Empower Rwanda, a Women-led Non-Governmental Organization kicked off a campaign against teenage pregnancy on February 26, 2025 at the University of Rwanda, Nyagatare Campus.
The event brought together university students, local authorities, health professionals, and community leaders in a shared effort to tackle teenage pregnancy in the region.
Teenage pregnancy remains a significant issue in Nyagatare, where many young people face limited access to essential sexual and reproductive health education and services. Cultural norms, economic hardships, and inadequate community support contribute to high rates of teenage pregnancies. Empower Rwanda is committed to changing this by raising awareness, providing education, and empowering youth to take control of their health and future.
The campaign launch sought to address these challenges by educating young people about preventing teenage pregnancy and providing them with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
During the event, there were presentations, discussions, and resource-sharing sessions aimed at promoting the importance of sexual education and reproductive health for young people. Students were encouraged to get involved in spreading knowledge, leading discussions, and supporting one another in their communities.
Sarah Mukantaganda, a Gender and Inclusion Specialist from Empower Rwanda, expressed deep gratitude to the University of Rwanda, Nyagatare Campus, and local authorities for their support. She emphasized the crucial role that youth can play in spreading awareness and fostering change. “Together, we can create a future where every young person is informed, supported, and empowered to make healthy decisions,” Sarah said.
Gatsinzi Francais, a well-known expert in sexual and reproductive health, also addressed the gathering. He underscored the importance of open, honest conversations about sexual health within families, schools, and communities.
He pointed out that many young people struggle due to a lack of guidance, and often feel uncomfortable discussing these issues with parents or other trusted adults. “We need to create safe spaces for dialogue where youth can ask questions, seek advice, and get the information they need,” Gatsinzi stressed.
One of the most touching moments of the event was when a young woman, referred to as ‘Uwihoreye’ for her safety, bravely shared her personal story. She told the audience how she became pregnant after being sexually abused, which forced her to drop out of school and changed her life forever.
“I was too young to handle this responsibility,” she shared. “It stopped me from continuing my education and led to poverty and isolation. But after hearing the discussions today, I feel stronger and more confident in making different choices moving forward.”
Empower Rwanda’s campaign is all about ensuring young people have the knowledge, support, and resources to make healthier decisions and reduce teenage pregnancies.
This event was just the beginning of a larger movement that will continue to raise awareness, challenge harmful social norms, and build sustainable solutions in the community.
The campaign also aligns with national efforts to combat teenage pregnancy, ensuring that young people have access to education and healthcare services that help them understand their sexual and reproductive rights.
Empower Rwanda’s work is supported by local and national authorities and aims to create an environment where young people can thrive and make informed decisions about their future.
The campaign will continue to focus on fostering partnerships among local governments, health organizations, schools, and community groups. By working together, they aim to create lasting change that empowers youth to lead healthier, more informed lives.
