In many societies, traditional gender norms have often placed the responsibility of reproductive health solely on women, neglecting the integral role men play in shaping and supporting these aspects of women's lives. In many families men control all the SRH decisions their partners make, including ones relating to family planning. Yet, it’s well understood that true progress in women's sexual and reproductive health and rights necessitates the active involvement of men. On this episode of the Curious Minds Podcast, we delve into the multifaceted ways in which men can contribute to fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to sexual and reproductive health and rights for women. --------------------- Host:  Mavis Naa Korley Aryee Panellist: John Amuzu and Dr. Michael Biney Music Interlude: “Be Like That” by Kelvyn Boy Producers: Michael Tetteh Doku, Joana Obeny, Hannatu Kobiah. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-minds-ghana/message

In 2020, the UN Women global database reported that lifetime physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence in Ghana for the year stands at 24 % and physical and sexual intimate partner violence in the last 12 months is 19%.  These statistics highlight the alarming cases of women and girls being abused and stripped of their rights, which in the long run affects their sexual reproductive health and rights. In view of this reality,  join the team on this episode as we discuss the impact of GBV on women's SRHR.  Host:  Mavis Naa Korley Aryee Panelist: Samuel Lamptey, Programs Manager of Act4Change Music Interlude: "Ava Wum Lo"  by  Stonebwoy  Producers:  Hannatu Kobiah, Joana Adjeley Obeney and Michael Tetteh Doku --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-minds-ghana/message

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities states that persons will have the right to accessible or affordable health care, including sexual and reproductive health and population-based public health programmes, as well as the right to access disability-specific health services. According to a news article published by Ghana News Agency, there is difficulty related to health professionals meeting the needs of persons living with disabilities in accessing sexual and reproductive health services, with affected women suffering miscarriages as a result of the wrong medications prescribed. These occurrences lead to this episode's discussion of the Curious Minds Podcast, delving into the access to reproductive health services by PWDs, the real concerns and how these can be resolved. Host: Mavis Naa Korley Aryee Guests: Samuel Arthur Boateng & Hannatu Kobiah Music Interlude: "Case" by Mr Drew feat. Mophty Producers: Joana Naa Adjeley Obeney and Michael Tetteh Doku ----- Connect with us: X: https://twitter.com/cmghana Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmghana/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/CuriousMindsGhana LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cmghana Website: https://www.cmghana.org --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-minds-ghana/message

It goes without saying that religious beliefs, practices, and institutions play significant roles in supporting or hindering young people’s access to SRHR information and services. Many religious communities carry deep-rooted stigmas and taboos surrounding topics like contraception, premarital sex, abortion, and even sexual rights.  In this episode of the Curious Minds podcast, we delve into the impact of these stigmas on young people’s decision-making, bodily autonomy, and overall well-being.  Host:  Mavis Naa Korley Aryee Guests:  Habiba Abdallah & Watara Yahaya Music Interlude: “Things Fall Apart” by Kofi KInaata Producers:  Ransford Owusu Ansah, Joana Naa Adjeley Obeney, Hannatu Kobiah. Editor: Prince Kwesi Bonney Connect with us: X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/cmghana Instagram: https://instagram.com/cmghana Facebook: https://facebook.com/CuriousMindsGhana LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cmghana --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-minds-ghana/message

In this episode, we dive into the intriguing world of adolescence with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Our guest, the founder of "My Teen Life," takes centre stage to share the journey and the inspiration behind creating a platform that empowers teens to navigate SRHR decisions. Join us as we unravel the Esenam's story, her experience as a teenager in Ghana, and the challenges encountered while grappling with SRHR choices. The conversation delves into the core themes that shaped "My Teen Life" into a transformative resource for Ghanaian adolescents. Host:  Mavis Naa Korley Aryee Guest:  Esenam Amuzu Music Interlude: "Come From Far" by Stonebwoy Producers:  Joana Naa Adjeley Obeney, Hannatu Kobiah & Michael Tetteh Doku. Editor: Prince Kwesi Bonney #CMPodcast #SRHR #Adolesence --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-minds-ghana/message

In Ghana, adolescent and teenage girls have the least power in decision-making concerning their sexuality; this is because they are still children under the care of an older person, and vulnerable to being taken advantage of. Adolescents are people from the ages of 10-19. At the same time, a child refers to a person below the age of eighteen years according to the Children's Act of Ghana’s constitution, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). With the legal age of consent set at sixteen, there is a dilemma regarding whether adolescents are truly capable of making informed decisions about their bodies; this brings us to the second episode of the Curious Minds Podcast, where we discuss whether adolescents should have control over their bodies or not. Host:  Mavis Naa Korley Aryee Guest:  Caesar Kogoziga Kaba Music Interlude: "Balance It" by D Jay Producers:  Joana Naa Adjeley Obeney, Hannatu Kobiah & Michael Tetteh Doku Editor: Prince Kwesi Bonney #TheCMPodcast #SRHR #Adolescent --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-minds-ghana/message

