Faith-based organizations unite to promote sexual and reproductive health among youth

By Prince Boris Cyubahiro

Kigali, February 25, 2025 – Faith-based organizations in Rwanda gathered for a workshop organized by IMRO Rwanda (Ihorere Munyarwanda Organisation) to discuss ways to improve access to sexual and reproductive health information and services for adolescents and youth.

The initiative aims to curb risky behaviors and prevent unplanned pregnancies, which remain pressing concerns among young people in Rwanda.

During the training, participants explored how various stakeholders, including parents and religious leaders, can collaborate effectively to address these issues. Rosine Izabayo, Program Manager at IMRO Rwanda, explained that faith-based organizations were specifically invited due to the deep trust many Rwandans place in religious leaders.

Given this influence, the goal is to equip faith leaders with the necessary knowledge to educate their followers, particularly the youth, on sexual and reproductive health while reinforcing values that promote responsible behavior.

Although many religious groups are already engaged in promoting youth well-being, the workshop sought to enhance their efforts by fostering a more comprehensive and informed approach to these discussions. Participants recognized the necessity of not only educating young people but also informing parents so they can guide their children effectively.

Tumupende Violate, a representative from the Rwanda Interfaith Council on Health (RICH), warmly welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the critical role faith-based organizations play in shaping societal norms.

Citing alarming statistics from the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), she revealed that in 2023, 51% of children under the age of 12 had engaged in sexual activities. She stressed that such concerning figures call for immediate action and collaboration between faith-based organizations and experts to provide accurate and effective education.

She further highlighted the importance of training parents, noting that early upbringing plays a significant role in shaping children’s decisions. She encouraged faith leaders to not only apply the knowledge gained in their communities but also to actively engage with families to ensure the information reaches both youth and parents.

Marceline Niyonshuti, a pastor from the Presbyterian Church and first moderator of Kigali Presbytery, acknowledged that while their church already incorporates such teachings into sermons, the workshop provided new insights into how modern societal behaviors are evolving. She emphasized the importance of continuous discussions among faith leaders to find effective solutions to guide the youth toward responsible choices.

Ibrahim Mujyenama, a member of the national youth committee of the Muslim community, echoed these sentiments, noting that young people often lack critical information about sexual and reproductive health. He emphasized that Islam inherently promotes good behavior and morality, and the training provided an opportunity to further enhance youth education within the community.

He highlighted existing forums within the Muslim community, such as gatherings for women, youth, and men, where different teachings, including sexual and reproductive health, are shared.

However, he acknowledged that some of the information disseminated in these spaces has not always been accurate. To address this, he committed to ensuring that future teachings are based on expert guidance, empowering parents and youth with reliable and well-informed perspectives.

The workshop marked a crucial step toward fostering dialogue between religious organizations and health experts, reinforcing the collective effort to build a healthier future for Rwanda’s youth. Moving forward, faith-based organizations are expected to integrate the knowledge gained into their existing programs, ensuring that both parents and young people receive the necessary guidance to make informed life choices.