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A Milestone for Reproductive Health Rights
On July 9, 2025, the Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA-Ghana) launched five newly established social safe spaces in Tamale, aimed at protecting the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) of vulnerable groups such as women, girls, and persons with disabilities. This initiative, supported by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), forms part of the implementation of the KASA project. The safe spaces are designed to provide an empowering environment where individuals can access the support they need to address reproductive health challenges.
Creating Safe Spaces for Healing and Empowerment
The launch event, held under the theme “Creating Safe Spaces for Healing, Growth and Development,” saw participation from various partner organisations, including the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Golden Inspire Foundation (GIF-Ghana), and Tiyumba Hope Foundation. Together, they shared their experiences and called for sustainable practices to ensure the longevity of the initiative.
Strategic Locations for Accessibility
The five newly inaugurated safe spaces are strategically located to ensure maximum accessibility for vulnerable groups across Northern Ghana. These facilities are hosted at the Total Life Enhancement Centre in Tamale (TOLECGH), Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Choggu Health Centre, Bilpeila Health Centre, and one at Walewale in the West Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region.
These safe spaces complement existing centres, ensuring broader access to reproductive health information and services for those who need it most.
A Vision for Gender Equity and Dignity
Hajia Alima Sagito Saeed, Executive Director of SWIDA-Ghana, spoke passionately about the creation of these spaces. She highlighted the growing need for community-based support systems that protect human dignity and promote gender equity. “We envision a Northern Ghana where no one is left behind, especially women and girls who are often victims of marginalisation,” she said.
These safe spaces are not just physical structures; they are platforms for healing, empowerment, and advocacy, specifically designed to support survivors of gender-based violence and vulnerable groups. Staffed with trained social workers and counsellors, these centres ensure both accessibility and confidentiality for victims.
Support for Gender-Based Violence Survivors
Hajia Saeed urged victims of gender-based violence to take full advantage of the initiative. These centres provide a safe, supportive environment to access reproductive health services and wellness. The initiative emphasises the importance of safeguarding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background or status in society.
Alignment with National Development Goals
Mr. Adam Azabre Abugbila, the PPAG Project Coordinator for Northern Zone, expressed strong support for the initiative. He noted that it aligns seamlessly with Ghana’s national development agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
“These interventions demonstrate the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration in tackling entrenched inequalities and building resilience among vulnerable groups,” Abugbila said, emphasising the importance of collective action in addressing these critical issues.
The Urgency of Support for Persons with Disabilities
Mrs. Shahadu Nima Abubakar, Northern Regional President of the Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), expressed her gratitude to SWIDA-Ghana for its unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable groups. She raised concerns about the abuse that many persons with disabilities face, including sexual violence and exploitation.
“Persons with disabilities often suffer in silence, without any form of support system,” Mrs. Abubakar said. She called for the establishment of separate safe spaces for persons with disabilities to prevent stigma and ensure they receive the care and attention they deserve.
A Broad Social Inclusion Strategy
This initiative is part of a larger social inclusion strategy in Northern Ghana, targeting districts where access to protection and support services is limited. As the region continues to battle issues such as poverty, early marriage, sexual and gender-based violence, and exclusion, these safe spaces are seen as crucial lifelines for thousands of individuals seeking better lives.
Conclusion: A Lifeline for Vulnerable Groups
The inauguration of these safe spaces represents a significant step forward in Northern Ghana’s efforts to protect and empower vulnerable groups. As more people gain access to critical reproductive health resources, the hope is that these spaces will become pillars of healing, growth, and development in the region.
