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Portrait · Province of Namur
Sarahléna
One of only two girls in her science class and bullied at school, she rebuilt herself. At 18, she approaches Miss Namur with three causes.
Text The info-shooting editorial team
Photos Sarahléna Manise · Miss Belgium
Based on the article published by info-lux.com in August 2026
At 18, Sarahléna Manise approaches the Miss Namur pageant with a clear idea of what she wants to do with it. An official candidate wearing number MN02, the nursing student champions three causes.
Gender stereotypes, support for women in danger, young people’s mental health: two of these causes come straight from her own experience.
Two girls in the class
At secondary school, Sarahléna follows an advanced science track. She encounters gender inequality there very early on.
There were only two girls in the class. Most of the boys thought women didn’t have the same intellectual abilities and should stick to office work.
Sarahléna Manise, August 2026
To the idea that women should stick to “gentle” or less physical tasks, she opposes a firm belief: it all comes down to motivation and perseverance. Her ambition is to support and guide young women towards science courses.
Standing with women in danger
Deeply affected by the rise in domestic violence, she wants to use the Miss Belgique platform to take action. She hopes to meet the grassroots associations that protect battered women, to share their experiences and help women speak out.
She also wants to mobilise support for victims who need urgent help, and to campaign for new bills and protection measures to take these women out of danger.
Hitting rock bottom, then climbing back
Her most personal fight concerns self-esteem. A victim of severe bullying at school, she went through eating disorders and suicidal thoughts.
Rebuilding my self-confidence and looking after my mental health was a long journey, but I got there.
Sarahléna Manise, August 2026
She now wants to go into schools and meet young people, to help them out of that ordeal. Her message comes down to two ideas: life is precious, and it is never too late to fight.
Everything passes in the end. Behind the rain, there's always the sun.
Sarahléna Manise, August 2026
Need to talk? In Belgium, the Centre de prévention du suicide answers free of charge on 0800 32 123, 24 hours a day. For domestic violence, the Écoute Violences Conjugales helpline can be reached on 0800 30 030.
On the road to Miss Namur
She has chosen to turn her wounds into a strength. Cheerful, sociable and a good listener, she hopes to share her warmth and positivity through the pageant.
The Miss Namur pageant takes place on 19 September 2026, during the provincial heats of Miss Belgique 2027 held in La Panne, on the Belgian coast. That evening the Miss Namur crown goes to Julia.
Sarahléna’s gallery
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2026 · Miss Namur contestant
Model profile: Sarahléna Manise on info-shooting. To propose a photo shoot or casting, write to the editorial team, who will pass it on.
On info-lux.com (in French): her portrait as a Miss Namur 2027 contestant (August 2026).
Source: profile published by info-lux.com on 18 August 2026. Each photo is credited in its caption.
