Enabling environment for accessing SRHR services and information among Adolescents in Rwanda
Adolescents and young girls in Rwanda face significant barriers in accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services due to social norms, stigma, and limited access to affordable menstrual products, leading to high rates of school absenteeism. Despite government initiatives like the “girl’s safe room” and waiving VAT on menstrual products, access remains constrained by high costs and a lack of national guidelines. IMRO aims to address these challenges by expanding access to SRHR information and services through education, awareness, and evidence-based advocacy. By promoting open discussions, providing education, and advocating for systemic changes, we seek to empower adolescents to claim their rights, increase awareness, improve access to affordable menstrual products, reduce stigma, and drive policy change, ultimately improving SRHR outcomes for girls and women in Rwanda.
Our Goal
This project aims to improve access to SRHR information and services, reduce menstrual hygiene management challenges, and empower adolescents to make informed decisions and take charge of their reproductive health.
Our Interventions
This project has different initiatives to contribute towards this goal and they include;
- Conduct Studies and assessments to identify gaps and generate recommendations to bridge those gaps through evidence-based advocacy.
- Creating Safe spaces for adolescents to learn about SRHR and how to advocate for themselves.
- Dialogue sessions with the private sector federation and pharmaceutical companies to devise innovative solutions to increase access to affordable and safe menstrual products, such as promoting reusable sanitary products and improving distribution channels.
- Campaigning with different stakeholders, including media professionals and youth and women-led organisations advocating for adolescents’ access to SRH information and services.
- National dialogue platform to discuss the issue of teenage pregnancy and access to contraceptives among adolescents in Rwanda.