Girl Empowerment

The Problem

While access to sanitary products and information on menstruation is a basic right for women and girls around the world, in many countries there are huge barriers to Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM). For girls living in poverty, MHM education is essential in ensuring girls get the support they need during their periods and are able to ask questions about menstrual challenges. MHM education is a step towards removing shame from talking about periods for many girls in countries like Ghana. Menstruation is seen as taboo in many African countries therefore girls feel uncomfortable talking to family, peers and teachers, let alone attending school during their cycle. From our research, girls have told us about the stigma around menstruation. This excludes girls from learning about their own bodies and from opportunities to learn about hygiene and safe sanitary products.

Global Period Poverty and stigma around periods is getting worse, girls are struggling with a lack of access to basic information and services, according to a survey of health professionals in 30 countries by global children’s charity, Plan International:

• Restricted access to products through shortages or disrupted supply chains (reported by 73% of surveyed health professionals)
• Restricted access to facilities to change, clean and dispose of period products (68%)
• Lack of access to information and services (54%)
• Reduced access to clean water to manage periods (51%)

Where?

The Impact

Our young women and girls empowerment projects are more than a program; it’s a commitment to reshaping the narrative of these communities and fostering a future where every woman and girl has the tools to thrive. Village by Village is proud to be part of this journey of empowerment and positive transformation. These are just some of the impacts:

Educational Opportunities: Empowered girls have increased access to education, breaking barriers that perpetuate poverty.

Menstrual Health Education: Girls receive education and resources, ensuring they manage menstruation with dignity, and reducing absenteeism.

Economic Independence: Through skill-building initiatives, women become economically independent, contributing to their families and community.

Reduced Gender Disparities: The project actively addresses gender inequalities, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

Community Leadership: Women empowered through the project take on leadership roles, influencing positive change within their communities.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Training programs create opportunities for women to start businesses, fostering economic growth.

Breaking Stereotypes: The project challenges societal norms and stereotypes, paving the way for a more progressive and open-minded community.

The project was so successful we also crossed into the neighbouring country of Togo and ran the project in several remote rural villages in the Plateaux region.