Empowering Girl Students in Ghana

Building on the progress outlined in the previous report, the Empowering Girls project is entering its next implementation phase with a focus on the preparation for the commissioning of sanitary facilities for a cluster of schools in the Northern Region, scheduled for January 2026.

Limited access to safe, hygienic, and girl-friendly sanitation facilities remains a significant barrier to effective menstrual hygiene management and consistent school attendance for adolescent girls in this region. Addressing this gap is therefore a critical component of the project’s long-term strategy.

Current Status and Preparatory Activities

Preparatory activities are currently underway to ensure a smooth and sustainable commissioning process. Key actions include:

• Coordination with local education authorities, school administrations, and community leaders to confirm the participating school cluster.

• Technical and operational preparations of the sanitary facilities, with particular attention to gender-sensitive design and usability.

• Planning of the official commissioning process, including timelines, roles and responsibilities, and stakeholder engagement.

• Integration of hygiene education and sensitization activities to promote proper use, ownership, and long-term maintenance of the facilities.

Expected Outcomes

The commissioning of the sanitary facilities is expected to contribute to:

• Improved access to safe, clean, and girl-friendly sanitation facilities for students.

• Enhanced menstrual hygiene management within the school environment.

• Reduced absenteeism among girls related to menstruation.

• Increased awareness of hygiene, health, and gender equality within school communities.

Next Steps

In preparation for the January 2026 commissioning, the following steps will be prioritized:

• Finalization of all stakeholder consultations and logistical arrangements.

• Completion of administrative and technical readiness checks.

• Documentation of preparatory activities to support post-commissioning monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.

Outlook

The upcoming commissioning of sanitary facilities represents a key milestone for the Empowering Girls project and complements ongoing interventions in menstrual product distribution and sexual health education. By combining infrastructure development with education and continuous monitoring, the project aims to deliver sustainable, measurable improvements in the educational experiences and well-being of girls in the Northern Region.

Links:

• AFAWI Website