Educated Women and Girls Grow Economies
Girls who receive an education (including sexual and reproductive health) are less likely to marry young or become pregnant unintentionally. Educated girls earn higher incomes, participate in decision-making more often, and build better futures for themselves and their families.
Girls’ education strengthens economies and reduces inequality. It contributes to more stable, resilient societies that allow all individuals – including boys and men – to fulfill their potential.
ACESWorld SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EDUCATION CHANGES LIVES
Before
SRHR Education
After
SRHR Education
Girls Always Have Questions
FIELD REPORT
A few young women we met in Colombia during a Pads4Learning project struggled with prolonged periods. The girls had asked the medical professional and older women in their community and were told their periods were normal.
It was great that girls with pressing questions were at school the day ACESWorld came to their community. These girls also frequently lacked access to pads, so it was often difficult for them to attend school.
It’s common for girls to be shy and reluctant to ask questions. We always encourage them to ask all the questions they have, and we answer them without judgment.
The girls in Colombia were glad to learn that it’s not normal to have a prolonged period, and they didn’t have to continue to deal with this problem without relevant information and support. We gave them reusable pads, and through our reproductive health curriculum, they were able to understand how their bodies work and why prolonged periods may signal a problem.
Male Allies Matter
Health does not come from direct services alone – larger social and community factors impact individual health. We work within communities to transform harmful power and gender dynamics to create an environment that makes healthy behavior possible for everyone and increases women's agency to make healthcare choices.
Boy with period calendar