Despite progressive laws and policies that protect human rights, sexual and gender minorities in Rwanda continue to face unique legal challenges and are often excluded from full participation in society. While gaining attention on the global agenda, they report being discriminated against, stigmatized, harassed and blackmailed. In response to these ongoing issues, Medical Doctors for Choice (MDFC) was invited to participate in a dialogue on the rights of the sexual minorities community, held on July 30th, 2024. The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Health Development Initiative (HDI) and the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), to reflect on evidence-based advocacy and the importance of a unified voice to drive meaningful outcomes for the community.
A significant focus of the dialogue was on capacity strengthening through an outcome harvesting session. This practical exercise guided participants on how to effectively gather and evaluate outcomes in their advocacy work and other projects. The session helped to equip attendees with the tools needed to assess the impact of their interventions and adjust their strategies accordingly.
On August 1st, the conversation shifted to the importance of strategic stakeholder mapping and engagement. Participants emphasized that regularly updating stakeholder maps is essential for maintaining effective communication, fostering support, and ensuring continued collaboration. Stakeholder analysis should be an iterative process, revisited and updated throughout a project’s lifecycle to reflect changes in stakeholder roles and emerging partners. Without these updates, projects risk becoming irrelevant as involvement levels shift or new stakeholders emerge.
The two-day dialogue underscored the need for ongoing, adaptive strategies to effectively advocate for sexual and gender minorities in Rwanda. By keeping stakeholder engagement strategies up to date, organizations can respond more effectively to evolving needs and foster stronger collaborations, ultimately advancing the rights and inclusion of sexual and gender minorities in the country.