The BUÉ FIXE association recently concluded its cycle of educational workshops on health for young people in São Tomé and Principe. The project, titled "Workshops on Prevention and Health for the Empowerment of Women, Youth, and Girls," ended on September 29, 2026, at the National Library of São Tomé and Principe. The initiative aimed to promote access to comprehensive health information, particularly in areas marked by taboos, misinformation, fear, and silence.
The project was implemented in response to the need for promoting access to information on integral health, particularly in areas such as mental health, menstrual health, and cervical cancer prevention. Through an educational and community-based approach, the project created safe spaces for dialogue, sharing experiences, and learning, encouraging informed and responsible attitudes towards health. The workshops were attended by 122 participants, including women, young people, girls, and boys from different districts of the country.
The project consisted of three thematic workshops held in different locations, aiming to bring information closer to communities and involve participants from various age groups and social contexts. The first workshop, "The Clothesline of Emotions," focused on the mental health of young people and girls, providing a space for emotional expression, listening, and reflection on the importance of recognizing and understanding emotions.
The second workshop, "The Map of My Cycle," addressed menstrual health, promoting knowledge about the menstrual cycle, self-care, and the deconstruction of myths and prejudices that hinder open and informed conversations about menstruation. The third and final workshop, held on September 29, 2026, focused on cervical cancer prevention through the activity "Myth and Prevention."
The final workshop aimed to demystify the disease, clarify doubts, combat incorrect information, and sensitize participants to the importance of prevention, vaccination against HPV, screening, and follow-up by health services, according to the guidelines of health professionals. Although the initiative prioritized women and girls, the participation of boys was also considered important, reinforcing the need to involve the entire community in promoting health.
The project was supported by the Portuguese NGO OIKOS, financed by the European Union and the Camões Institute of Cooperation and Portuguese Language. The initiative not only transmitted information but also created opportunities for participants to learn, share, question, and make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.
The continuity of actions of this nature represents an important step towards breaking silences, combating misinformation, and promoting healthier, more participatory, and empowered communities. The project's impact is expected to be long-lasting, contributing to a more informed and conscious society in São Tomé and Principe.
Key points
- The BUÉ FIXE association reached 122 participants from across São Tomé and Principe through its educational workshops on health for young people.
- The project addressed taboo areas such as mental health, menstrual health, and cervical cancer prevention.
- The initiative was supported by the Portuguese NGO OIKOS, financed by the European Union and the Camões Institute of Cooperation and Portuguese Language.
