A midterm evaluation of the ongoing Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) project in the Upper East Region has revealed transformative impacts on adolescent empowerment, health awareness, and cultural attitudes toward sexual and reproductive rights.
Implemented in Builsa North, Kassena-Nankana Municipalities, Kassena-Nankana West, and Bongo districts, the five-year initiative (2021–2026), led by Right to Play and partners including WaterAid Ghana, FAWE-Ghana, and FHI 360, is breaking barriers around sexuality education through youth-focused, gender-sensitive interventions.
The findings, shared at a dissemination forum in Navrongo, showcased major strides in increasing access to accurate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information for both in- and out-of-school adolescents. Adolescents—especially girls—reported greater confidence in advocating for their rights, initiating dialogue with caregivers, and making informed decisions.
Professor Duah Dwomoh, the lead evaluator, noted a rise in active participation of young people, particularly girls, in SRHR advocacy, highlighting the project’s role in nurturing leadership and dismantling long-standing taboos.
“I know my rights and can speak up now,” one participant boldly stated, reflecting the project’s role in boosting self-worth and resilience.
Beyond classroom learning, the SHARE project’s inclusion of life skills training, such as reusable menstrual pad-making and relationship negotiation, has cultivated practical tools for adolescent well-being and safety. Community health workers, teachers, and peer leaders have also been trained to maintain SRHR engagement beyond the project’s direct scope.
Perhaps most remarkably, the project has catalyzed a noticeable shift in community attitudes. More caregivers are now attending SRHR forums, a sign of growing openness in discussing topics that were once socially forbidden.
Despite progress, stakeholders emphasized the need for sustained investment and broader community involvement to maintain momentum. Ms. Rita Abamah, Bongo District Girl Child Officer, stressed that beyond promoting abstinence, it is vital to equip adolescents with knowledge about contraception—particularly condom use—to combat unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
Right to Play Programme Director, Mr. Evans Sinkari, confirmed that the feedback will inform the project’s next phase, ensuring that the gains made so far are deepened and expanded across the participating districts.
