Kokoodzi
What does Kokoodzi mean?
Our name is the fusion of two Ghanaian dialects, Kokoo in Twi and Dzi in Ewe. Both of which translate to Red.
Red-red is its literal meaning. If you're familiar with Ghanaian cuisine, you'll probably see the reference to the famous dish.
However, beyond this little nod to local culture, the name has been carefully chosen.
Rich in meaning, Kokoodzi embodies life, the strength of empowerment, the right to health for all, and love, cement of a healthy relationship.
Kokoo: symbol of Life
Red being the colour of blood, represents life itself. In the case of Kokoodzi, the blood specifically refers to menstruations, a powerful symbol of women's sexual and reproductive health.
A healthy menstruating woman is a proud one,
capable of giving life if she wants to.
Dzi: women Empowerment
Red stands for strength, power, and energy. The color reflects Kokoodzi's mission to empower the women. We trust that by taking control of their SRH, women are better equipped to take control of their lives. We are convinced that providing women the knowledge to make informed choices about their body is the first step to autonomy.
Red for Health
Red, a primary colour that forms the base for countless others, symbolizes the essential foundation good health provides for a prosperous life. We believe access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information is a fundamental right for every Ghanaian woman.
Rouge: symbol of Love
Red is the colour of love. In a country where gender inequality is omnipresent, it’s essential to raise our voices to reduce violence against women. Red serves as a reminder of the importance of a healthy and consensual relationship. We want to spread the message that sexuality is an act of union, love, and consent.
Kokoodzi's journey begins among vibrant communities in the Volta Region and is currently taking shape into the bustling streets of Accra.
Each step of the journey is nourished by the vision to transform the narrative and behaviours around women's sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in Ghana.
While implementing a contraception project dedicated to reducing teenage pregnancies in the Volta Region, our founder realized that talking about menstruations could serve as a strategic starting point to open dialogues about contraception, and by extension, wider SRH issues.
This insight laid the foundation of Kokoodzi:. by addressing menstrual health, we can pave the way for broader spectrum of SRH education and empowerment, one period at a time.
From the Volta region to Accra and beyond, the rest of our journey will build itself, step by step, through the communities we serve, the stories we hear, the challenges we face and the lives we touch.
We contribute to a brighter future where menstrual equity empowers women and girls to navigate the full landscape of SRH with dignity and strength.
OUR VALUES
EMPOWERMENT
We foster an environment where each woman can confidently make informed choices about her body and life. We encourage women to recognize and use their voice to advocate for their sexual and reproductive health rights.
SUSTAINABILITY
We produce eco-friendly menstrual products and create lasting social changes. We address immediate needs while working towards long-term solutions that enhance the health and well-being of women, ensuring our programs benefit future generations.
EDUCATION
We provide accessible, culturally sensitive information that respects individual experiences.
We equip women with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed choices, challenge societal norms, and create positive change in their communities.
UNITY
We build strong, collaborative relationships that extends beyond individual efforts. We embrace diverse perspectives, working closely with communities and partners, and promote solidarity.
Unity is key to create permanent, impactful changes.
EQUITY
We ensure fair access to opportunities, resources, and rights, particularly in the sexual and reproductive health area.
Equity is about a world where every woman, regardless of her background, has the ability to thrive and make empowered decisions.
INDIVIDUAL RESPECT
We celebrate individual differences by recognizing that experiences, especially those related to sexual and reproductive health, are unique. This ensures our approach goes beyond a one-size-fits-all solution and fosters respect for each woman's journey.