• Jun 29, 2020
• Admin
• 24

THE ROLE OF MEN AND WOMEN IN PREVENTING TEENAGE PREGNANCY

Introduction.

Supported by MenEngage Rwanda, Benimpuhwe Organization in reference to the 16 days of activism theme (2019), organized a workshop training aimed at improving the understanding and acknowledge towards elimination of GBV (Gender Based Violence) in the Rwandan community and more especially in Nyarugenge district/Nyamirambo sector. Special emphasis was put on preventing teenage pregnancy.

The workshop training main objectives were :

1.Inform the audience about teenage pregnancy recorded cases (figures), underlying causes and subsequent consequences ;

2.Raise awareness on preventing teenage pregnancy ;

3.Raise awareness on how to respond to a teenage pregnancy case

Workshop training :

1.Audience

The audience was mostly composed of “Intore ziri ku rugerero”, local population who had gathered to collect mosquito nets and local authorities at cell level.

The main purpose to chose Intore ziri ku rugerero is that they are influential and leaders of other youth. They hold a very strategic position in that once trained and informed about GBV prevention information is easily transmitted to their peers. Many of them were youth. Others were parents having children who are also likely to either face this problem or cause it.

2.Content of the workshop training

To carry out this activity, Benimpuhwe invited a specialist to facilitate discussions ; Mr. Evariste Murwanashyaka current Program Manager at CLADHO. He is also a Child’s rights Focal Person in CLADHO and National Child Rights Observer..

Below are the key points discussed :

 Figures of teenage pregnancy cases countrywide ;
 Underlying causes and socio-economic consequences of GBV and teenage pregnancy cases ;
 Existing measures undertaken by the Rwanda Government to prevent child abuse & teenage pregnancy and mitigation strategies to cope with post abuse shock.

3.Q&A session

Discussions were interactive giving space to the youth to ask questions, give their insights, and propose preventive measures. The session was also to allow Intore know their role as spearhead of positive change in the community.

Interventions from the audience can be summed up as follows :

 Parents should find enough time to educate their children about the very basic rwandan values and information on SRHR ;
 Enhanced anti-GBV sensitization (campaigns) among primary and secondary schools ;
 Formation of anti-GBV clubs (teams) at cells level to discuss about this issue

4.Conclusion

Based on discussions held , we can conclude that the workshop training attained its intended objectives. Through the interactive discussion, the audience knew about to the alarming figures of teenage pregnancy cases, underlying causes & consequences, they knew GBV prevention strategies, were told about their rights and how to handle a GBV case. The attendees also decided to be the messengers to other youth.
5.Recommendations
 Youth suggested that there should be anti GBV trained teams (clubs) in their respective villages & primary and secondary schools to hold interactive anti- GBV discussions regularly ;
 Local authorities recommended that such discussions should be held on a quarterly basis and spread the message through existing platforms for a continuous awareness raising.