São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea — the smallest country in Africa and one of the closest places on Earth to the intersection of 0º latitude and 0º longitude.

In the coastal community of Santana, the local initiative Soma is empowering women and challenging gender inequality. Since 2020, Soma has been breaking stereotypes — showing that surfing isn’t just for boys, just as household duties aren’t only for girls.

Through a program built around four key pillars — surfing, academic support, psychology, and women’s empowerment — Soma creates opportunities for girls to build confidence and dream beyond traditional roles. The initiative is sustained by volunteers, educators, and the trust of the local families, community, who believe in a better future for their daughters.

We invite you to a time of growth, laughter, love, and the magic of a culturally rich island — where every shared wave carries a sense of unity and a better future.