Women and Girls
Women and Girls Project
The Challenge Facing Girls in Ashanti
Many girls regularly miss school during their periods because they lack access to affordable, safe sanitary products. For some, this leads to dropping out of education entirely.
In vulnerable situations, some girls engage in transactional relationships, sometimes with older men posing as “boyfriends” or “guardians” offering financial support. Teenage pregnancy is very common with all the consequences for child and maternal morbidity and mortality.
Education around menstrual hygiene, family planning, sexual health and healthy relationships is very patchy in schools. The use of “charms” from the village healer for contraception is not uncommon. Despite being illegal in Ghana, some communities still practice Female Genital Mutilation and Early Marriage.
Rigidly defined gender roles – girls have chores, caring, marriage and children, boys have education, play and employment – are not uncommon leading to very low life expectations for girls and limited economic opportunities.
Our Response: Education, Dignity, and Support
We support a small team from the local Sekyere Central District Health Directorate and Education Departments. Together we provide education and practical resources to Junior High School teachers, students and their wider communities.
Recognising the need for broader cultural change, the teams include boys, parents and village elders in conversations about gender, health and support for young people.
Initially, we provided pre-made packs of reusable sanitary towels. We have since developed a version that can be made using locally sourced materials. With help from Kofi at Ashanti Development’s sewing school, these skills and materials are now being shared with girl child coordinators in each school.
Feedback from communities has been very positive. While it’s too early to show consistent evidence of reduction in teenage pregnancies, early marriage or improved school attendance, early signs are promising.
Help Protect our girls
Our goal is to create safe, informed communities where girls can stay in school, protect their health, and shape their future.
This kind of education and cultural change takes time. It requires repeat visits, trust building and long-term support to maintain momentum and build the necessary skills and understanding.
Your support helps us to
- Provide transport for our team to reach remote villages
- Offer educational support to teachers and girl-child coordinators
- Supply materials and training to help girls make their own reusable sanitary towels
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Registered in England and Wales.
21 Downing Court, London WC1N 1LX.
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