The Make Way programme, a consortium of 14 organizations, with funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is working to dismantle these barriers by applying an intersectional approach to policy advocacy and implementation.
"We advocate for better sexual protection, health, and rights for everyone. There are challenges when vulnerable individuals try to access SRHR services, and we aim to remove those obstacles." said Aliane Dusenge, Country Coordinator of the Make Way consortium.
People with disabilities, those living in extreme poverty, and individuals in remote areas often struggle to obtain vital health information and services. Make Way seeks to address these disparities through the development and dissemination of intersectional tools that analyze policies and identify gaps in inclusivity.
At a recent event, stakeholders gathered to explore the impact of these tools. "The event was about disseminating the tools we use in the programme. These tools help us analyze policies to determine whether they include everyone, particularly marginalized communities. We then provide recommendations for making these policies more inclusive," Dusenge explained.
One such tool is the Intersectional-Based Policy Analysis (IBPA), which examines policies to identify gaps that may exclude vulnerable populations. Another is the Meaningful Youth Engagement tool, which ensures young people are not just participants in discussions but active contributors to decisions that affect them.
The Budget Analysis tool assesses financial allocations within the health sector to determine whether adequate resources are directed toward reproductive health services.
"These tools enable us to critically analyze how some populations are left behind. More importantly, they help us propose solutions and recommendations," Dusenge noted.
The programme's work extends beyond policy analysis to advocacy and capacity building. The tools are designed to be adopted by other organizations, ensuring broader reach and impact. "We want other organizations to borrow a leaf from our work and implement inclusive approaches in their advocacy," she added.
Franklin Murangira, Chief of Party at Volunteering Services Overseas (VSO), emphasized the importance of intersectionality in addressing the needs of different vulnerable groups.
"The people we work with have multiple vulnerabilities, for example, someone might have a disability and also be a teenage mother. These tools help us assess whether policies are designed to accommodate such intersecting identities," he explained.
Revealed that VSO's mission aligns with Make Way's objectives, ensuring that no one is left behind. "We must ensure that all voices are heard and that policies reflect the real needs of diverse populations," Murangira stated.
Dr. Beth Mukarwego, Chairperson of the National Union of Disability Organizations in Rwanda (NUDOR), highlighted the importance of societal attitude shifts.
"People with disabilities often face exclusion, even in religious spaces and healthcare facilities. The tools developed by Make Way help communities recognize these challenges and advocate for change," she said.
The tools are now being introduced at the community level, where trained individuals will champion their use. "Some people are already trained, and they can advocate for the broader adoption of these tools. The goal is to ensure that policies and practices evolve to be more inclusive, Mukarwego explained.
By addressing overlapping vulnerabilities, Make Way is pioneering a holistic approach to SRHR advocacy. Their intersectional tools not only highlight systemic inequalities but also provide actionable solutions, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, can exercise their sexual and reproductive rights without barriers.
With growing awareness and adoption of these tools, the hope is that policymakers, organizations, and communities will work together to create a more equitable and just society.
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