Dr. Charity Binka, Executive Director of Women, Media and Change (WOMEC), has called for bold, sustained, and accountable action to safeguard the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and young people across Ghana and beyond.
Marking Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day 2026, Dr. Binka emphasized that the day must go beyond symbolic recognition and serve as a catalyst for urgent reforms in policy implementation, health financing, and public education.
According to her, persistent misinformation, deep-rooted cultural stigma, and unequal access to essential reproductive health services continue to threaten the health, dignity, and future of millions of women and girls.
“Sexual and reproductive health and rights are fundamental human rights. Access to accurate information and quality healthcare should never be negotiated,” she stressed.
Persistent Gaps in Access and Equity
Despite global, regional, and national commitments to advancing reproductive health, Dr. Binka noted that significant gaps remain in access to comprehensive services. These challenges, she explained, contribute to preventable maternal health complications, unsafe reproductive practices, rising cases of sexually transmitted infections, and long-term social and economic consequences.
She highlighted that adolescent girls and young women remain particularly vulnerable due to limited access to youth-friendly services, stigma surrounding reproductive health discussions, and inadequate comprehensive sexuality education.
“Health systems must be strengthened to provide accessible, affordable, confidential, and stigma-free services,” she said. “Young people deserve safe spaces where they can seek information and care without fear.”
Call for Increased Investment and Systemic Reform.
WOMEC is urging governments and duty bearers to move beyond policy rhetoric and demonstrate measurable commitment through increased domestic investment in reproductive health services.
Dr. Binka called for:
Expanded funding for maternal and reproductive healthcare,
Early detection and regular screening for cervical cancer, Improved diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis and other under-recognized reproductive conditions, Enhanced prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections, and Strengthened comprehensive sexuality education in schools.
She stressed that conditions such as cervical cancer and endometriosis remain underdiagnosed and undertreated due to limited awareness, insufficient screening programs, and gaps in specialized care.
“Education must translate into policy reform, adequate budgetary allocations, improved service delivery, and measurable outcomes,” she added.
The Critical Role of the Media.
Dr. Binka underscored the powerful role of the media in shaping public discourse and influencing policy action. She challenged media institutions to move beyond episodic coverage of reproductive health issues and instead sustain national conversations grounded in evidence and human rights principles.
“Responsible and evidence-based reporting is essential to dismantle harmful myths, break the silence surrounding reproductive health, and hold policymakers accountable,” she noted.
She warned that misinformation and neglect continue to shape public attitudes, often reinforcing stigma and discouraging women and girls from seeking the care they need.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
On this year’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day.
WOMEC is calling on policymakers, healthcare professionals, educators, civil society organizations, and media practitioners to act with urgency, courage, and accountability.
Dr. Binka stressed that incremental progress is no longer sufficient in addressing the challenges confronting women’s health.
“We must accelerate collective action to ensure that every woman and girl can make informed choices about her body, access quality healthcare without discrimination, and live in dignity,” she stated.
As Ghana continues to work toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health, gender equality, and reduced inequalities, stakeholders say sustained commitment and collaborative efforts will be critical in ensuring that sexual and reproductive health services are accessible to all — especially the most vulnerable.
By Gabriel Asempa.
