ARA-W Fellow Post: A CGIU 2018 Experience

I represented Menarche-I, being a Co-founder and the Project Coordinator at the just ended 2018 Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) Conference at University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

Menarche-I is an initiative to sensitize Ghanaians on menstruation and its management and equip adolescent girls in rural areas in Ghana with the right and accurate information on menstrual hygiene management. Menarche- I will also train peer counselors in beneficiary schools. This is to address absenteeism and subsequent school drop-out which is associated with poor menstrual hygiene management among these girls. This project is to roll out in all regions in Ghana, starting with a pilot project at Efutu Municipality.

Menarche-I is co-founded by three Kufuor scholars, Norbert Agbemenu, University of Education, Winneba campus, Edem Kojo Doe, University of Education, Mampong campus and myself, Felicity Yeboah Dokyi, University of Ghana.

During the CGI U conference, i participated in the Resolution Project Social Venture Challenge where I pitched Menarche-I project. I was able to secure a seed funding of about $5,000 and technical support. I was also awarded with a life long Resolution Fellowship.

This conference also afforded me great exposure and the opportunity to meet other young leaders across the world and form meaningful partnerships for the successful implementation of Menarche-I as well as acquisition diverse and crucial ideas and knowledge.

I am very grateful to Clinton Global Initiative University and Resolution Project for this opportunity.