Empowering Young Women with Knowledge
Maryem, a young girl from the Biougra community in the Chtouka-Aït Baha province, expressed her struggles with understanding the transformations occurring in her body, recalling, "I had many questions about the changes in my body, what is normal or concerning. But I often encountered silence or vague answers." This sentiment is echoed in many communities where societal norms create a barrier to open discussions about bodily changes. In such contexts, questioning one's own development can seem inappropriate, or even taboo. Fatima Zahra, who grew up in Akka, shared her experience of navigating these changes in silence, filled with uncertainty and a lack of reliable information. Despite recognizing her right to understand her body and knowing her questions were valid, the fear of judgment and stigma hindered her from seeking help. She recalled, "For years, I lived with my menstruation as a heavy secret, in an environment where it was often linked to silence, shame, and discomfort."
Many girls begin puberty without the essential knowledge required to comprehend the changes they experience. The stigma surrounding menstruation, coupled with limited access to trustworthy resources, leaves critical questions about menstrual health, sexual and reproductive health, and general well-being unanswered. To address this issue, the ASK MARWA chatbot was developed as a safe, free, and confidential digital space tailored for adolescents. This innovative tool enables young users to access reliable information on menstrual health and sexual and reproductive health while guiding them toward available services, such as sexual and reproductive healthcare and support for gender-based violence, all while respecting their rights, dignity, and privacy.
Transformative Impact of Digital Solutions
Initiated by Project SOAR in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, this initiative is part of the SAFEERA Project, supported by UNFPA in Morocco with backing from Global Affairs Canada. Maryem found herself connecting to the ASK MARWA chatbot, still troubled by lingering questions. However, after posing her inquiries, she received prompt and clear answers, leading to a transformative moment in her life. "It's not just a digital tool; it's a safe space I had never found elsewhere. For the first time, I received clear, non-judgmental answers in a language I understand," she said, expressing her newfound clarity. Thanks to this resource, Maryem gained a better understanding of the adolescent transformations, alleviating her fears and embarrassment.
Maryem firmly believes that knowledge is the first step toward freedom. "This tool has helped me protect myself and make informed decisions, free from fear," she affirmed. This digital intelligence goes beyond merely disseminating knowledge; it empowers young girls by enhancing their confidence and ability to make informed choices regarding their health and future. Reliable information thus acts as a shield against misinformation and a lever for resilience against limiting beliefs and misconceptions.
Fatima Zahra echoed Maryem's sentiments, stating, "The discovery of ASK MARWA changed everything. For the first time, I understood my body through simple and reliable explanations." The chatbot also aided her in deconstructing misconceptions that negatively impacted her health habits, particularly during menstruation. "I learned to differentiate between what is normal and what should raise concerns, allowing me to take care of myself in a healthy and safe manner," she explained. Today, Fatima Zahra, Maryem, and many other girls approach menstruation with a more informed and serene perspective. Access to reliable information has enabled them to better understand their bodies and dispel certain apprehensions, enhancing their autonomy, confidence, and capacity to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
This initiative marks a significant step towards empowerment and is a crucial lever for enhancing access to information and services, safeguarding the health and well-being of adolescent girls, and contributing to the prevention of early marriages. Its impact can sustainably influence the future prospects of young girls, their families, and their communities. As reported by unsdg.un.org.
This story, published on the occasion of the official launch of the ASK MARWA chatbot, is extracted from the fourth issue of the magazine “Resilience: When Girls Become Change Makers,” highlighting the impact of the SAFEERA Project implemented in Morocco with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Global Affairs Canada. For more information about the work of the United Nations in the country, please visit the United Nations website.
