Musanze Men & Boys urged to be Champions of Change in Health & Rights Advocacy

Men’s Engagement in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), HIV Prevention, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention is seen as an inclusive approach that benefits individuals and strengthening community resilience. It further Improves their understanding and also helps reduce health disparities, thus enhancing wellbeing for all.

The Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV/RRP+ in partnership with AfriYAN Rwanda, a youth-led network, under the support of UNFPA Rwanda & UNAIDS Rwanda conducted a campaign in Musanze district, to engage men, boys & youth in general in HIV prevention, GBV reduction & awareness on Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights.

This campaign that attracted over 10,000 young people from primary and secondary schools through sports and safe discussions was held in the four sectors of Busogo, Kinigi and Musanze from October 21^st to 25^th, 2024.  This is under the project, “Transformative Engagement of Boys and Men in a Violence-Free HIV Response,” being implemented by RRP+ in partnership with UNAIDS Rwanda, AfriYAN_Rwanda & UNFPA Rwanda, aimed to address cross-cutting challenges of HIV, GBV & SRHR awareness.

Besides, the outreach aimed to engage different participants and establish strong collaboration with several stakeholders to promote messages on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights HIV prevention, and reduction of Gender-Based Violence in Musanze district. 

The Rwanda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (RPHIA 2018–2019) highlights a significant gap in HIV awareness among young people, with only 78% of boys aged 15-24 aware of their HIV statuses, compared to 83% of girls in the same age group. Among young adults aged 25-34, 88% of young men know their status, behind the 95% of young women.

Musanze, a bustling area & Rwanda’s secondary city after Kigali, has a faster growing population and as a hub of tourism and development, the town presents unique challenges and opportunities for HIV prevention and GBV reduction, especially among youth, which calls for intervention for the health and well-being of its youth population.

The vice Mayor of Musanze district in-charge of social affairs Theobald kayiranga urged the youth to strive for success as they also mind about healthier lives, free from HIV and conflict.

“This campaign is a wakeup call to reinforce the idea that making a change always starts with you,” stressed Kayiranga. “With a sense of collective responsibility, there is a greater hope of building a strong and friendly community, once you take prevention serious and act as role models.”

Education on HIV Prevention

One of the campaign’s goals is to raise awareness about SRHR, HIV prevention, and GBV among young men and boys through educational outreach programs and community events. Safe discussions & sports activities conducted at the three sites were not only teaching the basics of HIV prevention but also breaking down misconceptions that have long fueled stigma.

Transformation through Sports

Under Musanze’s cool and rainy weather, cheers and laughters filled the air. Students of all ages gathered for soccer matches and other sports like basketball, volleyball, handball and netball. The sports activities were no ordinary games but initiative, “Game Changers,” as young talented sports commentators selected from students kept passing on messages, inspiring spectators to stick to HIV prevention, take an active role to reduce Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and raising awareness on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR).

On the first day of the campaign GS Busigo II played GS Byangabo in men’s football, GS Busogo I against GS Rusanze in handball (girls), while GS Busogo I was facing GS Byangabo in Volleyball (boys).

Day 2 of the campaign in men’s football, GS Muhe played against GS Kampanga, while in basketball GS Tero played against GS Kampanga. GS Tero played against GS Kampanga in women basketball, as GS Bisate faced GS kampanga in men’s volleyball.

Another part of the campaign held in Musanze sector also featured sporting activities in football, basketball, volleyball & netball from competing schools; Ecole des Sciences de Musanze, GS Musanze 1, GS Cyabagarura , ETEFOP TVET school & Karisimbi Valley academy, followed by awarding winners.

Voices from the Community

Martin Nsengiyumva, a 17-year-old resident of Musanze sector, shared how the campaign influenced him: “I used to think these issues had nothing to do with me. Now, I feel a sense of responsibility. I want to be someone who educates others about HIV prevention and brings positive change, not harm through violence, to my family, friends and the entire community.”  said Nsengiyumva

Faustin Tuyizere, 32, another resident in Kinigi sector, a young father and local builder said, “This campaign has taught us that issues about HIV, GBV, and reproductive health are not just for women alone. We, as men, have an obligation to protect our families and communities, guided by knowledge and respect.”

Empowering Men and Boys to Be Leaders Against GBV

Different stakeholders from local authorities; Isange one stop center, Rwanda National Police Civil society organizations and youth ambassadors shared real-life stories and scenarios, encouraging students to consider how they would respond to situations of conflict. By fostering an environment where youth feel comfortable speaking up, the campaign helped young men and boys see themselves as part of the solution.

Voices from the Field

Blaise Ngabo 16, a passionate soccer player from Karisimbi valley academy pledged to take discussions about HIV and SRHR to the next level with friends, in support of health workers and other stakeholders.

“It is now clear and I see how important it is for us to know how to protect ourselves and people around us. I want to be the man my family and friends look up to because I have knowledge, not just skills exhibited on the field.” Said the young player.

Obed Araje, a long-time football Coach marked a shift among his young players since they didn’t not only play, but gained more knowledge on HIV prevention.  He added that the messages added to their previous calls to them about abstinence from pre-mature sex and desisting from conflict.  

“I realized that sports offer a platform to unite, inspire and educate. On various fields, it was learning-through-paly.  We didn’t just play games, but built awareness on HIV prevention and other issues. Every game was an opportunity to make positive change in our communities.”, said Araje.

Inspiration from Youth Ambassadors

RRP+ youth ambassadors were also integral to the campaign’s success. From sports to social media campaigns, youth ambassadors are popular influencers.  They used the opportunity to reach a wider audience and encouraged open dialogue among young men and boys about HIV, GBV, and SRHR.

“As young people, you need to make choices today that will shape a healthier tomorrow, so educate yourself about HIV prevention as you also empower your peers to make informed decisions. With that, you can as well create a future free from stigma and fear for young people living with HIV. ” Iradukunda advised fellow youth.

Youth ambassadors use creative approaches to engage their peers, through social media platforms spoken word events, and peer mentorship programs. Through these efforts, they have helped to reduce harmful stereotypes, encourage healthy relationships, and inspire youth be champions for change.

This campaign is an initiative to support young men and boys play a critical role in HIV prevention while advocating for safe practices and engaging in conversations about gender equality for reducing GBV and awareness on SRHR.