Young Women Lead Dialogue on Safe Health Services at IWD 2026 in Tamale

Young women in Tamale are stepping forward to shape the future of health services in their communities. As part of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) commemorations, the Young Urban Women’s Movement (YUWM) – Tamale Chapter, with the support of ActionAid Ghana, convened a multi-stakeholder dialogue under the global theme “Give to Gain: Investing in Safety, Dignity and Justice for Women and Girls.”

The engagement brought together representatives from the Ghana Health Service, District Health Directors, youth groups, media practitioners, and health professionals from ten health facilities where Adolescent Friendly Health Corners (AFHC) assessments were conducted. The dialogue created an evidence-based platform for young women and stakeholders to review assessment findings, validate community perspectives, and critically examine the state of adolescent-friendly health services in the Tamale Metropolis.

Adolescents and young people constitute a significant share of Ghana’s population, with national data indicating that young people aged 10–24 make up nearly one-third of the country’s population. Yet many adolescents—particularly girls—continue to face barriers in accessing confidential, stigma-free, and youth-responsive sexual and reproductive health services. According to health sector reports, teenage pregnancy remains a persistent challenge in Ghana, with thousands of cases recorded annually, particularly in underserved and rural communities. Limited access to accurate information, social stigma, and gaps in youth-friendly services continue to undermine the health, education, and future opportunities of many girls.

It is within this context that the Young Urban Women’s Movement, supported by ActionAid Ghana, is amplifying the voices of young women to influence public systems and strengthen accountability within health services.

During the dialogue, participants discussed key findings from the Adolescent Friendly Health Corners (AFHC)(AFHC) assessments across the ten facilities, identifying areas for improvement such as ensuring privacy and confidentiality within health facilities, strengthening the capacity of health workers to provide adolescent-friendly services, and increasing community awareness about the availability of youth-centered health services.

For ActionAid Ghana, the engagement reflects a long-standing commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), promoting youth leadership, and strengthening gender-responsive public services. Through partnerships with grassroots movements such as YUWM, the organization continues to create platforms where young women can generate evidence, engage duty bearers, and influence policies and service delivery systems that affect their lives.

As part of its broader interventions, ActionAid Ghana has supported the development and dissemination of the ABCs of Reproductive Health booklet, a youth-friendly educational resource designed to equip adolescents and young people with accurate, accessible, and practical information on sexual and reproductive health and rights. The booklet is used in community engagements, schools, and youth dialogues to empower young people, especially girls with knowledge that enables them to make informed decisions about their health, safety, and wellbeing.

The organization also continues to support community sensitization programmes, youth leadership initiatives, and advocacy engagements with health authorities to ensure that health services respond to the real needs of young women and girls.

The IWD dialogue concluded with renewed commitments from health authorities, youth leaders, and community actors to strengthen adolescent-friendly health services across the Tamale Metropolis. Stakeholders pledged to deepen collaboration, enhance service delivery standards, and expand safe spaces that promote the wellbeing and dignity of young people.

Ultimately, the engagement reinforced a powerful message: when young women are empowered with knowledge, voice, and leadership opportunities, they become catalysts for transforming public systems.

Through sustained collaboration between youth movements, health institutions, and civil society organizations, communities in Tamale are steadily moving closer to a future where every girl and young woman can access safe, respectful, and quality healthcare—free from stigma, discrimination, and barriers.