RAWSA knows

RAWSA (Regional Advocacy for Women’s Sustainable Advancement) Alliance for Africa & Arab States

RAWSA knows

RAWSA Digital Health Access Initiative

Sohag Governorate, Egypt

EGY

Nonprofit

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RAWSA is addressing the urgent and widespread lack of access to accurate, confidential, and rights-based sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services across the MENA region. Women, girls, youth, and marginalized groups—especially in conflict-affected countries like Libya and Sudan—face structural and cultural barriers to SRHR, including stigma, restrictive laws, misinformation, and the collapse of public health systems. Globally, over 218 million women in low- and middle-income countries have an unmet need for modern contraception (Guttmacher Institute, 2023), leading to unsafe abortions, unplanned pregnancies, and preventable maternal deaths. In the Arab region, more than 40% of youth report inadequate access to SRHR education (UNFPA, 2022), with higher exclusion rates among refugees, internally displaced persons, and LGBTQ+ communities. In RAWSA’s target countries, services are not only inaccessible, but seeking SRHR support can be dangerous due to criminalization, social taboos, and gender-based violence. The problem is exacerbated by the absence of youth- and women-centered health platforms and digital literacy gaps. RAWSA’s digital solution responds to this critical need by offering a secure, inclusive, and culturally sensitive SRHR platform that overcomes physical, social, and legal barriers ensuring safe access to trused information and care.

RAWSA is addressing the widespread lack of access to accurate, confidential, and rights-based sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services among women, girls, and marginalized communities in the MENA region. Stigma, legal restrictions, cultural taboos, and limited youth-friendly services have created significant barriers to SRHR. According to UNFPA, more than 40% of young people in the Arab region lack access to essential SRHR education. In countries affected by conflict and displacement—like Libya and Sudan—access is even more restricted, with healthcare systems overwhelmed or non-functional. Globally, nearly 218 million women in low- and middle-income countries have an unmet need for modern contraception (Guttmacher Institute, 2023), contributing to unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal mortality. In the MENA region, legal and social barriers further limit access, especially for unmarried women and gender-diverse individuals. RAWSA’s digital solution scaling its “Rawsa Knows” app directly addresses these barriers by offering confidential, culturally sensitive, and accessible SRHR resources. This helps circumvent in-person stigma and expands reach in areas with poor health infrastructure, especially for youth and displaced populations. By tackling digital inequality, lack of SRHR education, and systemic discrimination, RAWSA aims to empower communities and bridge the health information gap.

RAWSA Knows application primarily serves women, girls, youth, and marginalized communities across the MENA region including refugees, internally displaced persons, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those living in rural or conflict-affected areas. These groups often face multiple barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including restrictive laws, cultural stigma, gender-based violence, limited mobility, and lack of confidentiality in healthcare systems. Currently, these populations are underserved due to poor access to accurate SRHR information, limited youth-friendly or gender-sensitive services, and fear of legal or social repercussions for seeking support. For example, unmarried women seeking contraception or survivors of sexual violence often cannot safely access care. RAWSA’s solution a confidential, multilingual digital platform (an expansion of the “Rawsa Knows” app) directly addresses these gaps by providing culturally appropriate, anonymous access to accurate SRHR information, virtual consultations, emergency resources, and referral networks. It empowers users with knowledge and support, enabling informed decisions about their bodies and rights. The impact will be life-changing: reduced stigma, increased access to safe services, improved reproductive autonomy, and better health outcomes, particularly for those who are otherwise excluded from mainstream health systems.