Kigali: CSOs in health sector trained on Communication model about SRHR

By The Inspirer Writer.

Members of non-governmental organizations working on health were given capacity building training on information sharing about their advocacy on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).

The training that was organized Ihorere Munyarwanda Organization (IMRO-Rwanda), took place in Kigali on March 21, 2023. It was conducted in partnership with other organizations under the consortium, including Strive Foundation Rwanda, GLIHD, Medical Doctors for Choice, Rwanda NGO’s Forum on AIDS and Health Promotion, and Health Development Initiative (HDI) with the support of Amplify Change fund.

Mr. Aimable Mwananawe, National Coordinator of IMRO-Rwanda said that their aim was to ensure that other organizations increase knowledge about sharing information on sexual reproductive health.

“In this regard, we have invited experts to train CSOs on how to improve communication regarding reproductive health in the organizations they work in, and to establish measures related to the provision of this knowledge and information.”

“We have been contributing to reproductive health education, but we also want to share our experiences to see how other CSOs are already communicating about reproductive health, to make sure they are trained, because sometimes you have information and knowledge, but you don’t know how to convey it to people.” Mwananawe said.

Giving an example of the problem of teenage pregnancy, Christopher Sengoga, Human Rights Officer at Health Development Initiative (HDI) indicated that there is a need for joint efforts between the government and civil society to ensure effective education of SRHR.

“There are still issues that require government and CSOs collaboration in education and campaigning. For example, the problem of teenage pregnancy the districts countrywide. if we put our efforts together, we can reduce these problems and change mindset of these teenagers in terms of reporting abuses and seeking advocacy from various concerned institutions,” Sengoga said.

Mathieu Bavukiriki from ADI organization who participated in this training said that it was very important towards booting their knowledge and to learn various techniques of information sharing with other colleagues. He said that there is still a misconception in the community that talking about reproductive health is considered offensive or a ‘tabou’ in some places.

“It is important to talk about it, to look at the problems early and do what is possible to reduce them, every person, whether youth or parents know what they should do so that everyone can learn about issues around sexual reproductive health and rights, because the consequences often reach to many people.” He said.

These CSOs indicate that there is still a gap in information conveying about SRHR such as access to treatment and medication.

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