On June 4th, Medical Doctors for Choice (MDFC) Rwanda proudly participated in the 2nd Billi Now Now Youth Summit in Kampala, Uganda, centered around the theme, “Brave and Coordinated Youth Action in Advancing Agenda 2063.” Organized by Planned Parenthood Global and hosted by Reach a Hand Uganda, this summit brought together youth leaders from across Africa to co-create strategies for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) advocacy, all within the broader context of Africa’s future under Agenda 2063.
Day 1 set the stage by revisiting the Billi Now Now movement’s core mission, focusing on the empowerment of young people to make informed choices about their sexual health and rights. The discussions emphasized bridging gaps in education, healthcare, and opportunities for women and girls, crucial components of Agenda 2063’s vision for a prosperous Africa. This day offered a reflective space for young leaders to share experiences, challenges, and successes, promoting collaboration across community, national, and regional levels.
On Day 2, participants delved deeper into youth leadership in advocacy, with representatives from Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and other African nations exchanging insights on SRHR challenges in their respective countries. This session highlighted the importance of accountability in advocacy efforts and inspired the participants to actively follow up on commitments made towards achieving Agenda 2063. The day also featured a thought-provoking discussion on the link between climate change, health, and SRHR, led by Ugandan environmentalist Vanessa Nakate, who urged young leaders to leverage social media to address the climate crisis.
The summit concluded with the #Imarabrave Brave Girl’s tournament, which aimed to combat stereotypes in sports and promote confidence and school engagement among girls. MDFC Rwanda left the summit with renewed energy and a clear commitment to addressing teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortions in Rwanda through advocacy and digital health solutions. The Billi Now Now Youth Summit 2024 strengthened connections among African youth leaders, underscoring the role of young people in shaping Africa’s future, today.
