On 15th November 2024, AfriYAN Rwanda, through the FP2030 Partnership Fund, launched a series of workshops aimed at equipping young people, including those with disabilities, with knowledge and tools to influence national budget processes. The workshops emphasized the importance of reflecting the real needs of adolescents and youth in budget allocation, particularly regarding commitments to increase domestic funding for family planning. Representatives from Medical Doctors for Choice (MDFC) were among the participants, engaging in discussions on how to drive inclusive and sustainable changes in family planning funding in Rwanda.
The workshops were designed to achieve the following: Equip young leaders, including youth with disabilities, with the skills to understand and influence national budget processes. Advocate for increased domestic funding for family planning to meet the needs of adolescents and youth. Foster collaboration among youth-led and PWD-led organizations to create a unified approach to family planning advocacy. Develop a strategic framework and youth engagement guide to ensure inclusive participation in budget planning processes.
Key Takeaways
Knowledge Transfer: Participants gained insights into national budget processes and the tools required to influence them effectively. Commitment to Inclusion: A special focus was placed on ensuring that the voices of young people with disabilities are included in family planning discussions. Strategic Framework: Session 03 enabled youth-led and PWD-led organizations to collaboratively create a strategic framework and
engagement guide for inclusive advocacy. Advocacy Goals: The workshops emphasized holding stakeholders accountable for fulfilling family planning commitments, and ensuring alignment with FP2030 objectives.
Youth Leadership: Young leaders were encouraged to actively participate in policy-making processes to drive meaningful changes in family planning initiatives.
Recommendations
Sustained Capacity-Building: Continuously train and support young leaders to ensure their sustained participation in national budget processes.
Inclusive Representation: Ensure that youth with disabilities are not only included but also lead specific aspects of family planning advocacy.
Collaborative Platforms: Establish regular platforms for youth-led and PWD-led organizations to share progress, challenges, and strategies.
Government Engagement: Strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders and government agencies to ensure commitments to increased domestic funding are met.
Monitoring and Accountability: Develop mechanisms to track progress and hold decisions. The event underscored the importance of youth leadership in shaping sustainable and
inclusive family planning policies. MDFC is committed to applying these insights to strengthen
collaborative efforts and promote equitable access to family planning services in Rwanda.
