Journalists, Influencers & Youth Leaders trained to drive HIV and Gender Equality Awareness

A three-day training for journalists, media influencers, and representatives of youth-led organizations concluded September 26^th, 2025 in Musanze district, where participants acquired more knowledge to spread advocacy on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and HIV prevention, gender equality and challenging harmful stereotypes.

The training for 28 participants was conducted by the Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV-RRP+, the Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre (RWAMREC), in partnership with UNFPA-Rwanda and UNAIDS-Rwanda.

Participants expressed appreciation for the practical knowledge gained.  Gilbert Mahame, is one of them who said, “This training added me knowledge to approach sensitive issues while reporting on HIV and Gender, with responsibility and balance. I feel empowered to continue creating content that challenges stereotypes and stigma.

Beyond reporting skills, participants engaged in interactive sessions on Rwanda’s newly enacted health law (Law No. 026/2025 of 17/09/2025), reflecting on how the reforms can support a stronger, safer, and more consistent healthcare system.

A key provision of this law ensures that adolescents from the age of 15 can access health services without the need for parental consent. This progressive step reflects Rwanda’s commitment to building a safer, more consistent, and effective health system that leaves no one behind. Participants were called upon, especially media professionals, to play a central role in raising awareness and educating the public about the provisions of the law, ensuring that adolescents, families, and communities are well-informed about their rights and services available.

Naomi Mugaragu Irakoze, another participant expressed that through the same training, she learnt more about rightful terminologies which do not stigmatize people living with HIV, when used by journalists and adopted by the community.

“It was also an opportunity to get enlightened on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and any form of on-line promoted stigma, and my role as a journalist to advocate for the offended,”, said Mugaragu Irakoze,

Speaking at the closing session, Dr Deo Mutambuka highlighted the critical role of the media and youth leaders in shaping public perceptions and contributing to a healthier and more inclusive society.

“When journalists and influencers adopt a transformative approach on HIV/SRHR and GBV issues, they not only inform but also challenge norms that hold back progress in health and fairness,”, said Dr Mutambuka.

Through this training, participants are positioned to contribute to the creation of model media messages that advance gender equality and HIV prevention, foster stronger collaboration among journalists, influencers, and youth-led organizations, for sustained advocacy, and expand the availability of youth-friendly, gender-transformative content, across local and digital platforms.