To promote the development of women leaders by increasing access to education, furnishing menstrual products, and reducing the violence and stigma around female reproductive health. The Volta region recorded the second highest rate of teen pregnancies (13.7%) for adolescent girls aged 15-19 (Ghana Statistical Service). This high rate of teenage pregnancy among adolescent girls stems from an embedd
ed stigma around s*xual and reproductive health (SRH), which leads to a lack of SRH education and a lack of knowledge about teen pregnancy prevention and safe s*x practices. For young women living in rural regions, the barriers to their success are heightened. Due to these factors, Ene programs will be challenging to implement. However, a program of this scale is greatly needed in the region. Ene focuses in four areas: Sexual and Reproductive Health Education, Menstrual Hygiene and Sanitary Materials, Advocacy, and WASH facilities. Surveys conducted in 2018 and February 2021 revealed persistent gaps in knowledge regarding SRH, menstrual hygiene and access to WASH facilities at school. 46% of the young women surveyed had no knowledge of what a menstrual period was prior to them having their first period. Over 50% of young women only had access to pieces of cloth and toilet paper during their menstrual cycle. The results of the survey demonstrate a need for more targeted efforts for SRH education and an increase in access to menstrual hygiene products. Our research also found that disposable sanitary pads and tampons were a temporary fix to our problem of access, as the young women needed products that were reusable each month. To promote sustainable products, we have introduced washable pads and reusable menstrual cups that can be utilized for up to 3 and 10 years, respectively.