Licensed or Unlicensed Health Facilities: Which One Do Young People Prefer?  Reproductive health is a crucial aspect of young people's well-being, and their perspectives on where to access services can significantly impact their health outcomes.  Unlicensed health facilities operate outside regulatory oversight, raising concerns about the quality and safety of care provided. On the other hand, licensed health facilities adhere to established standards, ensuring competent healthcare professionals and appropriate resources. In a research conducted by Curious Minds in parts of the Central region of Ghana, findings showed that young people prefer seeking health care services such as reproductive health care in unlicensed health facilities due to its enclosed nature and non-judgmental services to them. Thus, they can freely patronise contraceptives and other health-related prescriptions needed. Is that the case in the lives of all young people in Ghana? On the first episode of the second season of the Curious Minds Podcast,  we delve into the topic of Licensed or Unlicensed Health Facilities: Which One Do Young People Prefer? Host:  Mavis Naa Korley Aryee Panellists: Dr Michael Biney (General Practitioner),  John Amuzu (AfriYAN Ghana) and Hannatu Kobiah (Curious Minds Ghana). Producers:  Joana Naa Adjeley Obeney, Hannatu Kobiah & Michael Tetteh Doku Signature Tune:  "The Curious Ring" by Roger Ebo Quansah Music Interlude:  " Why" by Adina  Executive Producer:  Mr.  Kingsley Obeng-Kyereh Editors: Prince Kwesi Bonney & Michael Tetteh Doku #CMPodcast #SRHR --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-minds-ghana/message

The Cambridge Dictionary defines “Volunteering” as offering  to do something that you do not have to do, often without having been asked to do it and/or without expecting payment. Everywhere, every day, people are volunteering to contribute to the projects and causes they are passionate about, and believe in. With the varying personal and collective benefits it comes with, how can we focus our efforts and leverage volunteerism as a tool to facilitate community development at all levels? On this episode of the Curious Minds Podcast, the team discussed Volunteering For Community Development. Host: Mavis Naa Korley Aryee Panelists: Aba Appiatewaa, Ransford Owusu-Ansah, Samuel Quaye, Prince Bonney. Producer - Michael Tetteh Doku Signature Tune: “The Curious Ring” by Roger Ebo Quansah Executive Producer - Kingsley Obeng-Kyereh Share your thoughts and comments with us via @cmghana on Instagram & Twitter, and Curious Minds-Ghana on Facebook. #CMGhana #TheCMPodcast #Volunteerism --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-minds-ghana/message

No matter their story or circumstance, all children have the right to be protected from violence, exploitation and abuse. Child protection systems help children access vital social services and fair justice systems – starting at birth. They reach out to the most vulnerable children, including those with disabilities; girls and boys who have been placed in alternative care; children uprooted by conflict, poverty and disaster; or those who may become victims of child labour or trafficking, or recruited into armed groups. Child protection systems prioritize children’s physical, mental, and psychosocial needs to safeguard their lives and futures. But ultimately, whose responsibility is it to ensure that children are protected? Is child protection even the sole responsibility of a specific stakeholder? On this episode of the Curious Minds Podcast, the team discussed Child Protection– Whose Responsibility Is It? Host: Mavis Naa Korley Aryee Panelists: Aba Appiatewaa, Ransford Owusu-Ansah, Samuel Quaye. Producer - Michael Tetteh Doku Signature Tune: “The Curious Ring” by Roger Ebo Quansah Executive Producer - Kingsley Obeng-Kyereh Share your thoughts and comments with us via @cmghana on Instagram & Twitter, and Curious Minds-Ghana on Facebook. #CMGhana #TheCMPodcast #ChildProtection --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-minds-ghana/message

Child labour is a significant problem in Ghana, affecting almost 2 million children. Of all children in Ghana aged 5 to 17 years, about 21% are involved in child labour and 14% are engaged in hazardous forms of labour. This is twice as common in rural areas. For poorer households, child labour is a negative coping mechanism and most of the children are involved in agriculture and fishing industries. On this episode of the Curious Minds Podcast, the team discussed Taking Action to End Child Labour. Host: Mavis Naa Korley Aryee Panelists: Aba Appiatewaa, Prince Bonney, Ransford Owusu-Ansah. Producer - Michael Tetteh Doku Signature Tune: “The Curious Ring” by Roger Ebo Quansah Executive Producer - Kingsley Obeng-Kyereh Share your thoughts and comments with us via @cmghana on Instagram & Twitter, and Curious Minds-Ghana on Facebook. #CMGhana #TheCMPodcast #ChildLabour #ForcedLabour --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-minds-ghana/message