The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has lauded civil society organisation Konfidants for its impactful research on women’s reproductive health challenges in the workplace.

The Konfidants study, which surveyed women across diverse workplaces in Ghana, revealed that 80% of working women experience reproductive health challenges, with pregnancy-related complications and severe menstrual pain ranking as the most common.

According to the UNFPA, the findings are "highly policy-relevant" and offer a strong foundation to influence national conversations and workplace reforms aimed at protecting and supporting women's health.

Speaking to JoyNews, Konfidants Managing Partner Michael Kottoh emphasised the significance of the research.

"This is data-driven evidence that demands urgent attention. It provides the platform to push for more responsive workplace policies that reflect the real health experiences of women," Kottoh said.

Policy Adviser to the Vice President, Dr. Miriam Rahinatu Iddrisu, disclosed to JoyNews that the government is working on introducing breastfeeding-friendly policies and other supportive initiatives for working women.

She further announced plans to establish a Women’s Equity Committee to drive the implementation of the long-anticipated Affirmative Action Bill.

In an official commendation letter titled “UNFPA COMMENDS KONFIDANTS FOR POLICY-RELEVANT RESEARCH ON WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE,” the UN agency praised Konfidants for producing crucial, evidence-based findings that bring visibility to a critical yet often overlooked issue.

UNFPA’s commendation signals strong international recognition of Konfidants' role in advancing gender-responsive health policies in Ghana. The organization has pledged its support for further stakeholder engagements and advocacy initiatives based on the study’s findings.

This renewed momentum highlights the growing consensus that workplace health policies must evolve to address the real needs of women — paving the way for more inclusive, equitable, and healthier work environments across the country.

Below is a summary of the report by Konfidant.