IMatter Project
Duration: 2020 – 2022
Background
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remained a persistent challenge in Ghana, particularly affecting adolescent girls and women in underserved districts. Limited access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services exacerbated vulnerabilities. In Nkwanta North and Krachie East Districts, cultural barriers and inadequate support systems often prevented survivors from seeking help or accessing justice.
Strategy
The initiative took a three-pronged approach to combat SGBV and improve SRHR access.
Key Metrics
1. First, it established the SHE+ Helpline to provide confidential counselling, medical services, and SGBV support with referrals to legal and social services.
2. Second, it ran community “Ready Steady” discussions to educate women and girls about their rights while challenging harmful norms.
3. Third, it trained health workers, teachers and volunteers to deliver youth-friendly services and support survivors.
This comprehensive model addressed both immediate needs and long-term systemic change by combining service delivery with education and capacity building.
Key Highlights
1. Provided 1,773 adolescents and adults with comprehensive support through the SHE+ Helpline
2. Significantly enhanced SRHR understanding among participants through 150+ “Ready Steady” sessions
3. 85 service providers trained (health workers, teachers, volunteers, etc.) in youth-friendly approaches
4. Established efficient pathways to DOVVSU and Social Welfare for 320+ SGBV cases
5. Documented increased SRHR discussions and reduced stigma in target communities
6. Created peer educator networks to maintain SRHR conversations post-project
The initiative successfully combined immediate support services with long-term behavior change strategies, demonstrating measurable improvements in both service access and community attitudes toward SRHR and SGBV issues.