Navrongo: The implementation of the Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) project in some districts in the Upper East Region is making significant progress in promoting adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
According to Ghana News Agency, a midterm evaluation of the five-year project (2021-2026) in beneficiary districts revealed increased adolescents' access to accurate information on adolescent sexuality which is helping them to make informed decisions to avoid risky behaviour. These came to light during the dissemination of findings of the research in Navrongo.
The SHARE project is being implemented by a consortium led by Right to Play in partnership with WaterAid Ghana, Forum for African Women Educationalists Ghana (FAWE-Ghana) and FHI 360, with funding support from Global Affairs Canada. It is being rolled out in Builsa North and Kassena-Nankana Municipalities, Kassena-Nankana West and Bongo districts. The project targets in- and out-of-school adolescents across the four districts, with the goal of empowering youth through SRHR education, gender equality initiatives, and access to youth-friendly services.
Professor Duah Dwomoh, of the D and D Statistical Consulting Services Limited, the Consultant for the research, presented the findings and revealed increased active participation of adolescent girls and young women in SRHR advocacy and social action initiatives. He also highlighted growing confidence and leadership among young women. 'I know my rights and can speak up now,' said one adolescent girl during a focus group discussion. The discussion captured the transformative effect the project has had on self-confidence and empowerment.
The project's integration of life skills training, such as menstrual pad-making, and gender-sensitive programming has helped to reduce stigma, fostering supportive environments in both schools and health facilities, the findings added. The findings further revealed a positive trend in community participation, with more caregivers and stakeholders attending SRHR-focused forums, indicating growing acceptance and openness around adolescent reproductive health topics, which traditionally had been a taboo in many parts of Ghana.
Additionally, adolescents reported improved communication with parents on SRHR issues and demonstrated better negotiation skills in relationships, further contributing to their autonomy and safety. The findings also noted that the training of community health workers, teachers, and facility staff, as well as the establishment of peer-led youth clubs and advocacy networks, were already proving effective in sustaining SRHR engagement even beyond the project's direct intervention.
The findings of the research, however, recommended continued investment, community collaboration, and youth empowerment and inclusive campaigns to reduce stigma and to increase awareness to enhance the outcomes for lasting change. Mr Evans Sinkari, Programme Director, Right to Play, said the findings suggested significant progress of the project, with inputs and recommendations from stakeholders taken into consideration to strengthen implementation. Ms Rita Abamah, Bongo District Girl Child Officer, said apart from preaching abstinence, there was an urgent need for concerted efforts to ensure adolescents were abreast with the use of contraceptives, particularly condoms, to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.