What is SHE Rises?
Sexual Health Education (SHE) Rises is a sexual health empowerment initiative that centers Black women’s voices, lived experiences, and reproductive autonomy. Grounded in the belief that Black women are experts in their own lives, SHE Rises centers their voices, experiences, and knowledge as the foundation for meaningful change.
SHE Rises responds to a public health crisis
At its core, SHE Rises responds to a pressing public health crisis. Black women experience disproportionately high rates of sexually transmitted infections, reproductive health challenges, and sexual violence outcomes shaped not only by individual choices, but by structural inequalities, stigma, and inequitable healthcare systems. Rather than treating these issues in isolation, SHE Rises takes a holistic view of sexual health, recognizing it as a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being.
SHE Rises uses a community-based approach
SHE Rises is both an evidence based educational tool and a movement. The project begins by engaging Black women in conversations about their needs, experiences, and barriers to care. These insights directly shape culturally tailored programming, including educational sessions and immersive interventions that build knowledge, confidence, and autonomy. Participants gain tools to navigate healthcare systems, communicate effectively with partners and providers, and make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
What makes SHE Rises unique
SHE Rises unique is unique because of its commitment to empowerment and healing. Through collective spaces rooted in sisterhood, creativity, and cultural affirmation, participants are supported in processing experiences such as sexual trauma, challenging harmful stereotypes, and reclaiming agency over their sexual and reproductive lives.
Ultimately, SHE Rises is about more than education, it is about transformation. By bridging research, community, and practice, it creates pathways for Black women to move from constraint to empowerment, and from silence to voice.
How can you partner with us?
Community Needs Assessment: Drs. Lewis and Wade are available to collaborate on community-based needs assessments or provide training for institutions interested in conducting their own in culturally affirming and responsive ways.
Support the Work: If you’re interested in advancing the empowerment of young Black women, you can support SHE Rises through grants or charitable contributions. For more information, please contact CJ Jones at cmjones10@uncg.edu.
Train-the-Trainer Opportunities: For organizations seeking to implement their own sexual violence prevention programming, we offer training for social workers, community health workers, public health professionals, counselors, and other stakeholders. We also provide guidance on adapting the SHE Rises model for diverse populations.
Host a Presentation: Drs. Wade and Lewis are available for keynote addresses, workshops, and customized presentations tailored to your organization’s needs.
