survivor-led empowerment.