Supporting menstrual dignity in Afadjato South
From January to June 2026, Reach for Her: Menstrual Health and Dignity brought menstrual health education and practical support to communities in Afadjato South District, Volta Region, Ghana. Implemented by SMART Youth Connekt (SMART Hub), with support from the Youth Challenge Fund Phase 4, the project promoted menstrual health management and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Building knowledge and confidence
Through school-based education, Reach for Her improved adolescents’ knowledge of menstrual hygiene and SRHR. Alongside practical support, these activities helped girls manage their periods with greater confidence.
Community dialogues strengthened support for menstrual health discussions and helped address menstrual stigma. By involving both females and males, the initiative brought these conversations to a wider group of community members.
Three communities, three Dignity Banks
The project combined sanitary pad distribution with the establishment of three Dignity Banks:
- Liati Teikrom
- Nyagbo Odumase
- Nyagbo Gagbafe
These activities improved access to sanitary products and complemented the project’s education and community engagement, supporting girls in managing menstruation with dignity.
Reaching beyond the target
Reach for Her reached 395 people, including 214 females and 181 males. Against an initial target of 250 participants, the project reached 145 more people than planned, exceeding its target by 58%.
This reach extended menstrual health and SRHR education, practical support, and community dialogue to more participants than originally anticipated.
Connecting community experience with programme assessment
Alongside its community activities, Reach for Her included an assessment of the Government Free Sanitary Pad Programme. Together, the assessment and community engagement contributed to raising awareness, addressing menstrual stigma, and promoting a more supportive environment for menstrual dignity and adolescent well-being.
Through education, access to sanitary products, and stronger community support, Reach for Her helped adolescents build knowledge and confidence around menstrual health.